We get asked pretty frequently about where we find inspiration. The short answer: everywhere. Other blogs, design mags, real life, family and friends, clothing, nature, even reality TV. Yup, I’ll admit it. Who takes pictures of the TV for inspiration slash fun? This girl (points to self with thumbs). And then they get uploaded with all of our other photos and John dumps them into an iPhoto folder that’s aptly named “TV pics.” And every once in a while I come across them and click through and say “oh yeah that was Law & Order, I loved that ceiling” or “that headboard makes me all clammy, in a good way” or “poor actors slash reality stars – I wonder if they hate the fact that they can be paused in such unfortunate and unflattering ways?” (Oprah used to give me the most hilarious faces when I paused her – miss you O!). So here are a few photos of the tube that were sitting in my folder (you know I’m an over-sharer).
The Modern Family house (someday we’d love to use their landscaping as inspiration for our own home):
Here’s another Modern Family shot from the Clive Bixby episode (where they meet at a hotel lobby – best ever). I snapped a photo because I thought the shape of the headboard could be fun for one of those DIYed from plywood and foam ones. Maybe for a kids room someday (in brighter colors/fabric).
This shot from Law & Order LA was taken back when we were still house hunting. And I snapped it (get ready to snort-laugh) because I was hoping to find a house with arches and tall ceilings like this. Yeah, that didn’t happen, but I still love our house (and this photo too, just for the how-deluded-was-I memories). And heck, we did end up with exposed beams (white in the kitchen, and darker in the living room). They even run in the same directions as this photo. So maybe we did buy this house… kind of.
Here we have a shot from America’s Next Top Model (and an example of unfortunate pause-faces). Guess what I was enamored with… yup it’s another headboard lust moment. Isn’t that brown and white fabric awesome?
Here’s a shot from a movie we Netflixed (The Kids Are All Right), which we watched right after moving. We loved the deep-ish blue on the walls and wondered if that was a good color for the guest room (and actually ended up going even deeper).
Here’s another shot from The Kids Are All Right. John and I both fell in love with the large stone paver walkway that sort of curved out from the house in a triangle-ish shape. Maybe someday when we transplant about five hundred bushes we can attempt this clean and open look…
Ah, here we have one of my favorite shows: Flipping Out. I really liked the dark wood doors with the giant pane of frosted glass. So many homes have those ornate oval-glassed double doors, and I loved the clean-lines and chunky frame of these – they just felt so different.
Here’s another Flipping Out picture, and I can’t remember if I loved the tangerine gourd lamps (which could be accomplished with a can o’ spray paint and a Goodwill score) or the cool wavy mirror in the back that looks kind of like faux oyster shells. Probably both.
Last Flipping Out shot. This time I loved the glass pendants and the dark cabinets with the white counters. Of course we don’t have white granite/marble/silestone in our kitchen so it’s nothing we’ll do (we want to work with the mid-toned granite that we have, and don’t want to create a sea of brown) but it was a nice look, so I worked my picture-taking finger to capture Jeff’s design. Who knows, maybe someday we’ll get to stain someone else’s cabinets to mimic the look.
Here we have a shot from The Celebrity Apprentice (did anyone else think that show got boring after crazy Nene left?). Can you tell what I was obsessed with? Yup, the floors. They actually inspired us when it came to building the console table. So yeah, we owe it all to the Celebrity Apprentice.
Here’s a shot from The Big C (does anyone else watch it- it’s so good, we got a free trial of Showtime and got hooked and watched the whole thing in record time). I really liked the board and batten on the wall behind her and still dream of DIYing something similar in our hallway (as recently mentioned here). So I thought you’d like a visual. Preferably with Laura Linney in it.
This shot is from Secrets From A Stylist, snapped because we still have plans to thrift or build a larger, chunkier media cabinet to balance out the giant wood console table that we built on the other side of the room. And we really liked the white frame with the wood fronted doors of this thing:
Oh and occasionally we just see something we don’t think we’re supposed to and it blows our mind. Like this rare angle that John noticed (he’s such a notice-er) on Bachelor Pad a few weeks back. Look how many lights are on the ceiling in that room behind Jake. Isn’t that crazy? The place looks so homey on TV but it must feel like such a set in real life (and probably gets pretty hot).
