Reunited as teens, two childhood friends fall deeply in love, experiencing the joy and heartache of a first romance that will change their lives forever. --Netflix
Set Decorator Ron V. Franco SDSA and Production Designer Suzuki Ingerslev teamed up again to create that visual magic they are known for: story & character first, but always with style, always creative, yet real. And they are sharing with us a few tidbits for FOREVER...
“Creating the world of FOREVER involved working very closely with our show runner Mara Brock Akil. Her vision for the series was to break the stereotypes of how black families live in the television world, and she wanted Los Angeles to be the backdrop in this love story.”
“The show was referenced as ‘A Love Letter to Los Angeles’, and we were able to proudly display the city in all its glory. We chose many iconic Los Angeles neighborhoods, and used them to display the diversity that is LA. A few areas that were featured were Fairfax Blvd, the original Farmer’s Market, the Santa Monica pier & carousel, the city’s public transportation network which includes the LA subway, and Little Tokyo. There were many native Angelenos on the show, and it was very nostalgic for us.”
Justin’s home...
Justin Edwards’ family home: View of kitchen, dining room, living room with rich woods and double-sided fireplace. Art: “But First Coffee” by Edyta Pachowicz. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
“Justin’s family lives in a well-appointed Mid-Century house in Beverly Hills, full of love, designer furniture and a masterful art collection. Despite their wealth, the house has heart and warmth, and the viewer can see a family that wants the best for their children.”
“We wanted the house to feel light and airy, so we worked with a monochromatic palette. We brought the outdoors indoors, which is a very Southern California vibe. We had an atrium, large picture windows, and sliders on stage. There was also a 1’ deep pool on stage."
The Edwards home: The cozy living room that is tied together with the triptych composed of “Foundations I & II” and “Lost Lover” by Trey Hurst. Custom sofas: Omega Cinema Props, rugs from Rug Warehouse. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
The Edwards home: Modern furniture and lighting mixed with some retro pieces. A pop of color at the front door, other side of double fireplace. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
“Pops of color were brought in through local artist’s artwork throughout the house and each piece was carefully curated. Art was very deliberate character in the Edwards family’s house.”
The Edwards house: The kitchen has all the modern conveniences and a serene green tile backsplash. The room is the perfect work environment for the main character who is a chef and restauranteur. Art: “Willie’s Melons” by Jazmin Johnson. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
The Edwards home: Family game and tv room providing a casual vibe for the boys, Justin and his brother, Jaden; Art: “Crenshaw” and “Her” by Noah Humes. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
“Justin’s bedroom is a “dream" teen’s room, and it shows a teenage boy who is on the verge of becoming a man. We wanted his space to feel like his mother originally had decorated the room, complete with a miniature car collection and a neon sign saying, “God’s Plan”.
The Edwards home: Justin’s basketball themed bedroom with his mom’s strategically placed art and Motivational phrases. Art: [Basketball player with ball] “Clarity” by Edward Marcelin. Over the bed: “Venice Hoops I & II” by Renee Kahsay.
The Edwards home: Justin’s bathroom which has all the accoutrements a young man needs, and a sense of humor. Art: “Dear Artists...” by Michael Hearn. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
"Sprinkled throughout was a basketball theme, as well as motivational signs. Justin’s teen boy layer came in on top, complete with dirty clothes, tech and schoolbooks.”
Keisha’s home...
“Keisha’s apartment may not have all the bells and whistles of the Edwards's house, but what both families have in common is the feeling of being loved. The apartment, located in the Windsor Hills area, is surrounded by iconic palm trees, and is full of warmth."
The Clark home: Old style apartment with archways, built-in shelving and hardwood floors. More of a thrift store family heirloom vibe with its own sense of style. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
"She has a mom who loves her and wants to give her every opportunity she can. Their apartment is like many older LA apartments, with hardwood floors, a two-tone tiled bathroom and kitchen, and used furniture. It feels like a home with all of its layers, photos and worn-down edges.”
The Clark home: A nostalgic apartment bathroom with two-toned tiles and the layers of a well-used room, including a requisite shower cap for each. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
“Keisha’s bedroom is an extension of her creative personality and her current life. She is also a teen on the brink of becoming a woman. Her room contains some nostalgic childhood remnants, but she also has banners reminding her of her future and her dream of going to Howard University."
Keisha’s bedroom with its many layers and photo diary wall. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
We had a vibrant photo collage that expanded every episode and felt like a visual diary of her life. She would find things that inspired her in day-to-day life...she would print out the photos at school, and then contribute to her collage. It started out small in the first episode, but by the end, all the walls were completely covered with all her musings and adventures. It served as a wallpaper to her life.”
“The world we created came from the heart and from our youths.”
"The magic of our first love is our ignorance that it can never end." —Benjamin Disraeli
And there is more of that magic...please click on the SHOW MORE PHOTOS button below to continue the gallery.
A special note from former SDSA president Set Decorator Ron V. Franco SDSA acknowledging the long and valued relationships he’s had with so many of the SDSA Business members, and those he particularly worked with for this production:
Art was Framed by U-Frame-It | Rugs: The Rug Warehouse | Custom Sofas: Omega Cinema Props | Custom Drapery & Bedding: Universal Studios Drapery | Christmas Décor: Dr Christmas | Fixtures, Shades: Practical Props | Florals: Sandy Rose Floral | Vintage Furniture: Faux Library Prop Rentals
SHOW MORE PHOTOS
Beats studio: The world of creating beats in an independent studio, this is the world Justin wants to delve further into, this is his creative gift. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Salon: The beauty of the braiding world and the many nuances to these hair styling boutiques
