The pros’ TV picks
When they curl up on their custom-made chaise longues for a little channel surfing, what do home decor professionals tune in?
*
Barclay Butera
Los Angeles furniture designer and retailer:
“Although it’s not an educational or makeover show, ‘Will & Grace’ is great to watch for its decor. They have so many different interior styles on the show, and depending on whoever their guest star is, they create new interiors for that specific character that are very up-to-date but also really reflect the sensibility of the character.”
*
Joe Ruggiero
Furniture designer and former host of “Homes Across America” on HGTV:
“Something very bad is happening on cable as well as network. They’re dumbing design down. They want everything to cost under $500 or, you know, ‘Please help this person.’ That’s a very big mistake because the American consumer, the home enthusiast, is actually becoming more sophisticated. I enjoy programs on the Travel Channel that give you a look at architecture and design in various cities throughout the world. And, of course, ‘This Old House’ -- the granddaddy of them all.”
*
Richard Landry
Los Angeles architect:
“ ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ is very interesting. We look at our stuff, and it takes two years to do. What they do in one week is unbelievable. Then you look at the family and see the way they lived before, and how this show transformed them. It’s nice that there are designers interested and concerned about helping people.”
*
Martyn Lawrence Bullard
L.A. interior designer:
“I was kind of quite liking ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,’ but that’s because it’s rivetingly awful. I just love the energy on ‘Trading Spaces,’ and it’s wacky and zany. On those kinds of shows, the design tends to get tricky, and almost all of the finished rooms look like stage sets, but I still think there are certain design principles that people can learn.... The History Channel has some amazing new shows incorporating decor, and you get to see marvelous period interiors.”
*
Jonathan Adler
New York ceramic artist and designer of Le Parker
Meridien, Palm Springs:
“I used to be an addict for HGTV’s ‘Extreme Homes’ because I love things that are immoderate, and they always have incredible examples of outre architecture. My personal favorite train wreck is ‘Design for the Sexes.’ I love the bizarre compromises that they arrive at. It’ll be ‘He wants a Burt Reynolds billiards room, and she wants a Dolly Parton boudoir.’ ”