I am "Sherlocked." If you're as obsessed with the BBC series Sherlock, which reimagines the famous sleuth as a modern day detective, then here's how you can get this scientifically chic look in your home and office.
Sherlock and Watson's flat is a live-work space to the extreme. This is how many of us live today, but even for Conan Doyle's original Sherlock, technology and science were always present.
In the series, John Watson blogs about his experience as a detective's sidekick and Sherlock takes in new business through his "Science of Deduction" website. The two love to squabble about everything, which is why it's no surprise that each have a distinct preference in the Mac vs. PC wars. Watson writes on a MacBook Pro, while Sherlock appears to prefer the HP Pavilion dv7t - 7000.
Surprisingly, when Series 2 aired, Sherlock appeared to have joined the legions of Apple fans when he traded in his BlackBerry Bold 9700 for the iPhone 4.
One of the most thrilling parts of the show is that text messages waft across the screen, like scribbled conversations in a cinematic setting. It gives you, the viewer, an inside look into Sherlock's brain. Similarly, the overall set design also feels like a look into his thoughts.
While you may not understand his deductions until the very end, the show's creators give you plenty of hints for how you can emulate his look. You can achieve a Sherlock-esque work space by focusing on four key elements:
Mixing vintage classics with modern pieces. For example, a 1959 Le Corbusier armchair is a staple of Sherlock and Watson's homestead. The chair is a difficult find, but Craigslist masters and flea market pros should be able to turn one up. You'll also notice it's flanked by an IKEA SAMTID reading lamp — one of the few things in the home that you can go out and buy right now.
Never fearing a good book or scientific artifact. In the original text, Arthur Conan Doyle always stressed that Sherlock's deductions were not based on whim or intuition, but rather deep scientific knowledge. The sets for the BBC series truly evoke this idea. The bison skull may seem arbitrary, but it is indeed a smart and impactful choice. In the show, you'll also find little items that reflect Sherlock's constant quest to keep his mind sharp, like the SudoKube, which mixes the classic Rubik's cube with Sudoku. You can probably skip beakers filled with fingers, though.
Avoid perfection. In fact, embrace chaos. There isn't a single scene in 221B that involves cleaning. Why? Sherlock and Watson are far too busy for organizing. Embracing chaos may even mean creating it, much like the spray painted smiley face on the classic Tangle Tree wallpaper in their home.
Be British. Very British. It just wouldn't be Sherlock Holmes without a few iconic British elements, like a map of the British Isles or a Union Jack Pillow.
Get this look:
1. Map of the British Isles from Art.com
2. IKEA SAMTID reading lamp
3. Bison Skull from Skulls Unlimited
4. Tangle Tree Navarre Wallpaper
5. Union Jack Pillow from Elle Jay Interiors
6. LC3 chair by Le Corbusier, which is very similar to vintage chair in the show
7. SudoKube
8. iPhone 4
(Images: BBC One)
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The headphones on the bison skull is one of my favorite set design decisions. It's subtle, but when you finally see it, it makes you laugh.
I love this show, thank you so much for posting the wallpaper!
I love the headphones on the skull too! Mostly though, I love this show. British tv does it again.
http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
What's even funnier about the headphones is that neither Sherlock nor Watson actually USE the headphones. They stay on the bison.
No body parts in the fridge? I'm afraid this is sadly incomplete.
Juliet, feel free to put as many body parts as you like you in your home. Of course, through legal means! It's just not for me!
for fans who really want to "get the look" there's Wear Sherlock - http://wearsherlock.tumblr.com. It showcases the clothes and props seen in the show as well as providing links as to where to buy them. Click on the Archive - it's pretty thorough!
More set pics and info here too : http://www.radiotimes.com/photos/2012-01-24/photo-gallery-sherlock-props
I love Sherlock and John. Adore them. But every time I see 221B, all I can think is, "Man, it is dark and messy in there. I'd hate to be their flatmate."
The absolute first and last thing I need in my life is Sherlock's coat (hopefully with Sherlock in it).
I would like to have that sweet and adorable Mrs. Hudson to fuss over and look after me.
Ugh I *want* to watch Sherlock, but Netflix only has the first 3 episodes of seasons 1 and 2!
Um, I can't tell if you're joking. Each season only HAS 3 episodes.
Yeah, like kiacook said, each season has 3 episodes. This is partly because it's a British show, and the BBC does not always adhere to any set standard episode order. Downton Abbey might get 13 episodes, while Doctor Who might get 16. In this case, Sherlock has always gotten 3 episodes.
It's great, though, because the actors most likely would not be able to do Sherlock (or would have to choose between Sherlock and other projects) if the time committment was that of a US-standard order of television.
I'm not sure I totally have my head around the notion of consciously decorating your living space to look like 21B, a place designed to look like NO ONE has decorated it. To each his own, I guess.
My daughter and I a hopelessly "SHERLOCKED". Thanks for the information.
Sherlockology.com actually works directly with the crew and the BBC to confirm sources and exact colors/models, etc. I'd trust them more than wearsherlock.tumblr.com, though I do love browsing the Tumblr for inspiration.
They also have great puzzles that result in custom prizes and direct links to sources for things like the skull, the door knocker, etc.
I'm obsessed with this show. What a great post!
How about those ornate curtains in the old series from the 80's? Anyone recall them? I would love to know if there's a term or name for that style of fabric pattern.
I've sort of become obsessed with the LC3 chair since watching the first series of Sherlock.
I LOVE this show!! I kind of want Irene Adler's living room too.
Personally I want to know what the layout of their flat is. i can never figure it out and it just annoys me for some reason.
Hi! unfortunately that's how most of all feel too! sadly, 3 episodes for each Season are what they have for the time being. Season 3 will be shot and aired sometimes in 2013!
P-impin'!