#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