Who else takes TV pics? I can’t be the only person who does this, right? Or do you try to find screen grabs on the computer instead? Some of my shots are admittedly quite wonky due to TV glare. I know I could mess around with the camera a bit to cut down on that stuff, but I mainly just use them as memory joggers, so it’s ok if they have a weird blue tint or there’s a person or two oddly frozen in the room. Maybe you guys all just watch TV and relax like a normal person? Probably that, huh?
Oh and did anyone else go Missoni crazy at Target? Sorry we’re late to that bandwagon/update. We actually didn’t make it there until Wednesday evening (the collection dropped on Tuesday morning) and of course it was hugely picked over/sold out by then, but I did spot these sweet rain boots (in an extra small) for Clara and couldn’t resist. She already tries to wear them (they’re a bit too big). Very cute.
I also grabbed this pretty geometric vase for the back of the living room console:
It’ll probably migrate around the house over time, but for now I’m loving the bold pattern and the metallic finish that references the chunky silver lamps nearby. Bah-dah-bling.
I also made off with these headbands for myself. They seem like a nice compromise for a ponytail obsessed gal like me. Now I can wear my hair down but still keep it out of my face. Oh who am I kidding, I’ll probably wear them with a ponytail. Update: already did here.
What did you guys buy? Was everything already gone? Was there someone in line buying 2K worth of Missoni stuff in front of you? Word on the street is that happened like crazy on Tuesday and Target’s website even crashed and folks are selling everything for $200 on ebay. Peeps be crazy for Missoni.
Karen @ Aurelia Interiors says
I believe the ikat fabrico on the headboard in the America’s Next Top Model shot is from Dedar ($$$). I have loved that fabric for a long long long time!
Elizabeth says
Like you I went after it had been picked over, but I got a cute serving tray and two of the blue green patterned media bins. I saw that same vase still in my store, but that particular one had a flaw so I passed. My store also had a lot of the framed tiles and I was momentarily tempted, but it seemed like something that could be accomplished cheaper later, so I passed on those as well.
And I take photos of the TV all the time! LOL! God bless the DVR and its ability to pause and back things up.
Here’s one I took during the women’s world cup games…not decor related, but related to my other passion…the GATORS! (Two of the players, Abby Wambach and Heather Mitts, played soccer at UF.)
http://alturl.com/p8x77
CHOMP CHOMP!
Jessica @ Quirky Bookworm says
I’ve never thought of taking a pic of the tv, nice!
And I was going to say the bachelor guy looked a lot like John, but see somebody beat me to it. :)
Jordan says
I am totally in love with The Big C. I feel like not a lot of people watch it and they REALLY need to! It’s such a fantastic show and I’m always laughing over it. I’ve always loved Laura Linney and she’s perfect for that role. I really wish Marleen was still there. She’s such a hoot. Cynthia Nixon brings so much to the show too. I loved her on Sex and the City and I love her even more now that she’s on The Big C. Oh and I wish Dr. Todd Mauer was still on there. It was very nice to look at :P
Adriane Wacker says
I get ideas from everywhere too…I was in target on Wednesday and most everything was gone! I guess it was in stores a day earlier than online…
I am trying to paint some metal keys I found, and I used you guys as inspiration in my blog.
http://www.fortheloveofpainting.com/2011/09/painted-keys/
YoungHouseLove says
Cute! We also have framed keys from all of our old residences waaay back in our archives. I did that in hopes of making John cry from the sweetness. Haha. No years. That man is cold as ice. Haha. But we love the sentiment!
xo,
s
Sarah says
I still don’t really know what’s with the whole Missoni thing. Was there a commercial or news story about it somewhere? I need to watch more tv apparently… going to check out the Target web page right now to educate myself- ha!
Shaina says
I bought the “big girl” version of Clara’s boots for myself. Picked them up Thursday night at my Target outside of Detroit. The cashier had all sorts of stories about the Missoni craziness. This location was one of the few with anything left in the country still on Thursday so they were taking phone calls left and right.
I didn’t come to Target looking for anything Missoni, but like you saw the rain boots and couldn’t resist.
