#What We Watching Wednesdays: Where Interior Design Meets Drama

Growing up, watching and discussing TV series was more than entertainment; it was a cherished ritual. In our family, these conversations blended seamlessly with discussions about local events, family happenings, and national news. Grandma Inez would recap episodes with her sisters during the day, while Grandma Eva would call in the evenings, once her daily chores were done, to give her take. This tradition has carried into my adulthood, with my sister and I exchanging voice notes as we watch our favorite shows in real time and me cousin and I texting to see if we finished watching our favorite shows.

This passion inspired me to create What We Watching Wednesdays (#WWWW), where I merge storytelling with interior design. Each week, I draw inspiration from the sets and aesthetics of the shows I’m watching, crafting mood boards and recreating key interiors to bring the drama to life in a whole new way.

Bringing TV to Life Through Design

The Family Business: New Orleans

The first series featured was The Family Business: New Orleans, which follows the Duncan family, owners of the Midnight Blues nightclub. As they navigate a heated turf war with rival crime boss Jean LeBlanc, tensions rise, leading to a dangerous power struggle. The drama and dark allure of this series inspired me to create a mood board reflecting the ambiance of the Blues Casino—rich hues, moody lighting, and sultry elegance.

Beyond The Gates

Next up was Beyond The Gates, centered around the powerful and prestigious Dupree family, a wealthy Black family residing in an elite, gated Maryland community. With secrets, scandals, and drama at every turn, this show had me captivated. To reflect the luxury and opulence of the Dupree household, I designed a mood board inspired by the Matriarch and Patriarch’s sophisticated yet deeply personal living spaces.

Paradise

In Paradise, we follow Secret Service agent Xavier Collins as he investigates the murder of former President Cal Bradford. What seems like an idyllic suburban setting turns out to be an underground bunker designed for survival post-doomsday. The contrast between the facade of normalcy and the unsettling reality of their world intrigued me. I took on the challenge of recreating the living room and kitchen from Xavier Collins’ family home, immersing myself in the series’ aesthetic. And I’m thrilled to hear that Paradise has been renewed for Season 2!

The Residence

This week’s feature is The Residence, a Hulu political thriller from Shondaland. This gripping series follows Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (yes, another Xavier!) as he investigates a murder at the White House, uncovering layers of mystery within its historic walls. For this installment of #WWWW, I’m bringing the drama into my designs by recreating the White House’s iconic Green and Red Rooms. These spaces, known for their rich history and elegant decor, offer the perfect canvas for a fusion of classic design and modern intrigue.

Join the Conversation!

What We Watching Wednesdays is more than just a series—it’s a way to connect, reminisce, and find inspiration in the world of television. Have a favorite show with stunning interiors? Let me know! Follow along as I bring TV’s most captivating settings into reality, one design at a time.

Stay tuned for next week’s feature, and in the meantime, let’s talk TV and decor!

#WWWW #InteriorDesignMeetsTV #SetDesignInspo

The Story Behind Empty Table Interiors: Reclaiming History, Restoring Memories, Redefining Home

At Empty Table Interiors, we believe that every home should tell a story—a story of heritage, resilience, and the beauty found in cherished memories. Every antique and vintage piece we source carries history, a sense of nostalgia, and a deep connection to the past.

Our homes are more than just spaces—they are living reflections of the people who came before us. The textures, colors, and heirloom treasures they left behind tell tales of perseverance, love, and resourcefulness. Empty Table Interiors was created to honor that legacy, bringing timeless décor into modern homes in a way that preserves history while creating new memories.

How It All Started

The name Empty Table Interiors comes from the phrase “don’t leave anything on the table”—a reminder to seize every opportunity and honor the past by embracing all it has to offer.

For me, this business is deeply personal. My love for antiques, vintage treasures, and forgotten stories stems from the women who raised me—my grandmothers. Each had a unique sense of style and a way of making a house feel like home, filled with warmth, resourcefulness, and a connection to generations past.

Grandma Lo – The Definition of Elegance

Raised in Detroit, Grandma Lo embodies luxury and refinement. She is always dressed to impress, draped in the finest trends, whether it’s Ferragamo shoes or a long fur coat. Her home was no different—she lived in a grand Mid-Century Modern mansion on the west side of the city.

