On the Set of the Bernie Mac Show
By Regina Martin, Homes of Color Magazine
The sonorous voice is full of a glistening smile and the camera even captures a raised eyebrow or two, but the sentiment is always the same.
Bernie Mac looks into the camera and says, "Hello America!" from his comfortable chair on The Bernie Mac Show. And just as Bernie is real, the setting behind him reflects the warmth and richness of the show.
Now in its fourth season, The Bernie Mac Show began as a pilot, and production designer Jeff Sage was responsible for bringing the set together. Many people decorating their homes are picking up on the color palettes used on the show, and are beginning to readily eschew neutral tones in favor of more vibrant colors.
The selection of colors for Bernie Mac and Wanda (played by Kellita Smith) are very vibrant. Their characters demand rich and robust colors. "Bernie and Wanda as characters prefer a vibrant, colorful surround that just makes sense with who they are and the choices they would make in decorating their house."
Outfitting the home with accessories that speak to Bernie and Wanda’s characters is a key aspect of his work, and Sage works closely with designer Claudette Didul to pull off the sophisticated afrocentric look the show is known for. The spa bath in the master bedroom is particularly dramatic, showing off memorable cobalt blue glass and ceramic tiles accented with a complementary terracotta orange wash on the walls.
Even when on hiatus from filming, the show’s set still resonates with the spirit of the family. As you walk through the living room, dining room, kitchen, children’s rooms and ultimately wind your way into Bernie’s famed study, you can understand how the characters in the show find it easy to call the set home.