Bethany Peterson says
I did get a pair of flats in-store (as did 3 of my coworkers, ha!), but was pretty bummed I couldn’t get the site to work long enough to order the sweater vest I wanted. And it’s sold out now, of course. The hubs is trying to convince me to sell the flats on ebay for a profit, but I just think that’s yucky. The whole idea of the Target line is to make it affordable!
Jill says
I’m so distraught that Missoni is sold out everywhere that I haven’t even tried to go to Target here. I was late to the game too and didn’t realize what awesome stuff they were going to have! I read the articles and looked up the items on ebay… I really wanted some of my own zigzag rain boots and the zigzag duvet!! Oh wells. I might check this weekend.
Sayre says
About your Bachelor Pad shot… I work at a TV station and I can tell you that it DOES get hot in a studio. Each area is lit with three lights miniumum (Key, fill and backlight). That’s why the AC is always cranked up full blast and you can hang meat in a studio when there’s no production going on. The second you turn on those lights the whole place heats up. That’s also why powder is always on standby to take care of the shine that can pop up on a person if they’re on the set for too long!
Love your blog!
YoungHouseLove says
Love the behind the scenes scoop! Now I’m picturing Jake getting his nose powdered.
xo,
s
Shauna says
I love the houses from Parenthood. Check out the sets: http://www.casasugar.com/Interior-Decor-Photos-From-NBC-Show-Parenthood-12580096
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!
xo,
s
Jill says
P.S. I didn’t know you watched Bachelor Pad!!!I tried watching it but just had to stop. It was too much for me. I went to high school with Graham and swooooooooooooooon did I ever have a crush on him. Like WHOA. Major bad. But then I saw him all mackin out on Michelle Money from Brad’s season and I just couldn’t hang. She drives me up the wall. Anyways, I heard he came in 2nd with her? Awww sigghhh. Even though my tastes in men have changed, there’s nothing like seeing your high school crush all over tv and social media.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s so funny! What a small world!
xo,
s
Emily says
I’m so excited by your TV pic of the kitchen with dark wood cabinets/white counters. It’s a long story, but I have to have wood-toned cabinets even though I prefer white, and I have been having a hard time finding inspiration. Most of the wood-toned kitchens I find seem dated. So, I’m going to pin that pic. Yay!
Lauren Moyer says
I must admit I was at Super Target an hour after it opened on Tuesday and was shocked at how picked over everything was! They said that there was a crowd waiting for the doors to open that morning!
I did manage to get a pair of the rain boots for myself though! I can’t wait to wear them, as I have been looking for the perfect pair for way too long!
Clara is going to look adorable sporting hers!
Lindsay says
You have excellent taste in entertainment! ;) love all those shows. The houses and rooms in The Kids Are Alright were soooo beautiful. I want their front door especially. Thanks for sharing – great post!
Erica says
I LOVE all of these! They are a great idea and I always think that when I am watching shows too! :) Thanks for sharing!
P.S Can you spread the word about our adoption process at my blog hatchlife.blogspot.com :)
YoungHouseLove says
Feel free to post a heads-up about it on our Facebook page to spread the word! Best of luck with everything!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
I do the same thing – take pictures of TV. In fact I’ve bought ever Nancy Meyers movie there is (even the Parent Trap remake) because I always love her interiors. I’ll watch and pause them over and over again to look at some lamp in the background etc. My husband thinks I’m nuts.
Wendy says
Love your taste in TV. We’re huge fans of The Big C, and couldn’t agree more that the Clive Bixby episode was an all-time best! Phil just cracks me up. Can’t wait for the new season to start.
Wom-mom Ethne says
Missoni: got a shirt for myself that is supposed to be a nightshirt but I am going to DIY it into a ‘going out’ shirt. Got some socks (exciting) and a scarf. Who thinks it’s a bit of a publicity stunt: me. Who went out and bought the stuff immediately: me. Ah well. As for tv pics, yep, I do it too and my kiddos do it all the time.
