Dancing Warlock
El Chacho
A site called Alwaysme.com is doing a series on the places that are sets for some very popular TV shows. This artilcle talks about the set that is used for this show:
Decorating Sunnydale Style
Decorating Sunnydale Style
Lights.. Camera.. Renovation!
"In every generation there is a chosen one... she alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the slayer."
Holy Hellmouth! Buffy may well have wrapped, but the show's legend will live on in our hearts forever. The spectacular 'pop politics', cunning cultural references, endearing characters, and enchanting storylines have guaranteed this show a place in TV history.
Location! Location!
The scenes set at Sunnydale High School were actually shot on location at Torrance High School (at 2200 W. Carson Street) in the city of Torrance (in California's South Bay region). Just three blocks north of Torrance High (Sunnydale) is Buffy's house. You'll find it on Cota Drive in Torrance.
Although some of the rooms featured on Buffy have been constructed in a studio block, they are still rather spectacular. Let's take a look at a few of the accessories which made up this lavish set, and find out how you can achieve a similar look in your home...
Jewelry Box
This gold striped box was used on screen as part of Buffy's bedroom. Quaint containers will bring that extra feminine touch to a woman's bedroom, and are a great for storing all kinds of accessories -- including those must-have cross pendant necklaces to keep the vamps at bay! Music boxes are also great - just make sure the melody won't send Spike into a raging fit should he care to stop by.
Antique Lamps
Flea markets and op-shops are great places to find antique lamps - such as this metal tea lamp which was used on the set of Buffy's bedroom. Anything with a rustic, antique, or hand-made feel is perfect if you're looking to capture Sunnydale's architectural zeitgeist. Of course, nothing beats the light of day when it comes to dissolving demonic derriere.
Throw Pillows
Decorative pillows on sofas, beds, and chairs will help to liven up any room. These pastal pillows were used on screen as a part of Buffy's bedroom. Designs featuring floral embroidery are ideal for use in a girl's room.
Decorative Lamps
Yet another decorative lamp which was used on screen as a part of Buffy's bedroom. Tiffany, and Art Nouveau-inspired lamps and original, elegantly handcrafted Victorian lampshades are recommended if you're aiming for that special antique feel.
Wall-mounted Boxes
This wall-mounted keepsake box was used on screen as a part of Buffy's bedroom. Once again, it's the small touches which help to bring character to a room. Hand-crafted decorative boxes and miniature storage cabinets are particularly effective in bedrooms and kitchens. They are visually attractive, and are great for storing all of your delicate trinkets, doo-dads and accessories.
Decorative Urns
This urn was used on screen in Sunnydale's notorious Lowell House - a.k.a Riley's dormatory. Worry not, this prop wasn't directly responsible for the release of any sexual aggression - even if it was featured in the steamy episode "Where The Wild Things Are." Hand-crafted terracotta ornaments are ideal if you need to 'warm up' a room or bring a rustic feel to it.
Antique Furniture
This antique chair was used in Buffy's bedroom. Who would have thought that weathered furniture could add such charm and character to a room. Once again, op-shops and flea markets are the best pace to find these kinds of authentic gems.
Wooden Ornaments
This wooden African wall mask was used on screen as part of the 'Magic Box' store, run by Giles and Anya. Wooden masks and ornaments were a primary decorative feature on the Buffy set. Not only are they wonderful to look at, they also create a sense of intrigue - and if used correctly, will bring a certain kind of 'visual warmth' to a room.
Decorative Tiles
This intricate plaster tile was also used during scenes inside the Magic Box shop. Decorative tiles are perfect for kitchens and bedrooms, and can be purchased from a range of specialty stores. You can even try making your own!
Stone Ornaments
This small stone cup with leather binding was used on screen by Giles. Ornaments such as this will certainly create mystique in your home - but just make sure that they are used in harmony (not the vamp) and counter-balance with objects that are less 'Hellmouth' in origin. In other words, aim for a happy medium (51% Willow, 49% The First - don't push it!)
Antique Appliances
This old fashioned radio belonged to Giles. Unfortunately it's literally impossible to find this sort of antique device in working condition - unless you're willing to pay through the nose. However, form over function is definitely all that matters here. With any amount of luck you may be able to track down an attractive antique radio or clock at a market or second-hand store - just don't expect it to be in tune. Rick Dees will be out of range!
Lamps
This lamp was used in Buffy's home and is a perfect example of how you can simultaneously introduce and intermix modern and antique elements into a room, without causing a visual 'collision'. A simple white lamp shade compliments the intricate detail of the light's base.
Placemats & Accessories
This placemat was used on screen in Buffy's living room. If you're a 'sucker' (pardon the vamp pun) for Sunnydale decor, you would know that less is more. Keep schemes simple when it comes to wall colour and ornamental decoration. Try to limit yourself to a single palate. Hunter green, ruby, and deep mauve are an effective combination if you're chasing a 'darker' room.
Dolls
This doll was used on screen in Buffy's living room. Antique figures and hand-made dolls will add a feminine touch to your home -- but if placed correctly, shouldn't turn your living quarters into a nursery. Hint: A Cabbage Patch doll probably won't give you the desired effect - hit the flea markets and not the discount shelves at K-Mart to find that special hand-crafted treasure. Unfortunately for the guys, there are no Buffy bots or Sarah Michelle Gellar dolls currently on the market!
Potpourri Containers
This glass potpourri container was used on screen in Buffy's living room. These are ideal for any home. They look good and have a pleasant aroma - ideal for overpowering that stench of garlic!
Keepsake Boxes
This keepsake box was used on screen in Buffy's house. Once again, head on down to your local flea market or op-shop to find this kind of gem. Again, keepsake boxes are visually attractive, and are great for storing a range of accessories - vampire souls not included!
Antique Hourglasses
This hourglass was used on screen as a part of the Magic Box set. Why not track down an antique-styled hourglass for your home? Years ago they were commonly used in cooking, but if you're living on the Hellmouth, they're almost like advent calenders -- simply ideal for counting down to the next Apocolypse.
Bookends
How is this for thinking outside the (magic) box? These Opal bookends are ideal for keeping your texts up-right, and will also add a sense of magic to your home.
Antique Ornaments
This antique tabletop tricycle was featured in the Summer's home. Antique stores often sell these kinds of ornmanets. There is nothing quite like a hand-crafted bicycle, mask, or sword to help counter-balance all of the aforementioned "feminine touches" and accessories!
Beaded Ornaments
Yet another beaded lamp which was used on the set in Buffy's bedroom. Why not try making one yourself? You'll need to buy a small light with a plain shade (they're sold in most variety stores), beads, and some strong glue. Stick the beads onto the shade and proceed to decorate the lamp's base in the same fashion.
If you aren't happy with the results, don't panic! Visitors usually find home-made creations rather endearing. You might even find that it grows on you, too. If not: blame it on the brood, not on the Buffy!