Set in a San Francisco retirement home, the Netflix TV comedy-drama “A Man on the Inside” follows Charles (Ted Danson), a retired professor posing as a resident to investigate a string of thefts. The series, created by the celebrated producer of “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” Michael Schur, is notable from a wallpaper design perspective, since every element of the production design was meticulously crafted to serve as a vital thread in the intricate tapestry of the narrative. From the cheerful vibrancy of Gladys’ fabric-filled apartment to the muted institutional tones of Charles’ undercover room, the wallpapers in the series function as a silent storyteller, subtly reflecting the characters’ inner lives, the dynamics of the Pacific View Retirement Community, and the broader themes of aging, connection, and reinvention.
Through its wallpapers, the series challenges stereotypes about retirement living; instead of presenting Pacific View as a place of decline, it depicts it as a hub of creativity, social connection, and emotional growth. The thoughtful integration of patterns, textures, and colours mirrors the residents’ rich histories, making the wallpapers an integral part of the show’s narrative and aesthetic.
Unpacking the story through the wallpapers of the Pacific View community
Production designer Ian Phillips and set decorator Kim Wannop set out to challenge the typical perception of retirement homes as sad, sterile environments, envisioning instead a vibrant, inviting space. Their goal was to create a place that felt more like a home, a place where life continues to flourish rather than fade.
Corridors and connecting spaces
Frequently depicted throughout the 8 episodes, the corridors in “A Man on the Inside” are more than just transitional spaces; they’re carefully designed to reflect the delicate balance between the institutional nature of the Pacific View Retirement Community and the warm, welcoming environment it aspires to be.
This is mainly achieved by an abundant use of a wallpaper featuring classic vertical stripes in soft blue and cream tones. The light blue brings tranquillity and calm, while the cream adds warmth, ensuring the space feels inviting rather than sterile.
The stripes also serve a functional purpose, guiding the eye along the hallway and creating visual continuity. Paired with white wainscoting and trim, the design feels structured yet refined, breaking up the walls while adding a touch of sophistication. Subtle texture within the wallpaper prevents flatness under the warm lighting, enhancing the overall homely feel.
By blending functionality with elegance, the corridor wallpaper plays a quiet but crucial role in setting the tone of the show, a good example of how even the smallest details in production design can reflect and amplify the heart of a narrative.
Breakfast and dining room
As is to be expected, the breakfast and dining rooms are hubs of interaction where relationships are built and many of the storyline development unfolds. Interestingly, several different wallpapers define the aesthetic of this area, playing a quiet yet powerful role in determining the atmosphere. Featuring a delicate botanical motif of branches and leaves on a soft green background, the first model picked by the designers evokes a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature.
The understated design allows the walls to serve as a calm backdrop, while floral upholstery and gingham tablecloths add warmth and personality, striking a balance between elegance and familiarity.
The second wallpaper offers a subtle shift in tone and style: featuring a deep slate blue base with a faint, delicate botanical motif, it brings an understated sophistication to the space. The fine detailing of the pattern (soft, symmetrical sprigs) creates a sense of quiet charm without overwhelming the eye.
While the breakfast and dining rooms are designed to encourage interactions, this particular wallpaper choice subtly emphasises the quieter, more meaningful exchanges that often occur in these spaces.
The third wallpaper in this room, featuring a geometric pattern of interlocking circles and squares in soft grey against a pale blue background, is a striking choice. This wallpaper serves as an architectural tool within the communal space, helping to subtly delineate the various different zones in the otherwise open-plan room.
By introducing a more structured and intricate design, it creates a sense of visual variety and rhythm, breaking up the expanse of the room into more intimate and purposeful areas. From a design perspective, the choice of this geometric pattern is both practical and symbolic, as geometric motifs are known for their ability to add depth and interest to a space without overwhelming it.
The repetitive, clean lines create a sense of order and continuity, which is particularly effective in a room designed to accommodate multiple functions, such as dining, socialising, and small-group activities. The muted colour palette harmonises with the surrounding décor, ensuring the wallpaper enhances rather than competes with other design elements.
Lounge and meeting area
Also in this area, a wallpaper is introduced to establish a welcoming yet slightly sophisticated tone, perfect for spaces designed for group interactions. The walls are adorned with a patterned wallpaper in a trellis-like design, featuring soft blue tones and white interlocking shapes.