Beverley says
I sometimes take pictures of TV shows too :) Right now my obsession is finding out where I can get the curtains that are featured in the girls’ bedroom on Modern family – love them!
ashley says
ha – good catch with the lights on Bachelor Pad! A big oops on their part! We love noticing when it’s obvious their was a retake because of an accessory that’s different or their hair or they did something twice in the scene.
Saz says
I hear the Missioni stuff went like gang busters. (Gangbusters? Gang-busters?) And is being resold on ebay for crazy prices. I haven’t checked this. I’m just spreading the rumor. ;D
Also, I bloody love Chip Kidd.
Saz says
Oh no! I just read the comments and am so sad for the girl and the bike jerk. That’s awful. Karma will get him.
Paige @ Final Clothes-Out says
Totally missed the boat on Missoni (Missedoni?). I knew it was coming out but didn’t think people would be quite so obsessed, so I went to Target like normal on my way home from work. It was NOON and stuff was already sooo picked over. I was there again the next day for groceries, and they had a sign out saying there won’t be any replenishment. Waaaah!
Alyssa says
Ok, so…… I feel really stupid….. What is this Missoni thing you guys are talking about?
YoungHouseLove says
Target did a Missoni collection (theyre fancy designers) and folks darn near went crazy. Haha.
xo,
s
Emily says
I know who Missoni is (thank you ANTM), but I don’t understand the rush. If Target is going to be carrying the brand, then it’s not like it’s going anywhere right? Unless this is a one-time thing, which would still make no sense.
I can’t believe Americans are buying wellies (Wellington boots, aka rain boots). I wore them as a kid in England, lol!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, oddly enough it’s a one time thing (collections by “spotlight” designers come in and out all the time) and most of the items are allegedly sold out permanently. So sad for folks who wanted something and the ebay people swept in and cleared the store out.
xo,
s
Donita says
I am so glad you posted this Alyssa. I kept thinking through the post WHAT is MISSONI. LOL You are not the only one. I am probably going to be so upset that I didn’t know about Missoni. Those boots are so cute.
Bethany says
I had to laugh about this post and that the Modern Family house was the first picture on it! My husband and I gutted out 1920’s house in the heart of Nashville this past year and we had the HARDEST time picking a paint color for the entryhall and stairwell. The sad part is, I knew I wanted blue. I just couldn’t find the right blue. WE were watching Modern Family one night and I realized the Claire’s entry hall and stairwell were EXACTLY the blue I was going for. So I saved the show to our DVR, did a Lowe’s/HomeDepot/SherwinWilliams run to collect a million blue paint chips, and then pulled up a shot of Claire’s hallway, paused it, and held up the million paint chips until I found the one that was the closest. We LOVE our blue walls!
YoungHouseLove says
So fun!! I love it.
xo,
s
Liz says
Love this! My favourite movie inspiration is from “It’s Complicated” – gorgeous house!
Andrea S says
There is an amazing website that shows owners houses that are used for tv, films and stylists. I go on over to that for some drooling (its called 1st option BTW). I also have a serious blog addiction!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the recommendation. Never checked that one out!
xo,
s
Petra says
cool! what is the website address?
Bet says
I don’t snap photos, but I often notice walls with texture that I really like and since my husband used to be a professional painter I ask him, “Can you do that on one of our walls?”
I LOVE “The Big C”! Can’t help but try to imagine how I would react in the same circumstances. I love the episode in which she buys the red convertible…
Tracy says
I totally take pictures of shows on TV! I went crazy with TV-photo-taking during the royal wedding. I could basically replay the whole thing for my fiance, who slept through the event. LOL!
I also bought a Missoni shell top on the website yesterday. It’s cute! I’m glad I got something – it’s so disappointing that most of the stuff is gone.
Beth says
Have you checked out hookedonhouses.net? She has a whole section on TV/movie houses and most of them are amazing – sometimes she even gets the floor plan of the set or photos of the house as it actually is (often different than it is on screen…I wish a TV camera would make my house look like that!).
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, I love that blog!
xo,
s
Lindsay says
So, I saw this comment and went to that site for the first time ever and started looking at this post about some of the places in Gilmore Girls. Go here: http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/05/16/gilmore-girls-dragonfly-inn-and-scenes-from-stars-hollow/ and scroll down a bit and check out the shots from the Dragonfly Inn dining room. You’ll see chairs that look like your office chairs… painted in apple green!
