Deception happens seamlessly. Two Rodeo Drive is an example of a deception that successfully integrated itself into the fabric of the Beverly Hills street system. Following is what you believe Two Rodeo Drive is. It is a Beverly Hills city street, charmingly angled, with a broad staircase on one end and the hilly beginning of… Continue reading Premium Deception: Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
Category: Themed Environments
Sands Hotel and Casino Sign in Las Vegas Was Mid-Century Perfection
When the Sands opened on December 15, 1952, it represented Las Vegas’ introduction to modern casino and hotel design. But the world wasn’t ready for it yet, as 1952 was a tender year for mid-century modern architecture: the Korean War was still being fought, Truman was still U.S. President. Few of the familiar signifiers of… Continue reading Sands Hotel and Casino Sign in Las Vegas Was Mid-Century Perfection
Surreal Life: Evolution of the TV Talk Show Set, 1964 to Present
The evolution of the TV talk show set only lightly mirrors design changes that were going on in the rest of the world at the time. Plaids, bold colors, African tribal prints, rubber plants–whatever was happening at the world outside migrated into the studio set. But for the most part, these are not meant to be… Continue reading Surreal Life: Evolution of the TV Talk Show Set, 1964 to Present
5 Best Fake Cities in the World
Fake cities exist for many reasons: training, propaganda, subterfuge, filming, tourism. Few are meant to be 100% realistic, but some are definitely more realistic than others. Here are our top most realistic fake cities, current and past. Fake cities designed to pull in tourists are left off this list (except for one notable exception in… Continue reading 5 Best Fake Cities in the World
Create a 100% Authentic 1960 Vintage Tiki Decor Home and Backyard
In July 1960, Los Angeles’ World’s Fair Market (not to be confused with today’s World Market) advertised a complete luau themed tiki set. “The World’s Fair has created a Hawaiian atmosphere complete with all the tropical settings of the South Seas,” said the ad, listing twelve items that you could place in your own backyard and… Continue reading Create a 100% Authentic 1960 Vintage Tiki Decor Home and Backyard