The TV issue

Ever since television entered the home, TV and interior design have been linked. That’s true whether we’re debating where to put televisions in our living rooms or examining the sets of the shows we watch. The houses and apartments we see on TV are instructive, inspirational, aspirational—and sometimes just fun to dissect and discuss.

In Curbed’s first-ever TV issue, we look at the ways TV has influenced the interiors of our homes, from the marketing of a replica I Love Lucy bedroom set in the 1950s to the sale of Dynasty housewares in the 1980s. We also explore the legacy of This Old House and the most memorable teen bedrooms on television. And no venture into design TV would be complete, of course, without a thorough analysis of HGTV, whether we’re loving it, watching a little too much of it, or wishing it better represented the way people actually live.

We’d love to hear from you: What are you watching right now that’s changing the way you think about where you live? Which iconic TV rooms influenced your own decor? We also have a few design show recommendations of our own, and—stay tuned—we’ll be back with more throughout August. —Sara Polsky

CREDITS

Writers: Sarah Archer, Ali Barthwell, Ilana Kaplan, Alexandra Lange, Joanna Scutts

Editor: Sara Polsky

Art Direction: Alyssa Nassner

Illustrations: Sunny Eckerle

Photos: Vivienne Gucwa

Copy Editor: Emma Alpern

Engagement: Jessica Gatdula, Stephanie Griffin, Sharell Jeffrey

Special Thanks: Mariam Aldhahi, Kelsey Keith, Jenny Xie