YoungHouseLove says
So much fun!!!
xo,
s
Angela says
I’m always pausing the TV to take pictures…but it’s usually of cute haircuts that I think I’d like to try!
Jenny @ DIYNewlyweds says
Taking photos of the tv is a good idea, I usually try to Google the show later but can’t always find it. My very favorite house on TV is the Cougar Town house, I love their beachy look! http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/02/cougar-town-house-photos.html
YoungHouseLove says
YESSSS! That house is all over my folder- should have picked one or two pics to represent. Haha. I love their open kitchen living room.
xo,
s
Kylie says
All I really wanted was the flats and maybe the purple zigzag pillow, and I was able to get them both (plus a pretty blue sweater). But it was quite picked over by Tuesday afternoon, even here in Iowa!
Nicole Y. says
Did the chevron pattern get popular b/c of Missoni?? I can’t believe people went CRAZY for that stuff.
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, not sure if Missoni can take all the credit for the chevron craze, but maybe the fact that the Missoni line at Target came out during the chevron trend helped?
xo,
s
Laura says
I’m so glad I’m not the only one getting decorating ideas from TV! I ADORE the Modern Family house (Claire and Phil’s) and I steal a lot of their decorating ideas. Too bad a lot of the stuff on their set is really expensive…… boo! Just have to figure out how to DIY it.
Rachel H. says
I think the Missoni collection is hideous (with the exception of the boots for Clara). Even if I did like the collection, I still wouldn’t buy any of it because everyone and their mother has it, and I’m not one to “jump on the bandwagon” and buy “trendy” things.
Lindaroo says
Hey, my front doors have those oval glass insets, very dated in yellowed pine doors that are overdue for a paint job. I’ve been fired up to do it ever since your front door makeover, but how to choose a color that will go with the tan paint/brick trim/light green shutters on the house?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, anything that goes with light green should work since black and tan are such neutrals. Maybe a plum color to complement the green? Or a teal or navy or emerald green?
xo,
s
amymargaretc says
Hilarious! I totally noticed all the lights and tracks going on in the bachelor pad… so entertaining. I constantly think about how they eat on that show too… catered? Vienna cooks for everyone? Kasey justs squeezes his forearm tattoo and pizzas appear? LOL.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. Well they did have that funny scene of Vienna using the back of a knife to crush something she was cooking while badmouthing Jake.
xo,
s
amymargaretc says
haha very true… I hope you guys watch “The Soup”. It can be a pretty nice compliment to reality tv watching. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Best show ever. We don’t miss a week. Donka doo balls.
xo,
s
Julie Ball says
Sherry,
As a Commercial Property & Casualty Insurance Agent; I’m pretty sure your deductible might not be the only thing that would make this a problem. But, I do not do Homeowners/Personal. I would think you would need spoilage coverage -may not be included unless requested. But I’m super curious, so if you ever look into this; let us know if spoilage is a ‘covered peril’ on your HO policy. Pretty please? ;)
Julie
MrScenicDesign says
A confession from a set designer for TV and live theatre:
We (or, rather, I) read home blogs and borrow ideas ALL THE TIME – and put them into sets. So it works in reverse, too.
I missed the Missoni boat at Target, but there’s frankly too much chevron in my life already. Congrats to all those who scored cool stuff, though.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so interesting! I love hearing that, because I sometimes wonder if TV set designers ever care about blogs at all. Haha.
xo,
s
christa says
Another one mourning not getting into Target sooner than Wednesday night. Had to settle for socks, a set of hand towels, an outfit for my niece and some hair clips. But oh the missed opportunity with the ballet flats and scarves and bags! SOB
Donita says
How do you guys have time to watch ANY TV? You get so much done at home, I do not see how you have any time for chilling in front of the tube. LOL
That is the GREATEST IDEA ever, taking pics of the TV. My daughter will love this idea. We are always seeing something we love on TV, the OWL on BIG BROTHER. We love that guy. What a great tip. Thanks!!!
