Thursday 2 February 2012

set design: it's complicated



This post is old news to some people, but yesterday I watched Nancy Meyer’s film It’s Complicated (2009) for the first time. Meryl Streep's character lives in this Spanish-style Santa Barbara home, very nice and homey, and runs a gorgeous bakery/café. Alec Baldwin plays her ex. The story, which I'm not going into, is wonderful but I was quite occupied with looking at the set design; I loved the orange and blue hues in the living room. As you can see in the photos, there were lamps and all kinds of wonderful home decor. I couldn't find a better photo of the patio, which I find fantastic.

The production designer was Jon Hutman and the set decorator was Beth Rubino (both were also responsible for the beautiful set design of Something's Gotta Give (2003)). One part of the story is that Streep's character has hired an architect, played by Steve Martin, to design an addition to her house with the kitchen she has always dreamed of and some other rooms and a second floor.

I really enjoyed this film and laughed a lot but there was one thing I was hugely disappointed with: We don't get to see the renovation itself! What was that all about? Could someone please tell Nancy Meyer to make a sequel because I'm dying to see the outcome; it doesn't really have to be a full-length film, I just need to see the making of that addition.

Is that too much to ask for?



photo credit:
 1 kitchen corner: via Remodelista
2 kitchen with dining area: via Between Naps on the Porch
3 living room: via SDSA
8 bathtub: via Elle Decor
9 patio: via Cote de Texas

19 comments:

  1. This is my dream home (one of them, anyway). Beth Rubino has a beautiful aesthetic. I loved the Something's Gotta Give set too. A beautiful, white, bright, spacious house on the beach? Dream come true.

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  2. I so agree! I was late watching this film too and was bowled over by the house. Hard to stop gazing at that kitchen and concentrate on the dialogue instead. And all that wonderful cooking and baking! I'm glad you sourced these images so now I can pop back if I ever need a fix... Lou x

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  3. So gorgeous! I loved the set design of both It's Complicated and Something's Gotta Give. I'd take either place in an instant :)

    Happy Thursday, Debby! xoxo

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  4. I meant Lisa! That's what happens when you rush before heading out for work. Sorry, sweetie! :) xoxo

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  5. I loved this set design, just as the one in "Something's Gotta Give". This is a dream house. And you know what else I loved? Meryl Streep's character's pastry shop. How gorgeous was that? xo

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  6. The movie is worth watching just for the set alone! I adored her little bakery/cafe (and found myself envying her life once or twice). My favourite feature is the beautiful terrace with the creepers!

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  7. I enjoyed this film and totally remember the fabulous house and the amazing bakery/café. It would've been nice to see the end results of that renovation.

    I had a feeling you'd have some of the same books. I do want a coffee table but my shins are vehemently against it ;-)

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  8. It really is very pleasing to the eye! :-)

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  9. it´s the perfect day to enjoy a cosy afternoon in that lovely living room!!! love it!

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  10. First, I had so much fun seeing this movie. I almost pied my pants, it is just so wonderful. Somethings gotta give is one of my favorite easy going movies, but then this one came and now I'm not sure;) The set design is beautiful, yes. Very cozy. If I'd to pick I'd pick the blue beach house though;)

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  11. Not only did I LOVE this film but I also adored the sets so it's so fun to see them here!

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  12. Lisa, it's funny because when I watched this movie, I had the same reaction. I also enjoyed the set design on Something's gotta give movie. I love it!

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  13. That bath is my fantasy bath!

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  14. that house is so beautiful i want to cry because i don't live there!

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  15. I was so entranced with this house I had to watch the movie 3 times! I loved her kitchen so couldn't really understand why she needed a new one, but I agree, I would love to see how it turned out. Her veggie garden was also fantastic. x Sharon

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  16. I have watched this movie several times - the set decor is simply fabulous! It's also a fun movie! xxoo

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  17. Oh Lisa, we are so on the same page about this movie! I love, love Nancy Meyer films for their set design, she has a symmetry with all her films, you watch them and they are all akin to nothing but perfection to the eye. I too wish we could see the renovation. I guess that's why they put effort into us seeing the idea through the architect's eyes, climbing up the ladder, etc. A sequel regardless of renovation would make for another opportunity to laugh out loud, yes? Hx

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