Cougar Town: Season 2, Episode 1. “All Mixed Up”

Production Designer: Gary Warshaw

Set Decorator: Archie D’Amico

Sometimes a space is meant to be an expression of one’s true soul. At other times, it is merely meant to project an image. In the season premiere of “Cougar Town”, the office of Jules’ (Courteney Cox) new therapist Glenn (Jennifer Aniston) aspires to be the former, only it’s determined by the end of the episode that her anger management issues prevent her achieving the type of zen so carefully orchestrated in her work atmosphere.

Jules (Courteney Cox) in "Cougar Town"

SUCK IT! Sorry, but when Glenn tells Ellie (Christa Miller) what she wrote on the note she left in a fender bender I kind of adopted that phrase in my vocabulary. It’s very therapeutic to shout it in an empty room for both frustration and amusement.

So here is what I see as the idea behind this place of therapy. Glenn declares herself to be an “empath” and her office is meant to convey a womb-like environment with Glenn holding court as Mother Nature. Global touches are spread throughout for Glenn and the patient to feel connected with the entire human race, and especially our ancient ancestors. I never thought I’d ever write the words “How to Have a Hippie Home Office” and have it actually make sense, but I could see elements of this style being used to create a meditation space.

Glenn (Jennifer Aniston) in "Cougar Town"

As set decorators tend to find their furniture at a rental warehouse, it’s nearly impossible to copy this set entirely. However, there are a lot of retailers who carry items in this earthy, eclectic style.  If you like this look, here are some suggestions as to how to achieve it.

(I love Photoshop. It allows me to put all of these items together and make it look like one pic.)

1. Moorish Chest from Wisteria. Not an exact match, but provides a global element to the room, as Glenn likes to look like she's traveled the world to gain so much wisdom.

2. Brentwood Sofa in Ashford Paisley from Ballard Design. It's important to choose a sofa without cushions on the back, since to create the eclectic look seen here the cushions will be a contrasting style. More on that later.

3. Eames Lounge Chair from Design Within Reach. This is a mid-century classic that's comfortable and works within most environments. Well worth the investment.

4. Andorra Window Panels from Pier 1. Hurry! They're on clearance for $19.88 each!

5. Nash Glass Cocktail Table from Room and Board. I would suggest the ebony finish to hearken back to the chest.

6. Jacquard Pillow from Urban Outfitters. This is merely one example. When looking online use keyword searches such as "Jacquard", "Ikat", and "Kilim" for Glenn's southwestern accents. "Hand-blocked" pillows are in the same family look-wise but I find that the quality is not as great. UPDATE 9/29/10: found this gem in my searches from Crate & Barrel.Works like a charm.

As for paint, keep it simple. Navajo White is a standard color for most paint manufacturers and works with everything you see here. Then, all you have to do is enjoy the honeysuckle.