I don’t know about you, but when I’m watching a tv show I spend an awful lot of time being distracted by the interior design. Definitely, in part, an occupational hazard. However, I like to think of it as a merging of passions between my love of interiors and great tv. With this in mind, I’ve put together a list of tv shows I’ve really enjoyed that feature fantastic interior design.
Succession
A satirical dark comedy-drama centred around a dysfunctional, ridiculously rich family with a massive media company. Featuring backstabbing, loads of helicopters, a great soundtrack, and fabulous interiors. Here are just a few examples of the many extravagant interiors in the show. A lot of them have a slightly colonial lean to them which I personally don’t enjoy as much but the more contemporary styles like the executive offices and Shiv’s apartment are great examples of luxury interior design.
Anatomy of a Scandal
The limited series follows a woman whose politician husband is accused of rape, the high-profile trial that follows and the connection to a mysterious incident from their past. An important conversation about consent, plenty of drama, and a great cast. This made for a highly bingeworthy show that I finished in 2 days. Sophie and James’ house in the show is beautifully designed with gorgeous Cole & Son wallpapers and luxurious soft furnishings. The whole house oozes wealth and sophistication while still maintaining a sense of realism and fun.
Servant
An intriguing, psychological thriller about a couple in mourning after a tragedy which creates a rift in their marriage and opens the door for a mysterious force to enter their home. This one is bit of a head-scratcher that always seems to leave you with more questions than answers. It also has really well-rounded characters and a beautifully designed Philadelphia brownstone. Honestly, I would move into this house today if I could. There are a lot of bold choices, particularly with wallpapers, but it all feels very homely and realistic.
Big Little Lies
A brilliant take on the apparently-perfect lives of upper-class mothers, schoolyard scandal, and dangerous little lies. A darkly-comedic tale of murder and deception in the tranquil beachfront town of Monterey, California. Throughout the show, you get a good look at all the fabulous homes of this group of women. What I love about them is that the interior design represents their respective characters so well – from sleek contemporary to relaxed, boho-chic.
Hannibal
A psychological horror-thriller about a forensic psychiatrist that is secretly a cannibalistic serial killer and his twisted friendship with an FBI criminal profiler. This one is definitely up there as one of my favourite tv shows of all time. Gorgeous cinematography – quite artsy and stylised, it’s moody, intense, wonderfully acted, production and interior design to die for, I could go on forever. There are many beautiful sets on the show but Hannibal’s house (and his office in particular) was one of the first things I thought of when putting this list together because I’ve been swooning over it since I first watched the show almost 10 years ago. The blue panelling in the dining room? Sensational. The pointed arches, deep red walls, and striped curtains in the office? Exquisite.
Written by Rosie x