A Conversation with Kathy Curtis Cahill, SDSA, set decorator of Judging Amy

homestore.com - January 2000

By interior designer and lecturer Rosanne Sachson

Set decorator Kathy Curtis Cahill puts authenticity above all else when she's working on "Judging Amy."

Executive producer and star Amy Brenneman insists that every detail be true-to-life -- from the facades of the stores and coffeehouses to the furnishings and collections in the 1950s-era home in which her character lives.

Cahill lights the set with realism and creativity. No sterile track lighting will do. "I wanted each room to have individual character," she says. "These decorative lampshades seemed like a great way to do that."

Her previous projects include the features "Men at Work," "Pump Up the Volume" and "Volcano." Her television credits include five "Alien Nation" movies of the week and a few sitcoms.

Q. How did you select the furnishings for the house?

A. The heart of the house is the family room. The family does all their living in the family room and kitchen. In New England, living and dining rooms are formal and only used when someone comes to pay a call of respect after a death.

Q. What are some of the collections in the family room?

A. Well, the family room has a nautical theme, for example. The character Amy's late father was a collector of sailing objects. The sconces and the wallpaper depict the theme, and several objects on the bookcases and in the art collection keep his memory alive.

Q. This red ribbon lampshade is great. Did you make it?

A. The shade is fun, isn't it? I found it at Lamps Plus, along with the blue wood candlestick. I thought it was perfect for a little girl's room. In fact, I found all of the shades at Lamp Plus. They also have great paper shades with pressed flowers and leaves.

Q. What about the about the lamp with the ceramic chair?

A. I found the lamp base ready-made with the teapot in the shape of a chair. I added the fluted shade to give it a warm look. I like to French mount objects. That way the piece can keep its integrity and be a focal point at the same time. Most lamp stores will make a base for an object and wire it appropriately.

Q. Is the airplane parchment shade old?

A. No, but the lamp base is old. The theme works for Amy's brother, who likes airplanes. I never let a bad lampshade keep me from buying a lamp. Just a change of the harp gives a lamp a whole new look.

Q: Why did you use Mission style lamps in the judge's chambers?

A: They work perfectly for the New England setting. The courthouse was built before recessed lighting and track lights were used, so I wanted a floor lamp next to a chair for reading. An adjustable arm desk lamp and lamps for the side tables by the sofa complete the look.

Rosanne Sachson is a Certified Interior Designer whose Los Angeles-based studio offers a complete range of interior design services. She is a lecturer and an active community volunteer.


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