Discover the untold history of interior design and decoration with Decorated, a podcast that dives deep into the 1980s design world through a critical lens. Hosted by Parsons School of Design professors Cotter Christian and Will Fryer, this series shines a light on overlooked designers and cultural movements that shaped the interiors of the era. Join us as we explore the intersection of interior spaces and broader cultural narratives, reclaiming stories often left out of mainstream design history.
Publisher
Decorated Podcast, Will Fryer, and Cotter Christian
Hosts Cotter and Will explore Art et Industrie's origin in 1979, highlighting its challenge to modernist design through handcrafted pieces and its influence on New York's art scene; this episode features interviews with Howard Meister, Elizabeth Browning Jackson, Glenn Adamson, Stephen Markos, and Hugues Magen.
4 Feb 2025
HIV/AIDS, Activism, and Interior Design
In this special episode, recorded live at Parsons School of Design, we explore the profound impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis on interior design, activism, and memory. Hosts Cotter Christian and Will Fryer moderate a panel discussion with artists, historians, and designers, delving into how interior spaces served as sites of resistance, community, and care. Featuring insights from Stan Walden (https://stanwalden.studio/), Jamie Drake (https://www.drakeanderson.com/), Ivan Munuera (https://www.ivanlmunuera.com/), and Gavin Browning (https://www.gavin-browning.com/about), this conversation sheds light on the overlooked histories of design’s role in shaping queer spaces, preserving memory, and responding to crisis. For more, view the show notes here (https://broken-medicine-35c.notion.site/Show-Notes-18fa7570f41f805a8e51ea4889500bc5?pvs=4).
27 Dec 2024
Designing the Night: How NYC's 1980s Clubs Shaped Culture Through Space
Step into the vibrant world of 1980s New York City nightlife as we explore the revolutionary design and cultural impact of iconic clubs like Studio 54 and Infinity. From innovative lighting techniques and theatrical elements to the way these spaces shaped community and identity, this episode uncovers how nightclubs became more than just venues for dancing - they were transformative spaces that influenced residential design and provided sanctuary for marginalized groups. Featuring fascinating interviews with club owners, designers, and scene insiders, including Lee Soulja's incredible story of sneaking into Studio 54 as a teenager, we examine how these spaces used design elements like neon lighting, moving architecture, and dramatic spatial effects to create unforgettable experiences.
11 Dec 2024
🪩 Bringing the Disco Home 🕺🏼
In Episode 4 of Decorated, hosts Cotter Christian and Will Freyer are joined by architectural historian Timothy M. Rohan (https://www.umass.edu/humanities-arts/about/directory/timothy-rohan) to explore the dazzling interplay between NYC’s 1970s and 80s nightlife and home design. The episode dives into the cultural influence of clubs like Studio 54 on interior trends, including minimalist platforms, neon lighting, and the privatization of space. From ephemeral disco-inspired apartments to the lasting legacy of nightlife aesthetics, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how interiors became stages for identity and lifestyle. For full show notes and links to resources, visit: Episode 4: Bringing the Disco Home (https://broken-medicine-35c.notion.site/Episode-4-Bringing-the-Disco-Home-159a7570f41f80dcb7deee8e1df13862?pvs=4).
27 Nov 2024
Architectural Digest
In Episode 3, Cotter and Will explore the formation of an industry giant: Architectural Digest. During the 1970’s and 80’s, the magazine became a major force in the industry, offering readers a glimpse of the world’s most luxurious interiors; and designers, a chance to become stars. Join us as we explore AD’s immersive photography, the complicated legacy of Editor in Chief, Paige Rense, and the allure and peril of aspirational media.In Episode 3, Cotter and Will delve into the rise of a major player in the industry: Architectural Digest. During the 1970s and 80s, the magazine emerged as a significant force, providing readers with a glimpse of the world's most luxurious interiors and offering designers the opportunity to become stars. Join us as we explore Architectural Digest's stunning photography, the complex legacy of Editor-in-Chief Paige Rense, and the captivating yet risky nature of aspirational media.
13 Nov 2024
Power Looking
In the second episode of Decorated, Cotter and Will dive deep into the intersections of gender and interior design, guided by the lavish world of Prince Egon von Furstenberg’s 1980 book The Power Look at Home: Decorating for Men. Join us as we discuss how masculinity, invigorated by the all-time high divorce rates of the 1980s, popularized a new interior design culture that manifested itself in the chosen habitat of the affluent single man, the bachelor pad. Click here to view links and show notes. (https://broken-medicine-35c.notion.site/Power-Looking-Show-Notes-575a6bf0239144a3aecfe4a774f84601?pvs=4)
Research and editing support for this episode by Olive Jones, Paul Rochford, Kanishka Puri and Naniyah McClain.
30 Oct 2024
Melvin Dwork
In the first episode of Decorated, we cover the life and work of Melvin Dwork, a New York City interior designer who received an "undesirable" discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1944 for being gay. While Dwork is mostly known for his activism - he fought to overturn his discharge, and was the first to successfully do so - his work in interior design is famous in its own right for mixing old and new in an harmonious and timeless way. Join Will and Cotter as they recount his story and examine his work within the vibrant context of 1980s NYC.
This episode features music and scoring by Peter Mark Kendall. Research and editing support by Chitrakshi Chelawat and Stan Walden, with additional support from Olive Jones, Paul Rochford, Kanishka Puri and Naniyah McClain.
23 Oct 2024
Trailer: Decorated Season 1
Wild nightclub interiors, the VonFurstenburgs, Melvin Dwork, HIV/AIDs, and other topics are up for discussion as we explore the world of interior design in 1980s and '90s NYC. Episode 1 drops on October 30!
Who has been a guest on Decorated
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Howard Meister
Elizabeth Browning Jackson
Glenn Adamson
Stephen Markos
Hugues Magen
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 15 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
17
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Guest appearances
Books guests
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