Mary Tyler Moore’s design influence

Mary Tyler Moore passed away this week causing a flood of memories of her characters from her TV shows. As Laura Petrie, her home was Mid Century Modern eye candy. As Mary Richards, her stylish studio apartment was dreamy. Her Minneapolis sunken living room had a pull out couch that turned into her bedroom.

“N” initial provided by Nina Hoffman Steen
“N” initial provided by Nina Hoffman Steen
mary-tyler-living-room
As Laura Petrie, her home was Mid Century Modern eye candy

The Mary Tyler Moore show featured an independent working single woman. I shared this comment on Facebook: “I wanted her apartment. I wanted a ‘C’ like her ‘M’.”  One by one, friends shared a photo of their own initial. Did Mary influence us? Is that why I love stained glass details in interiors like her kitchen pass-through? My bedroom had orange shag carpet. My first furniture purchase was an oak pedestal table with carved chairs, just like Mary’s.

Nina Hoffman Steen of Greenwood Lake shared her ‘N’ and says, “MTM was diplomatic. It impressed me that she could work with all these characters and maintain her compassion and tact.”

When I look back on TV shows, I remember the set more than the story. The MTM interior design and theme song has been my strongest influence. “You can turn the world on with your smile. Love is all around. We are going to make it after all.”

 

Q&A:

Dear Claudia,

I am looking for some ideas for my pass through (like MTM”S!) between my dining room and kitchen. Also I have an old vanity piece from my husband’s grandmother that needs a new purpose. It sits in our living room that we don’t use and holds mail. I’d like it to look nicer.
~Samantha, Walden

 

Dear Samantha,

Hot trend: re-purpose & paint with chalkboard paint like this sideboard transformed by Retro Modern Antiques.
Hot trend: re-purpose & paint with chalkboard paint like this sideboard transformed by Retro Modern Antiques.

The pass through features a stained glass dividing topper. Keep things simple as not to distract from the stained glass and still function. I would stage in threes: 3 mason jars/potted plants/pottery or a row candles.

Your mirrored vanity is beautiful and can serve many purposes depending on the room it lands in and your family needs. It would be lovely to use this in the bedroom for its intended purpose. It can turn into a chameleon of multi purposes depending on the occasion and location.

  • Bar: place a tray on the lower center section for carafes, decanters, cocktail shaker and glasses.
  • Buffet: serve food or dessert or create a coffee bar when entertaining.

    feb3-cabinet-1
    Place a tray on the lower center section for carafes, decanters, cocktail shaker and glasses.
  • Desk: remove the mirror and hang it elsewhere. Place one fitted piece of tempered glass over the higher section.
  • Entry table: a bowl can hold keys and a basket can hold your mail. Decorate with lamps for ambient lighting.

You can keep the finish as is or paint the piece, a popular trend. The drawers can be removed to create a storage area and painted an accent color. If you love it, keep it and make it work.