One of the most stylish shows of the fall season fell victim to low numbers and a certain special interest group after three episodes this past week.
Sadly, many of you never got to see the incredible sets of NBC's The Playboy Club (replicated to a bunny's ear on location in Chicago) and the sixties modern apartment interiors designed by production designer Scott Murphy, art director Gary Baugh and set decorators Beauchamp Fontaine and Tricia Schneider. I was working with one of the shelter publications on a set design story (which will not come to pass) and happy to share this incredible work with you.
Murphy used to work for architects Frank Gehry and Richard Meier prior to his career as a production designer and it shows -- his work on The Sopranos earned him three Emmy nominations for art direction. The Playboy Club featured two story sets complete with cocktail lounges, dance floor, pool tables, restaurant and of course, the trademark bunny logo. I feel certain this show would have garnered him a fourth nomination.
While the sets certainly have the sixties vibe, many of these interiors work today. If you want to create your own retro interiors, look for the usual suspects -- designs by Eero Saarinen, Knoll and Herman Miller along with Tulip and Eames chairs -- real or knock off. And of course a place to mix the requisite cocktail.
Enjoy the time travel and R.I.P. Playboy Club.
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| Modified sunken living room was the epitome of chic and no room at that time was complete without the requisite bar |
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| Alternate view. Note the oversize table lamp and ceiling fixture that gives a nod to Achille Castiglioni's Arco Lamp |
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| Shades of olive and creme for the walls and low-level tufted modular furniture |
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| Chrome and glass for the dining room with color block venetian dividers |
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| Nothing says sixties like Avocado Green appliances |
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| This kitchen design scheme works for today as well |
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| Love the faux wood screen behind the bed and corner tufted box style upholstered chair |
Photo Credits: NBC, Array, Clarkson Potter
I was really enjoying this show. Some of the acting was a tad weak, but some was excellent too. Amber Heard and Jane Fonda's son Troy Garity were very good and getting better.
ReplyDeleteI was stylish and fun. The prudes and it's competition did it in. It should have bee on cable, maybe someone will pick it up. It seems there were seven episodes already shot.
Sydney
I was hoping cable would pick it up. It's a shame as so much incredible work went into the designing of the sets too. Maybe it should have been on Bravo or a lead in to Mad Men on AMC!
ReplyDeleteSadly, I did not catch this show. Without your blog I would have completely missed these fantastic sets. I have a friend that still has a sunken living room, not quite so edgy, but still a nod to that era. Thanks for this one.
ReplyDeleteMar,
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome and thanks for reading!
I thought the show lacked a real soul. However, the sets were amazing. They will probably air the series overseas and do a DVD release to try to get their money back on it.
ReplyDeleteIt's all in the writing. Course most of the shows I watch for the sets anyway!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the show-and, like "Mad Men" you can't watch it with a contemporary eye, or you'll not be transported back to that era. They quit it too soon; the sets were stellar.
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