Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Celebrity Combo Condo: the Ryan Gosling

I admit, I'm not the first person to come up with the idea.  But I may be the first person to decorate an entire condo on a single celebrity.  Hopefully Celebrity Combo Condo will become a staple of the Urbane Condo.

The premise: Hollywood hires people to tell its actors and celebrities how to dress in public and in films.  Since I have a special interest in films it seems only appropriate to carry that over into my home...or at least to the inspiration for my home.

I don't typically get swept away by popular actors.  My tastes trend in the David Tennant and Ryan Kennedy line.  (Have you ever heard of either of them?  No?  I didn't think so.)  So when my brother and I went to see Gangster Squad a couple weeks ago, I launched into one of my typical "research" modes and watched every Ryan Gosling film I could get my hands on.  Yes I have seen every one of the films below and, as it turns out, not only is Ryan Gosling actually very nice to look at, but he can act, as well.  I admit to being surprised.



What is not surprising is the level of detail put into production on some of these films and also on these rooms.  True, my condo would be as eclectic as the film genres listed below, but every room would be inspiring.

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Gangster Squad Living Room
the Urbane Condo: Ryan Gosling Livingroom
Gangster Squad is based on the true story of Mickey Cohen and the cops who ran him out of the City of Angels.  Gosling’s character is an apathetic policeman until Cohen’s gang gives him a vengeful turn.  Much like the sleek suits of the 1940’s, this green and gray living room is intended for clean lines and comfort.




Half Nelson Kitchen
the Urbane Condo: Ryan Gosling Kitchen
Half Nelson features Gosling opposite the young actress Shareeka Epps.  As a teacher with a drug addiction and his junior-high student who struggles with her concern for him, they are engaging against the backdrop of the ghettos of Los Angeles.  Like the stark setting of the film, this kitchen is designed for function over comfort, but style is snuck in with exposed walls and stainless steel.


 
Crazy, Stupid, Love Dining Room
the Urbane Condo: Ryan Gosling Dining Room
In Crazy, Stupid, Love, Gosling’s character is a player with a secret soft spot helping a down-on-his-luck dad recapture his manliness.  Like the character, this dining room features strong, masculine lines with simple elegance.




Blue Valentine Bedroom
the Urbane Condo: Ryan Gosling Bedroom
Although Blue Valentine details the death of love between two people, the imagery and direction deservedly won awards, along with the powerful performances from Gosling and his leading lady, Michelle Williams.  There is no love lost in this lush, romantic bedroom featuring dark walls and luxurious details.


Fracture Closet
the Urbane Condo: Ryan Gosling Closet
Starring opposite Anthony Hopkins, Gosling plays an up-and-coming lawyer in Fracture, a drama about a man who plots the death of his wife and her lover.  Much like the rich décor of exclusive law offices, this closet caters to every need in a good-old-boys style of dark wood and elite accoutrements.


the Ides of March Bathroom
the Urbane Condo: Ryan Gosling Bathroom
As a junior campaign manager in The Ides of March, Gosling handles the indiscretions of a presidential-hopeful,  played by George Clooney.  Although politics and personal relationships become mangled, there is plenty of design inspiration, and the glass shower and modern vanity lines of this bathroom only accentuate the luxurious nature of a soaking tub any President would deign to relax in. 



Lars and the Real Girl Laundry
the Urbane Condo: Ryan Gosling Laundry Room
Quirky and romantic, Lars and the Real Girl features Gosling as a socially-awkward Northerner suffering from loneliness.  Rather than turning to his brother and sister-in-law, however, Gosling’s character opts for a mail-order bride from a love doll website.  Just as Lars is offbeat and unexpected, where better to have fun with textile-inspired wallpaper than in the laundry room?



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Seven rooms, seven movies, seven styles for inspiration, and this is all during week one!  Keep coming back to the Urbane Condo for progress and posterity brought to you by yours truly.  XXOO

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