Mad Men Style: Bert Cooper’s Office

Bert Cooper's Office

In this week’s Mad Men episode, “The Arrangements,” we got to spend some time in Bert Cooper’s office. His is one of the few offices that really showcases his interests (unless you count Roger Sterling’s fully-stocked bar). Bert’s love of Asian art and culture is immediately apparent in the room—he even asks his employees to remove their shoes before entering. This eclectic mix could easily translate to a modern-day office, or even a living room. Here’s how you can get the look:

Mark Rothko's Number 12 painting

The focal point of the room is that much-debated Rothko Bert bought in the first season. To me, it looks similar to Number 12, 1951. Poster prints of this painting are available on a number of sites, including art.com, where it’s under $20.

For a more realistic look, go for a print on canvas. Sites like globalgallery.com, where this piece is currently on sale for $290, specialize in the process. Or if you’re more of DIYer, head to an art supply store, pick up a canvas and some paints, and take a stab at abstract expressionism. Just don’t try to pass it off as a Rothko.

Another decorative element that sets Bert’s office apart is that great textured grasscloth wallpaper. It has a woven look, almost like fabric, but it looks a whole lot classier than the fabric-covered walls of your typical cubicle.

Norwall Grasscloth Wallpaper

Above: an affordable vinyl version available at some Lowe’s stores. Desert Sands 3 Collection, #HW26140. $38 for a 55 sq. ft. roll.

Dong Sung Trading Company Wallpaper

Here’s another option from York Wallcoverings—they don’t list prices on their site, but I promise to call my local Janovic tomorrow to see how much a roll of this would set you back. It’s from the Wild Orchid Collection, #RL6448. You can find a local retailer that carries it on their website, yorkwall.com.

And how gorgeous is that decorative painted Japanese screen? I bet Bert incurred some major shipping charges getting his souvenir home, but this version below, available at modabode.com, costs just a little over $150 AND there’s free shipping. Two of my favorite words in the English language.

Japanese Brush Art Design Shoji Screen

Also worth noting: the wonderful muted color scheme. I love the orange creamsicle-colored sofa accented with aqua button-tufted pillows. Similar throw pillows are available on smithandnoble.com in a variety of fabrics.

Get the Look: Mad Men Style

The Drapers' luxe headboard

Every Sunday night, I’m transported back in time by AMC’s Mad Men. I’m drawn in by the dramatic plots and fascinating characters, but it’s the look of this show that really leaves me spellbound. (I know I’m not alone—I dressed up as Betty for Halloween last year and saw plenty of other Draper wannabes.) While most people notice the ladylike fashions, as a design buff, I can’t help but moon over those mid-century modern sets. From Sterling Cooper’s Madison Avenue offices to the Drapers’ suburban New York home, they’re spot-on. If you’re like me, you covet the sofas, bar cabinets, and consoles, and wonder where you can find similar ones. Wonder no more. Inspired by my friend Kendra, who showcases clothing with a decidedly mod twist every “Mad Men Monday” on her Budget Retro blog, I’m starting a weekly feature to show you where to find inexpensive takes on those stylish 1960s designs.

The first thing thing that comes to mind when I picture the Drapers’ home is that turquoise blue velvet button-tufted headboard. Maybe it’s because I have a similar one on my bed—though in a not-quite-as-luxurious aqua shade—from Urban Outfitters. Here are some other options at affordable prices:

Ballard Camden Tufted Headboard

Ballard Designs’ Camden Tufted Headboard, shown here in Danish Linen Sky, nails the basic shape, but (bummer) they don’t offer it in blue velvet. What’s great about Ballard is that you’re not limited to their fabric selection—you can send in your own and they’ll create a custom piece for you. So keep your eyes peeled at local fabric stores for that perfect shade of turquoise velvet.

$413 for full size (queen is just $30 more), ballarddesigns.com

Urban Outfitters Daupine headboard

Urban Outfitter’s Dauphine Velvet Headboard comes in one size that fits both full and queen size beds. This aqua color isn’t as lovely as the original’s vivid turquoise, but has the same feel at a super-low price.

$325, urbanoutfitters.com

Home Decorators Ava Velvet-Tufted Headboard

The Ava Velvet-Tufted Headboard looks very similar to the UO version, but it’s got more buttons, AND it comes in every size, from twin on up to california king.

$429-$529, homedecorators.com

Hancock Park Bel Air Upholstered Headboard

Yep, it’s pricey, but to me this one looks most like the Drapers’ in color, style, and scale. The Hancock Park Bel Air Upholstered Headboard is from Lexington, a well-known furniture maker, and you can even get free shipping at this site.

$1,199 for queen, moreheadboards.com