Gossip Girl
The decadent set of Gossip Girl is seemingly crafted using only the most glamorous (and expensive) of brands. Au contraire, my dear. Set decorator Christina Tonkin dished to us that she scored tons of accessories to outfit the Upper East Siders’ imaginary apartments at places like Bloomingdales , Crate & Barrel , and the bargain bin at The Conran Shop.
Lilly van der Woodsen apartment image courtesy of Christina Tonkin Tonkin works to create spaces that deeply reflect character’s personalities. In Lilly van der Woodsen ‘s apartment, fashion-forward pop art and pretty landscape paintings fill the walls. “The VDW penthouse decor speaks to Lilly’s class and elegance. Everything is sleek, sexy and sophisticated yet the pops of color in the accessories and art reflect her racy past,” Tonkin explains. Now, thanks to sites like Etsy and 20×200 , unique, personal art is available prices much lower than what the van der Woodsens likely pay.
Lilly van der Woodsen apartment image courtesy of Christina Tonkin Via her many luxe spaces Tonkin shares a decorating tip to creating glam interiors on a budget: Use objects that catch and reflect light, such as shiny metallic fabrics, mirrors, and glass and crystal accessories. Add a light-catching decorative pillow to your couch, such as this foil-printed snakeskin one from West Elm, oversized glass vases and orbs to your tables and shelves, and a retro pop art wall canvas and you’ll have no need for expensive Eames when channeling your inner Gossip Girl.What is Tonkin’s one decorating no no? Collections. “If you do
The Big Bang Theory
When it comes to style, Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment is far beyond the typical bachelor pad. With a basic furniture foundation, their personalities shine through with geek-chic details. Super hero dolls perched around the apartment fight design crime by bringing a playful air to the room (a great idea for those struggling with a husband who refuses to give up his man toys!), and a giant double helix model adds a burst of color to an otherwise neutral palette. Their old-fashioned library card catalog is repurposed to hold personal items rather than the Dewey Decimal System. Search your local flea markets or eBay – these old-school pieces are perfect for organizing household odds and ends, spices, makeup, and jewelry.
set images courtesy of CBS Next door, Penny’s pad looks like an IKEA catalog exploded inside. I spy a SKRUVSTA swivel chair , Lunta 365 pendant light , and a Klippan loveseat — all updated with fabrics and paints in a retro color palette that suit her. This is a perfect example of how easily IKEA products can be customized. The style is flirty, carefree, and affordable, even for an aspiring actress like Penny!
set images courtesy of CBS Bones
Forever the workaholic, Brennan’s loft reflects her job. From the ethnic objects displayed on birch boxes as keepsakes from her worldly travels, to the giant 9’ concrete slab she uses for working at home, everything screams work! To keep from looking too stark, the hard linear space is softened with warm lighting, brick, and pumpkin-colored walls – a fantastic trick for industrial-type spaces.
set images courtesy of FOX 
set images courtesy of FOX If Brennan’s home is meticulously minimalist, Booth’s is organized chaos. A fan of simpler times, the proclaimed hoarder fills his masculine-retro apartment with vintage toys, sports memorabilia, and World War II collectibles that add layers of personality. Heavier basic pieces, such as the deep blue couch and vintage leather recliner in the living room, the clawfoot tub and wooden sink in the bathroom , and the simple bed and chest in the bedroom keep the clutter at bay, resulting in a beautiful oxymoronic space.Now perhaps this season will tell us if “industrial chic” will, ahem, mix with “retro cool”…