The American sitcom Modern Family was created by Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd. It ran for 11 seasons on ABC from September 2009 to April 2020. The show depicts the lives of three different families living in suburban Los Angeles who are connected via their patriarch, Jay Pritchett. The family outlaws all the traditional ideologies of an ideal family in the most comical way possible. Modern Family occasionally includes confessional interview segments when the characters speak directly to the camera, accompanied by an ensemble cast and a mockumentary presentation. The show took home 22 Emmys, including four for Outstanding Supporting Actor and Actress in a Comedy Series and five for Outstanding Comedy Series. Additionally, it took home the 2011 Golden Globe for Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy.
The sitcom Modern Family is praised for its painstakingly designed production in addition to its humour and poignant storytelling. In addition to offering visual signals that enhance the story, this design skilfully highlights the distinct characteristics of its characters. The sets of Modern Family serve as a master class for designers, demonstrating how architecture and interior design can enhance narrative and characterisation. The article will analyse the unique residences of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan and how each family unit is reflected in them.
A Designer’s Take
Claire Bennett and Richard Berg were the show’s production designers. Each home is a carefully curated reflection of the inhabitants’ personalities, values, and dynamics –
- The Pritchett House:
Jay Pritchett’s house is evidence of his successful and practical nature. With its open floor plan, sleek modern construction, and eye-catching decor, the house radiates sophistication. Jay’s straightforward manner and preference for order are reflected in its crisp lines and tidy finishing. The house’s dominant glass and stone features let in an abundance of natural light, giving it an airy yet commanding atmosphere. High-end materials like leather and steel are used to compliment the minimalist decor’s muted colour scheme of greys, whites, and blues. These selections not only demonstrate Jay’s affluence but also his contemporary taste, which stands in stark contrast to Gloria’s colourful and varied aesthetic. The merging of their lives is alluded to via subtle design elements. Gloria’s Colombian roots are honoured by bright elements like vibrant throw pillows and tropical plants, which bring life and warmth to the otherwise muted and cold room. Their relationship’s dynamic—a blending of structured pragmatism and bubbling passion—is reflected in this combination of elements.
- The Dunphy House:
A typical example of a busy, middle-class suburban family is the Dunphy household. Practicality, comfort, and a feeling of lived-in warmth are highlighted in its design. With its classic clapboard panelling and well-kept grass, the exterior exudes familiarity and warmth. The house’s interior is a patchwork of vivid hues, mismatched furnishings, and family relics that reflect the love and turmoil that characterise the Dunphys.
The house seems to have a story to tell in every room. With its oversized couches and slightly worn coffee table, the living room is a gathering place for family members. With its open shelves and an assortment of magnets on the refrigerator, the kitchen showcases Claire’s organisational abilities—or at least her attempts at them—while allowing for the unavoidable chaos that comes with having three kids. With their unique posters and trinkets, the children’s rooms offer insights into their developing personalities. The attraction of the Dunphy house is in its flaws. In sharp contrast to the more refined Pritchett house, it feels genuine and approachable. The family’s friendly and charming demeanour is emphasised by this realistic design, which gives viewers the impression that they may enter the scenario.
- The Tucker-Pritchett House:
The home of Cameron and Mitchell is a charming combination of their disparate personalities and mutual appreciation of design. The property is in a historic neighbourhood, and the couple’s love of character and heritage is suggested by its conventional facade, which includes an inviting front porch. The interior design incorporates theatrical flair, vibrant colour schemes, and mid-century modern components. The focal point of the house is the living room, which displays Cameron’s love of striking dramatic accents. Vibrant rugs, upholstery, and a variety of eccentric artwork give the room charm. The furniture’s thoughtful arrangement reflects Mitchell’s more restrained and organised personality. The couple’s passion for entertaining is reflected in the kitchen wall’s cutout, a fun way to connect to the living room. The dining table frequently has fresh flowers, which adds a bit of Cam’s flair. Over the course of the series, Lily’s room changes, first becoming a well-designed nursery and then becoming a place that represents her developing interests and independence.
- Supporting Spaces:
Even though the family houses are the main interest, Modern Family’s production design is brilliant in other areas as well. The story is further enhanced by outdoor areas like the Dunphys’ small patio and Jay’s backyard, which has an outdoor kitchen and pool. These locations serve as the backdrop for important series events, such as family get-togethers and emotional discussions, and their layout makes them seem like organic extensions of the characters’ daily lives. Another example of a modern and useful area that highlights Jay’s success as an entrepreneur is his closet corporate office.
Every house is a thoughtfully chosen representation of the dynamics, values, and personalities of its occupants. The eclectic charm of the Tucker-Pritchett property, the chaotic warmth of the Dunphy home, and the modern grandeur of the Pritchett house all serve as reminders of the narrative potential of design. Additionally, these areas’ gradual changes throughout the series reflect the characters’ development and shifting situations. Viewers are drawn in by the sense of continuity and authenticity that this attention to detail produces. Modern Family shows how careful design can enhance a story, regardless of your background as an architect, interior designer, or set decorator. Designers may create surroundings that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly meaningful by taking into account the individual requirements and personalities of the individuals who occupy a space.
References:
Wikipedia contributors (2024) Modern family. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Family.
