Making a Tex-Mex Joint an Art Deco Bar

When I was the Production Designer* on a silly web series "Put it On the Table" and one of the challenges we were given was to transform a contemporary Tex-Mex restaurant into an Art Deco vibe.

I'm proud of finding that sconce lamp and think it really made this shot. 

Now I love Art Deco period design. like LOVE. As in, I'm a member of the LA and NYC Art Deco Societies, go to the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party, (so in other words I'm a little nuts) and my dream is to work on a period piece film or TV series set in the era. 

Considering this, it was both a fun challenge and a frustrating experience to work with a micro-budget to capture the essence of the Art Deco aesthetic (the era in which Monopoly was designed) on a set that wasn't suppose to be a faithful and historic Art Deco interior but rather a surrealistic and disjointed fever dream suggestion of the Art Deco aesthetic. 

Additionally, the location they found for us to use for these shots was a Tex-Mex restaurant and we would have 20-30 min to dress the set in between other scenes shot there. 

Considering this, I think we got the job done for under $30:

*I mean I was Production Designer, Set Decorator, Set Dresser, Props, and On-Set....you know for these small things you are basically the whole Art Department.  In this case it was my talented friend Eimi Imanashi and I who were the Art Department for the whole shoot. 

Art Deco Details + Why I Love Set Decorating

During one shoot I worked on in Tribeca, I had to go out a bunch to pick up more props around the neighborhood which is full of buildings with great Art Deco details. 

One of the things I love best about set decorating is the chance to walk around New York City so much in search of things.  

The chance to spend so much time out doors and interacting with the city so actively while in pursuit of that perfect item, prop, dressing, or whatever is something I deeply enjoy. 

As a huge Art Deco fiend (one of my ultimate favorite aesthetic eras), the opportunity to notice and appreciate small decorative and design details in New York's old buildings, especially the Art Deco ones, is one of the small joys of living and working in NYC.