tonkin’s top 5 + tv living rooms

Dynasty

Looking back at that set, I thought it was so glamorous. Now, not so much—a bit over the top, but oh-so-’80s. Loved how the furniture was broad at the top like the shoulder pads in those suits of Krystle’s.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

There is an episode where Mr. Grant agrees to have Rhoda decorate his apartment. He comes home to a modern white space, complete with shag rug, Saarinen coffee table and arc lamp. It was meant to be funny, but I thought what the set decorator created was fantastic. That was the very first time I said, "Wow, I want to do that."

Angels in America

The sets were incredibly layered, detailed, and beautiful. My friend and coworker, George DeTitta, won a well-deserved Emmy for best set decoration on this.

Sex and the City

Before I was on the team, I was a fan of the show, and then I got to collaborate and create this incredible space for Charlotte’s apartment. I think [it is] one of the most beautiful interiors I have seen on television. We were nominated for a few Emmys, but never won.

The L Word

Bette and Tina’s home, season six, complete with Kiki Smith artwork, was a fabulous set.