We’re half way through series 6 so there’s not that many new sets to see but still, each week Mad Men finds new angles and new sets to showcase the characters differences and similarities.
In an earlier post today, I’ve looked at 3 sets that seem to mirror each other and what they say about characters in this season.
I compared the Ginsberg Diner to the Dawn Diner as well as the fancy awards room with last week’s dinner between the Drapers and the swingers.
But wait there’s more…
The Flood is all about how the Mad Men characters react to the murder of Dr Martin Luther King. I’ve learned from the study of phenomenology (thanks Marc) that you can’t really divorce yourself and your experiences from how you view life’s rollercoaster. Each character reflected on the event from their perspective and tried to – particularly around the African-American characters – sympathise.

All very nice but hey, I’m here to talk about stuff… so here we go…

The art on Bert’s secretaries office has all the colours of the palette but the yellow is really vibrant. The art is reflecting the conflict between Pete & Harry. Maybe it started out less angry but like the secretary, it’s seen many confrontations over time. In the top shot the framing shows her as the invisible line between the 2 men. Note she’s wearing a soft baby pink – so bland she doesn’t matter.
Her chair is orange but the same style as the other secretaries. Note the lovely glass ornaments on her desk. Most women had a couple of these – even Peggy. Peggy’s office has a cream chair, orange couch, blue wall and yellow/green print. Despite leaving SCDP, the aesthetic remains.

I… would… kill… for… that… stunning… desk.

Mad for details

Peggy’s place has never been seen in the light before. Normally she’s not home until way after the sun goes down so it’s an opportunity to see how it looks – the textiles in the couch, details in the furniture. Overall though its still full of old pieces and zero design thought.
However, the ep starts with Peggy considering buying an empty flat. It’s an opportunity for a ‘grown up’ aesthetic  What to do? We’ve all been there. White walls, no window dressing, meh view but come on – look at that parquetry floor!

Here’s some Mad style tips!

Add a couple of Egyptian prints

A few glass genie bottles in blue and green (oh and a TV – featured prominently in almost every scene this week).

Lovely paly blue cups, big white mugs and mustard kitchen chairs.

A simple, sleek coffee table with curved details and a glass inlay with a couple of simple glass ornaments grouped in 3.

Bronze table lamp, plain cups with motifs and a designer vintage radio.