Harmony of Characters and Design – True Blood’s Interior Design Evolution
Whether or not you’re a fan of HBO’s hit series True Blood, it’s hard to deny how gorgeous the set designs are and how elaborately cohesive they look. As the series heads into its fifth season, we’re introduced to new and intriguing interiors thanks to production designer Suzuki Ingerslev and set decorator Ron V. Franco. Each design is meticulously orchestrated to support character development. Here are some of the highlights.
Season 1 – A Sweet Home for Sweet Sookie
In True Blood’s premiere season, we view sweet Sookie Stackhouse in two environments: Sookie house (inherited from her Gran) and her work—Sam Merlott’s bar. Sookie’s house is enchanting, and surrounded by greenery. The interiors feature aged furnishings, antiques, delicate textiles and patterned wallpaper, clearly a distinctive, homey charm. The set design is warm, welcoming and representative of Gran’s personality-and that of many Gran’s that we may know ourselves.
Merlott’s is another one of my favorite places from the show—just look at that fabulous chandelier! The bar’s interior is a mix of wood-paneled and slate-stone walls, creating the perfect pub setting. A bit too perfect for a small-town bar perhaps? I would have chosen that fixture myself for the space 🙂
Season 2 – A Royal Dayroom
Welcome to Queen Sophie-Anne’s dayroom. The 1920s beachside feel mixed with touches of modern royalty perfectly compliment her personality—a 1,100-year-old vampire longing for human luxuries, such as soaking in the sun. Dioramas were placed at each window to create the illusion of natural sunlight and an ocean view. Once again I was very intrigued by the chandeliers in this set, but couldn’t get a close look. But I was able to find a shot of the original Malibu home where the scene was shot! Multiple chandeliers over water – this space truly makes a statement.
(images source: https://trueblood.wikia.com/wiki/Sophie_Anne’s_Mansion)
Season 3: Mississippi Royalty
As one of the primary locations for this season, King of Mississippi’s Longwood Mansion was set in a National Historic Landmark in today’s Mississippi. True Blood set designers used antiques, teak wood furniture, handmade rugs and drapes to create a luscious and regal feeling.
Season 4: A Royal Change
In season four the décor changed dramatically as Bill Compton becomes the King of Louisiana. Breathtaking changes were made to his plantation home. (Check out what his house looked like from season one!) A new Hollywood Regency vibe, along with the hints of Bill Compton’s masculinity, elegant and mysterious demeanor and authoritative powers, can be seen… Once again, chandeliers take center stage with H.D. Buttercup pieces in the foyer and a gorgeous, if not unexpected, chandelier above Bill’s desk. I may have hung the fixture in the foyer a bit lower for added drama…..
Season 5: Authority
So where to go after 4 seasons of royal luxury? New characters require new sets. Most prominent are the interiors of the Authority Headquarters and Salome’s bedroom. The Headquarters highlights a modern sensibility mixed with historic artifacts. I love how the lighting completely surrounds this interior. The ancient columns, accentuated by the clean furniture lines and bright blue color shout Modern-ique™. This is-as most of you already know-my favorite compilation of modern and antique finishes and architecture.
Salome’s bedroom is another mix of styles with Oriental influences, hinting to a modern Scheherazade’s bedroom, lush with fabrics and color. I love how the designers used the bold print of the mural panels next to the subtle gold pattern. Very “Wow”, no?
What do you think of the interiors of True Blood and how they reflect the personalities of the characters? Which are your favorite design elements? Please comment and share your opinions all MG Peeps!
