Elements of Style Blog

One more Mad Men post, I know I’ve become a bit focused on it. After watching the remaining episodes yesterday (which were incredible- holy plot twist Batman!) I felt very inspired to do a post on getting the 50’s-60’s decor seen in the show. It certainly has made a resurgence, so it wasn’t terribly hard to find items that bring back that devil-may-care, sleek yet kitschy look.

Jonathan Adler has perfected the modern throwback look often seen on the show’s sets- this tufted, glamorous headboard and swoopy low slung chair clearly took clues from the 60’s.

I noticed that when Mrs. Draper is at her therapist’s office, she spills her guts while reclining on a Barcelona daybed with her cigarettes perched on a nearby Tulip Table- still complete classics today (but no longer in any shrink’s offices I’ve seen, which is too bad!)

This tight back tufted Adler couch reminds me of the green couch in Sterling’s office- bright, square edges and straight lines. And this Adler fixture just felt very “Sterling Cooper” offices to me.

The fabulous vintage brass bamboo chairs from Downtown could be found in any 50’s/60’s home, as well as these Womb chairs from Knoll, made popular in the 50’s.

This Duquette style decoupage screen is very feminine and glamorous (and Ellen Ward Scarborough Antiques is AMAZING-check it out) and reminded me of Mrs. Draper. This Springer style cabinet has a more masculine edge to it but is still quite decorative.

Ceramic lamps top almost any surface in this show, be it office or home. These refurbished vintage originals from the era are from Downtown as well.

Dorothy Draper not only shares a surname with the main character, but her style was one that pervaded the era in which the show takes place. These are originals from Ellen Ward Scarborough, that would look simply amazing in today’s interiors as well.

These vintage covers from 50’s magazines could look whimsical and cheeky framed in groupings on a photo wall.

And in honor of what the show is about, some advertisement posters from the era, perhaps created by original “mad men”. Oh, and the popular accoutrement of any mad man, a martini shaker- this one with recipes built right in.

These Adler needlepoint pillows capture exactly what this show is about… :) I love his pairing of preppy needlepoint with blunt, bold sayings. I have one on my own couch…

This sketch by Don Carney reminds me of the hats worn by business men in the 50’s (minus the feather!), and this rug, called the Richard Nixon rug was a “must-post” since Nixon is talked about so often in the first season (and it’s a fabulous rug to boot!) Last but not least, it amazes me how MUCH and how often people smoke in the show (in the office, the elevator, the DOCTOR’S OFFICE!)- so here is a table top vintage lighter, for you to now light pricey scented candles with (or smokes, whichever is your vice!)

If you want to experience decor like this in the flesh, just book a week at The Parker. You’ll thank me.