I had NEVER heard of MISSONI until today, where have I been? :-P
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we like to watch TV late at night (last night we were up til 1:30 doing posts and editing photos and the TV was on the whole time). Thank goodness for DVR, because nothing good is on in the middle of the night!
xo,
s
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
I am glad to see I am not the only one taking pics of the TV! lol…too funny.
Thanks for sharing all the places you find inspiration!
Michelle says
I have been known to take pictures of outfits from Polvore. I probably have about 20-30 on my phone. I always try to find similar pieces because a lot of the items linked on Polyvore are out of my price range.
Tina says
I had to do a double take of the headboard fabric from the shot from America’s Next Top Model. I couldn’t live with it, it looks too much like a spine/ribs/pelvic area of a skeleton. Maybe I’ve taught Anatomy too much! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- hilarious! It’s like a rorschach test. It’s funny what we see in abstract patterns!
xo,
s
Jessica says
Sherry – this feels really random to ask, but I guess it’s not since you mentioned headbands in the post… :) But I’m like you, I always wear my hair in a ponytail or bun because I hate having it on my face (and neck and shoulders). But I think it looks so boring on me, so I’ve been trying to think of ways to create more interest in the hairstyle. I think you wear a ponytail so well, you always look great with it! So I’ve been thinking about headbands since I saw that pic on the Doggy Dentist post, but I remember wearing them as a kid and hating how they hurt at the ends behind my ears! (Maybe I have a big head? Haha.) So I was wondering, have you found some that are comfortable and stay put? I have several fabric ones, but they always slide back, and then I need to bobby-pin them in place, which doesn’t always look great, but I haven’t tried hard headbands since I was a kid. Any tips are have are greatly appreciated. :)
Also, I haven’t taken pictures of the TV since I was a little kid. Pretty sure I took pictures of a New Kids on the Block video… My mom was a saint for paying to develop all kinds of random pictures like that! :)
YoungHouseLove says
So far I’m liking the headband thing! Who knows how long it’ll be my thing though. Haha. I only own the Missoni ones so it’s new for me. So far no headaches or anything (I just wear it out and around town, not from 9-9 or anything). Maybe just wearing it during work hours will help (instead of from morning til bed?). Oh and also I do braids sometimes. Side ones, loose ones, tighter french ones, etc. Especially when my hair was longer, so that’s another not-in-my-face variation. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
elorrie says
I too wear the hair up all the time. I try to spice it up by doing twists, braids, etc. Anyway I just found the greatest headband at Target the other week. Its made by Goodie and the ends are flexible so no headaches. It also has little plastic teeth so it doesn’t slide around as much.
I found it online as well:
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=218753541&sellerid=30485430
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! I’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Jessica says
Thanks Sherry & Elorrie! I hadn’t really thought about braids, I’ll have to start practicing at night before I attempt it in the morning before work. :)
Lauren says
I totally love that you guys watch an embarrassing about of TV like I do. I recently had to cancel the premium channels (got too expensive living on my own) and just DON’T KNOW how I’m going to cope without Dexter this season. I’m crossing my fingers that no one slips any spoilers.
YoungHouseLove says
Me too! We only get to watch that on Netflix! We’re too cheap for Showtime! Haha. Nobody tell us anything!!
xo,
s
Lauren says
Oh good! I was nervous I was gonna feel left out. :)
Heather W says
Went to Target on Wednesday and could not believe all that had been sold. I wanted a purse but did get a shower curtain for kids bathroom and a shirt for me. I went back to get another lamp shade that was on clearance and anything that was left was gone and I ran across a pillow someone must have returned so I snagged it. I was also interested in the chevron style pics they had but didn’t like as much in person and thought might be cool to make with zig-zag scissors and use all my left over paint chips! I saw one of the Ebay shoppers in my store too. She was actually telling people she was buying the stuff to sell. I think it is just so rude! I hope they don’t sell and they have to return stuff and then we all will have a chance. whoa sorry so long. I am spent.=) enuff said.
Serina says
I don’t think you’re deluded, you might just actually end up with more of that Law and Order look after you guys cut open the dining room wall. Also, oversized rainboots on children is the cutest!!!! Love everything I’ve been reading lately, you guys are awesome:)