Architectural salvage features in 'The Boys in the Band', a new Netflix LGBTQ Drama, set in a 1968 New York apartment. A surprise guest turns up during a birthday party and a drunken game leaves seven gay friends reckoning with unspoken feelings and buried truths. Starring Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto and Matt Bomer it makes a fascinating watch.
 
Originally a Broadway play, the film takes place mainly in a New York City apartment. Set designer, Judy Becker and set decorator, Gene Serdena felt this made the apartment itself more akin to a character in the film. It conveys to the audience Michael's, the main character's, story. His 'historical evolution' is on show. Judy inspired by real apartment designs from the era chose to feature an antique spiral staircase. It was supplied by an architectural salvage store in NYC and shipped to the Netflix soundstage in Los Angeles. The apartment building itself is red brick with a reclaimed wood lined balcony and stained glass window. The inside decor creates an eclectic yet personal sanctuary with a mix of antique and vintage items such as lamps, chandeliers, marble fireplace, plant pedestal, collectibles, soft furnishings and upright piano. Featured too is old fashioned technology with a vintage record player, television and of course the dial up landline telephone. The phone plays a central role in the film and brings to mind that old warning, 'don't drink and dial.'
 
Remember you can create your own story with unique pieces of architectural salvage or even your own spiral staircase sourced from salvoweb.com, Salvo the worldwide online marketplace and dealer directory.