This choice not only adds a sense of rhythm and structure to the room but also evokes a classic and somewhat coastal aesthetic, complementing the retirement community's location in San Francisco. The soft blue hue of the wallpaper provides a calming backdrop for the activities that take place here, creating a sense of relaxation that encourages residents to linger and engage.
The trellis design with its symmetrical and flowing lines introduces a subtle layer of elegance and order to the space, providing a sense of balance between formality and approachability.
Whether hosting casual gatherings, competitive board games, or group discussions, the trellis pattern maintains visual interest without overwhelming the space. It complements other design elements, such as the curated décor items on display shelves, vibrant upholstery accents, and elegant light fixtures, which all work together to bring warmth and a personal touch to the environment.
Beatrice’s office and activity area
As the activity director of Pacific View, Beatrice’s task is to create an energetic and engaging atmosphere for the residents, and her surroundings reflect this. The wallpapers in her office, which doubles as the activity room, seamlessly blend the functional with the inspirational.
The walls are primarily adorned with a wallpaper model featuring soft vertical stripes in muted shades of blue and grey, creating a sense of calm professionalism. These soft tones allow the room to feel welcoming, making it equally suitable for brainstorming new events and hosting intimate planning meetings.
However, the design doesn’t stop there. In key sections of the room, bold, abstract wallpaper panels break up the more subdued stripe pattern, adding a touch of vibrancy.
These striking designs, reminiscent of foliage rendered through an artistic collage, are designed to inject a sense of creativity into the room. Whether residents are attending painting workshops, crafting sessions, or casual social events, these wallpaper panels subtly stimulate the imagination and encourage creative expression.
The Neighborhood
In this carefully thought-out space for residents with memory issues, another wallpaper takes centre stage as the defining design element. With its soft pink background and delicate white floral pattern, the cherry blossom-inspired model exudes a calming yet uplifting vibe.
The choice of pink, a warm and non-intimidating colour, creates a nurturing atmosphere, which is particularly significant for individuals in this setting. The cherry blossoms, with their symbolic connection to renewal and the beauty of life, seem to subtly evoke a sense of peace, aligning with the goal of making the space feel more like a home and less like a clinical facility.
In terms of functionality, the wallpaper also assists in wayfinding and spatial recognition as the unique design elements, such as the floral branches, act as gentle visual cues. This ties into the broader philosophy of “The Neighborhood”, where every detail, from room layouts to wall art, is curated to foster a sense of familiarity and reduce disorientation.
How can I replicate the designs of “A Man of the Inside” in my own home?
Here are some ideas and tips if you are you feel inspired by the design choices in the series and want to replicate the upscale look of Pacific View in your home.
Connecting spaces wallpaper
Striking a perfect balance between elegance, warmth, and practicality, the connecting spaces in the “Pacific View” residence are welcoming and carefully curated, with soft colours, well-placed lighting, and subtle decorative details. To recreate this look, start with lighting: wall sconces with frosted glass shades or brass finishes bring both functionality and sophistication. Use warm white LED bulbs to create a cosy, inviting glow, and ensure the fixtures are spaced evenly for balanced and seamless illumination. For the flooring, neutral-toned carpets can act as a versatile base. Add a personal touch with framed artwork or photographs to break up the expanse of the walls while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. In wider corridor sections, narrow console tables or benches are perfect to provide a place to rest or display small decorative items, such as potted plants or vases. Keep these pieces minimal and unobtrusive to maintain clear pathways and accessibility.
Lounge
Exuding a sense of warmth and sophistication, the lounge is an appealing place designed to encourage relaxation and interaction while simultaneously providing an air of refinement. To recreate this vibe in your own home, focus on combining elegant wallpaper, carefully placed lighting, and timeless furniture. Lighting is key to creating a cosy and functional lounge atmosphere: use a mix of ambient and task lighting, such as table lamps with fabric shades for a soft glow and discreet overhead fixtures to highlight focal points like bookshelves or a seating area. A mix of upholstered armchairs and a leather sofa are the perfect solution to provide both texture and visual contrast. Consider pairing them with a wooden game or coffee table and incorporate a bookshelf or built-in shelving to display books and decorative accents, creating a space that feels both personal and functional. Add suitable decorative elements, such as vases, framed artwork, or small sculptures, to infuse the room with character.
San Francisco’s quiet elegance: customer project inspired by the aesthetic of “A Man on the Inside”
Discover how our customers have brought the sophisticated aesthetics of “A Man on the Inside” into their homes. Find inspiration and see how you can infuse the show's captivating décor into your own living space!