Designers Created Stylish Home Set for New Interview Series
The host of the new series Better in Person transformed his home into a professional clubhouse studio.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Interior Decorating
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Stephen Dubner has launched a new video interview series titled Better in Person, featuring a set designed by Charlap Hyman & Herrero within his own Manhattan apartment. The space was curated to serve as a functional clubhouse for the production.
Why it matters
Dubner developed this set as a creative solution for filming during an apartment renovation, aiming for an intimate clubhouse atmosphere rather than a traditional, performative interview aesthetic.
The set production spanned 5 or 6 weeks and features a mix of in-stock furniture, custom pieces, and existing items. Notably, the design includes a trompe l'oeil screen sourced from Los Angeles and chairs by Milo Baughman.
The players
Stephen Dubner
The author and podcast host known for the Freakonomics series who is producing Better in Person in his own home.
Charlap Hyman & Herrero
An architecture and design firm that curated the interior set for the new video interview project.
Bjarke Ingels
A prominent architect who appears as a guest in the second episode of the new interview series.
The details
Designers achieved lighting control by using a blackout curtain printed with a photographic window image, blending practicality with style. The set incorporates a mix of personal items owned by the host and new furniture to create a clubhouse feel. This layout allows for filming in a domestic setting while maintaining a consistent visual aesthetic for the video series.
Timeline
2005: Freakonomics book published.
2010: Freakonomics podcast launched.
October 2, 2026: Architect Bjarke Ingels turns 52.
The Home Front
This project reflects the broader trend of creators converting domestic spaces into professional-grade production environments. It illustrates how homeowners are increasingly blending residential design with studio-level functionality to suit evolving remote work and content creation needs.
If you are planning to film content at home, consider using blackout curtains to manage natural light during the day. Curating a mix of existing and custom items can help your space feel like a professional studio without sacrificing the personal warmth of a home.
The takeaway
Using clever visual tricks like trompe l'oeil screens can help transform any room into a high-end production space. You can easily replicate this look by choosing statement furniture pieces that define the purpose of a room for your own home projects.
Further reading
Explore more expert advice on Interior Decorating for your home office.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Architect’s Newspaper.
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