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Translating Trends: Mad Men-Inspired Decor

The last four seasons of Mad Men have brought us more than addictive plot lines and handsome eye candy. The award-winning show’s set design has inspired our interiors with sexy boudoirs, all-white offices, and cozy kitchens. With the retro look on the rise, we can all take a little design 101 from our favorite characters. So pour yourself a martini, light up that Lucky Strike, and see how you can bring yesteryear’s glamorous designs into your own home. Note: the dashing Don Draper not included.
Mad Men | Simplifyingfabulous.com image courtesy of AMCTV
Velvet tufted headboards decorated Don Draper’s rendezvous, but our favorite was in his former bedroom with his (now ex-) wife Betty. The turquoise color pops and exudes seduction. Urban Outfitters has several colorful versions to choose from, including aubergine, antique gold, and wheat.
Mad Men | Simplifyingfabulous.com image courtesy of AMCTV

Head into the household’s living areas and you’ll find Betty’s Colonial Revival-style kick in. Plaid wallpaper, meticulously placed ceramics, and structured living room furniture, such as this Theatre Armchair by Design Within Reach. To keep this look from dating your home, use plaid in small doses and pair structured furniture with fresh colors.

Mad Men | Simplifyingfabulous.com Midtown Manhattan is home to Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce’s mid-century mod firm. Our favorite space is Roger Sterling’s fresh all-white office. The now-classic Saarinen Tulip table, lounge chair, and structured sofa are merged together with colorful pillows and dizzying oversized works of art to refrain from Sterling’s office looking too stark.
Photo Credit: Michael Yarish/AMC
Inmod’s Valencia Lounge chair is very nearly a duplicate of the one seen above, and would instantly add retro flair to a modern day living room. And because long nights are requisite in the advertising world, good lighting is a must.

Mad Men | Simplifyingfabulous.com

Arco Lamp | Simplifyingfabulous.com

The Arco Lamp from YLiving can give you the same fashion and function as the chrome dome lamp in Sterling’s office. And don’t think we’ve forgotten the most important design element in the room--at least for Sterling and the gang...

Mad Men | Simplifyingfabulous.com

The three-tiered bar cart holds the five foundations for their creativity – whiskey, tequila, gin, rum, and vodka. Recreate the look with a glass rolling cart, such as this one from Kitchen Source. If you really want to step up the Mad Men style, house your libations in glamorous containers, such as these Library Decanters from Pottery Barn

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Let your imagination and creativity run free. Take a chance with color, pattern or texture. Be bold...in your design choices...and life!