Ellen Christiansen is a set decorator currently based in the New York City area. Ellen’s love for set decorating was fostered through her mother who had a strong affinity for the world of art and design. Growing up in Connecticut, Ellen and her mother would take frequent trips to visit various museums in New York City.
After graduating Tufts University with a BA in Classics and Drama, Ellen moved to New York City where she got her first break working as the art director and decorator on a low budget film.
After a few years of working in advertising as a prop and set decorator, Ellen decided to advance her career as a set decorator by attending The New York School of Interior Design. Ellen completed the New York School of Interior Design certificate program where she studied historical styles, color theory, drafting and sketching, and other useful set decorating skills.
Ellen has since then grown her career as a set decorator tremendously and has worked alongside some of the best production designers and directors in the industry. Ellen has worked on many productions set in various time periods and she is currently thrilled to be decorating the hit show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Set Decorator: Ellen Christiansen
Q+A with Ellen Christiansen
Q.
First investment piece of furniture you purchased?
A.
An American Empire secretary found in Hudson, NY. It’s my home office! In the drawer with the key I discovered a daguerreotype of the young girl it was made for.
Q.
If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
A.
Learn a language.
Q.
Best way to relax/decompress?
A.
Spending time with my husband.
Q.
How did you get started in this field?
A.
After college, I came across a high school friend working on a low budget feature. She hired me and I ended up being the designer, art director and decorator! The UPM on that project then asked me to be the in house prop/decorator for Steve Steigman and Steve Bronstein at Big City Productions. Most of the crew who worked there were young and new to the business, we had a wonderful group dynamic and learned our trades on the job. That led to connecting with and having the opportunity to work for outstanding set decorators Debra Schutt and Susan Bode-Tyson.
These talented ladies taught me so much, I am eternally grateful. Hopefully some of the lessons are being passed along to the younger set decorators I have had the privilege to have work for me!
Q.
What’s the best thing about shopping in person?
A.
First of all, it’s more fun! Serendipitous discoveries which lead you down a different path. And being able to see the colors and wood tones, which can be hard to evaluate on the computer screen
Q.
What is your most memorable career moment so far?
A.
Winning the Emmy for Mildred Pierce.
Q.
Dream country to work in? Or dream project to take on.
A.
I would welcome the opportunity to work on a project set in the future.
Q.
What modern design trend makes you cringe?
A.
Grey everything
Q.
Describe your childhood bedroom?
A.
Yellow walls, green print bedspreads, circular shag rug. Lots of stuffed animals.
Q.
How would you define your work in three words?
A.
Colorful, illustrative, detailed.
Q.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A.
A lawyer… Then at Tufts I got involved with the theater department and discovered that storytelling and the creative collaboration during production were more fulfilling.
Q.
Worst fad you participated in?
A.
Day-glo clothing in the 80’s.
