In this episode of Decorated, hosts Cotter Christian and Will Freyer explore the fascinating intersection of New York’s 1970s and 80s nightlife and domestic interiors. Special guest Timothy M. Rohan, an architectural historian from UMass Amherst, dives into his research on disco-inspired home design. Together, they discuss how nightclubs like Studio 54 influenced interior design trends, the role of platforms and lighting in creating transformative environments, and the cultural shift from public to private spaces.

The conversation also touches on:

• The ephemeral nature of 1970s interiors.
• The rise of minimalist interiors as stages for identity and lifestyle performances.
• The use of technology, such as lighting and sound systems, in shaping immersive home environments.
• The lasting legacy of disco culture in contemporary design.

Guest Spotlight: Timothy M. Rohan is an architectural historian specializing in interiors and the cultural contexts of design. His book chapter Bringing the Disco Home: Manhattan’s Disco-Influenced Residences of the 1970s appears in Night Fever: Designing Club Culture from 1960 to Today. Timothy’s research brings fresh perspectives to the often-overlooked relationship between nightlife and home design.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Studio 54’s influence on home design, from mirrored walls to neon lighting.
• The concept of the apartment as a "crucible for experimentation."
• The shift toward privatized, customizable interiors in the neoliberal era.
• The impact of AIDS on interior design trends in the 1980s.

Articles and Books Mentioned:

1. Bringing the Disco Home: Manhattan’s Disco-Influenced Residences of the 1970s by Timothy M. Rohan in Night Fever: Designing Club Culture from 1960 to Today.
2. Gay Macho: The Life and Death of the Homosexual Clone by Martin P. Levine – a sociological exploration of 1970s gay culture.
3. The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer – referenced for its cultural commentary on shifts in interior and social trends.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on the disco-home connection! Follow us on social media and share how you see nightlife influencing today’s interior design trends.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @DecoratedPodcast

Credits: Hosts: Cotter Christian & Will Fryer