Her monochromatic pink Louis XV-inspired formal living room was a masterpiece—every piece of antique furniture carefully placed, an oversized portrait of her hanging over the fireplace. To my childhood eyes, it was the work of an interior designer. But when I asked her about it years later, she laughed and said, “Girl, no! That was just a hodgepodge of old furniture I got from relatives that I had reupholstered.”

That moment stuck with me. It showed me that elegance isn’t about price tags—it’s about vision, creativity, and honoring what’s been passed down.

Evie Mae – The Keeper of Stories

Evie Mae’s home was the heart of our family. Born in rural West Virginia, later settling in Virginia, she was a woman of many talents—especially in the kitchen. Her home was built by my grandfather, decorated in classic Americana style, and filled with artifacts that carried the stories of our lineage.

She had an incredible memory and could recall every detail of the keepsakes in her home—who gifted them, where they came from, and why they mattered. Our best childhood artwork adorned her wood-paneled walls, alongside souvenirs, photos, and plaques that spoke of lives lived, wars fought, and love stories cherished.

She also had a signature style: a housecoat for daily chores but dressed to the nines—complete with a scarf, brooch, and clip-on earrings—whenever she stepped out.

Her home was where I learned that objects hold meaning, and the pieces we surround ourselves with should reflect our history, our memories, and the people we hold dear.

Inez – The Quiet Strength of Home

Inez, another of my grandmothers, lived in a small coal-mining town in West Virginia. She owned three homes inherited from my grandfather, and although my memories of her have faded over time, certain moments are etched in my heart forever.

Mornings in her home were warmed by the heat of a coal stove, the air thick with the smell of fried chicken, homemade gravy, and fresh rolls for Sunday breakfast. On my birthday, she would always make a rich, decadent red velvet cake, ensuring I felt special every year.

She had a daily ritual—watching her beloved soap operas, which she called the stories. Afterward, she would head to her sister Anna’s house, where Helen and Cresia would gather for their daily recap of every twist and turn, while we children ran freely, playing with our cousins and creating our own stories.

Her home, surrounded by black coal-dusted roads, was always pristine—a testament to her resilience and pride in maintaining a warm, inviting space. Inez was a quiet force, a woman who valued ownership, tradition, and the strength of family.

Why Empty Table Interiors?

For many of us, our family histories are incomplete—some stories were left untold, while others were lost with time. Through Empty Table Interiors, I aim to help people reconnect with those stories by bringing heirloom-quality décor into their homes.

✨ We don’t just sell vintage and antique pieces—we help you rediscover history, one treasure at a time.

Our ideal customers are individuals who cherish the past, appreciate craftsmanship, and see beauty in the objects that tell a story. Whether you’re:

✔ Furnishing your home with meaningful pieces that remind you of loved ones.
✔ Searching for a sentimental gift that carries history and emotion.
✔ Looking to add character to your space with timeless, well-crafted décor.
✔ Investing in sustainability by giving new life to vintage treasures.

Empty Table Interiors allows you to reclaim history, restore cherished memories, and redefine your home with intentionality.

Custom Sourcing Trips: Find Your Perfect Treasure

We understand that sometimes, the perfect piece is one that has yet to be discovered. That’s why we’re planning exclusive sourcing trips to some of the best antique fairs, estate sales, and hidden vintage gems across the country.

💡 Looking for something specific? Let us do the hunting for you! Whether it’s a:

🔹 Vintage dining set that reminds you of family gatherings.
🔹 Mid-century modern statement piece.
🔹 Antique trunk that carries the essence of a well-traveled life.
🔹 One-of-a-kind decor that tells a personal story.

You can submit a sourcing request, and we’ll keep an eye out for your perfect find on our upcoming trips. We take pride in curating pieces that align with your style, history, and sentimental connections.

🛍️ Want first dibs on exclusive finds? Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to see what we bring back from our travels.

Reclaim. Restore. Redefine.

The past isn’t just something to remember—it’s something to live with, honor, and pass forward. At Empty Table Interiors, we invite you to build a home that tells your story, one vintage treasure at a time.

💛 Join us on this journey. Explore our collection and bring a piece of history into your home today.

📩 Stay connected! Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive vintage finds, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes sourcing stories.

#EmptyTableInteriors #HomeWithHistory #VintageLover #HeirloomStories #TimelessStyle #SustainableLiving #BlackOwnedBusiness #DreamingMyselfFree