When we've downed tools at the end of a long and satisfying day, there's nothing we like more than picking up where we left off with one of our favourite TV shows. After all, who can resist getting drawn into a good who done it, or will they won't they? And let's face it, when it comes to TV to make you laugh, swoon and cry there's been some great ones over the years.
But while the plot lines can keep us on tenterhooks, we can't help but occasionally find our attention wandering from the on-screen narrative to the background set design. What can we say? Interiors are in our blood. So, it's basically impossible for us to switch off from our number 1 passion even when we're supposed to be relaxing.
So, if like us you adore a dreamily designed interior, here's 5 TV shows, past and present that we think make for must-see viewing.
Downton Abbey in Downton Abbey
If it's palatial style you aspire to then nothing is more grand or opulent than the Grantham's Downton Abbey home. With all the trappings you'd expect of British aristocracy in the early 1900's, Downton's interiors are brimming with iconic Baroque design details. From its oversized fireplaces and antique paintings to the intricate wooden engravings around every corner, Downton is the epitome of excess and affluence.
Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment in Sex & The City
The ultimate heroine of successful single women the world over, Carrie Bradshaw's Manhattan home in Sex & The City is one every female viewer unashamedly dreams of. Despite its compact size, the walk-in closet alone more than made up for its floor space shortcomings. Although the apartment underwent a facelift for the two films released after the final TV episodes aired, the interior design of this brownstone walk-up, pre and post makeover, never disappointed.
Central Perk in Friends
The location of many a meeting between the shows six central characters, Central Perk is the coffee shop we wish we had in our lives. Intimately cosy, despite its vast size and defined by comfy soft furnishings from contrasting time periods. Clashing patterns, distressed wood and pop art style prints somehow all manage to hang together beautifully in this unique and welcoming space. We can appreciate why when it came to getting coffee Central Perk was always Friends' first choice.
Chotipool in Indian Summers
The residence of Ralph Whelan, in this period drama set in the time of British rule in India, Chotipool is nothing short of a fairy tale home. Mansion-like in its proportions, and set in acres of lush green gardens, this stunning abode is beautifully decorated in a colonial style typical of the time (for those who could afford it of course). In fact, there's not a location in Indian Summers that doesn't set our interiors pulses racing. From the Royal Simla Club to the Viceroy's Lodge. We can't wait for series 3 to return to our screens this year so we can get our next fix.
The Candidate's House in The Apprentice
There are so many things we adore about The Apprentice. From Lord Sugar's genius quick quips and Claude's merciless comments, to the cringe-inducing moments of Britain's supposedly best business men and women. But with each new series there's one thing we're holding our breath for - the first look at The Candidate's house. While the eventual winner of Lord Sugar's investment is always hard to call, one thing is for certain, the tech entrepreneur certainty doesn't skimp when it comes to giving his next business partner a nice pad to call home.
We're sure by the end of 2017 we'll be able to double this list with even more gorgeous fictional interiors to drool over and we personally can't wait to see what visual delights the TV bigwigs bring. When it comes to checking out a beautifully turned out home, hotel, or other destination, that's something we never tire of. So if you have a recommendation for a top spot in the UK where we can satisfy our unquenchable interiors thirst don't hesitate to let us know.
Kind regards,
The Willow & Hall team