After many years working on television sets as a production designer, I have learned that the behind the scenes world teaches you more than you expect. Television production is fast, unpredictable, and creative, and it depends heavily on organization, timing, and teamwork. What surprised me over time is how much those same principles help me run my own home and personal life. Today, I want to share how the lessons I have learned on set have shaped the way I create order, comfort, and flow in the spaces where I actually live.
Understanding the Purpose of a Space
Every set starts with one question. What is this space supposed to communicate? That question guides every design decision. It did not take long for me to realize that homes work the same way. A room should always reflect its purpose. Is it a place for relaxation, productivity, creativity, or connection?
When I began applying that mindset at home, everything became simpler. My kitchen became a place for gathering and cooking with intention. My living room became a space for conversation and entertainment. My bedroom became a space for rest. When each room has a purpose, it becomes much easier to organize it, decorate it, and use it in a way that supports daily life.
Planning for Movement and Flow
On set, flow is everything. Actors, crew members, cameras, lighting, and props all need to move without getting in each other’s way. You cannot have friction. You cannot have clutter blocking a scene. You cannot have poor spacing slowing everyone down. Proper flow keeps the entire production running smoothly.
At home, the same idea is just as important. I am always thinking about how people move through a space. If furniture placement makes a room feel tight or heavy, I adjust it. If a walkway is blocked, I clear it. If a kitchen counter has become a drop zone for clutter, I reorganize it. Good flow makes a home feel peaceful. It helps you breathe easier and navigate your day without stress or frustration.
Staying Organized Under Pressure
Television production can move very quickly. New scenes are added, props change, and sets need to be reset at a moment’s notice. Organization is not optional. You need systems, labels, schedules, and a team that knows exactly where everything is.
While home is not as chaotic as a production set, life still comes with its own version of pressure. Managing a family, projects, meals, and schedules requires real structure. Over the years, I have developed simple systems that transfer easily from set life to home life. I keep bins and baskets labeled. I maintain a weekly schedule that the entire family can see. I create stations for things like mail, keys, and school items. I also clean as I go, a rule that keeps both sets and homes from falling apart.
The more organized you are, the more freedom you have. When everything has a place, the entire house becomes easier to maintain.
Preparation Creates Confidence
On set, preparation is one of the most powerful tools you can have. You walk into each day prepared for the shots, the props, and the unexpected moments. Preparations do not eliminate surprises, but they make you confident enough to handle them.
At home, I find the same principle to be true. Planning meals ahead of time, prepping ingredients, laying out clothes, creating to do lists, and scheduling important tasks all bring peace to daily life. Preparation puts you in control. I never want my home life to feel stressful or rushed, and the best way to avoid that feeling is to prepare for the day before it arrives. It is the same lesson I learned long ago on set.
Teamwork Matters Everywhere
Production design is not a one person job. You work with directors, producers, decorators, builders, prop masters, and so many people whose skills bring a set to life. Good teamwork makes the entire set stronger.
Home life works the same way. I believe in sharing responsibilities, communicating clearly, and respecting what each person contributes. My family works as a team. We cook together, clean together, plan together, and celebrate together. No one should carry everything alone. A home functions best when everyone has a role and everyone feels valued.
Flexibility Is a Skill Worth Practicing
Television sets teach you flexibility whether you want it or not. A script can change five minutes before shooting. A prop can break. A scene can shift locations. You have to adjust on the spot.
At home, flexibility is just as valuable. Things will not always go as planned. Kids get sick, schedules shift, traffic slows you down, or a recipe goes wrong. Accepting that life has moving parts makes everything easier. I have learned to approach change with patience and creativity instead of frustration. Flexibility allows a home to stay calm and functional even when things feel unpredictable.
Bringing Creativity Into Everyday Life
One of the best parts of working on television is the constant creativity. You are always building, imagining, experimenting, and solving problems in new ways. When I bring that energy home, life feels richer. I enjoy decorating, rearranging, cooking new dishes for V’s Vittles and Vibes, and creating experiences for my family. Creativity keeps life exciting. It makes the home feel alive and full of personality.