Photo credit: www.architecturaldigest.com
Patriarch preacher Eli Gemstone, portrayed by John Goodman, has cultivated a significant religious empire akin to that of Joel Osteen alongside his late wife, Aimee-Leigh. Their lavish estate blends traditional architecture with ostentatious features, including a striking gold front door and a memorial garden. Design elements draw inspiration from various sources, including notable megachurch couples like Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and Jimmy and Frances Swaggart, indicating a deliberate effort to embody the characteristics of “new money” aesthetics, as noted by set decorator Patrick Cassidy.
Jesse Gemstone’s House
On the family’s expansive South Carolina property, Eli’s three children have created their own distinctive residences, each showcasing the show’s uniquely over-the-top design. Jesse Gemstone, played by Danny McBride, is the eldest son and harbors ambitions of succeeding his father as the congregation’s leader. This ambition is reflected in the extravagant design of his home, which is intended to convey a sense of power and authority.
Production designer Richard Wright explains, “Jesse desires recognition and often questions why he isn’t in charge. He’s clearly poised to take the reins.” Jesse’s residence draws elements from his father’s style while incorporating modern updates. Wright describes the exterior as a remarkable McMansion filled with quirky architectural details that provoke curiosity about their purpose.
Inside, the home boasts an elaborate array of decor intended to communicate wealth rather than sophistication, marking a distinctive portrayal of contemporary excess.
Judy Gemstone’s House
The aesthetic of Judy Gemstone’s home, played by Edi Patterson, presents a cohesive yet intentionally unrefined vision. According to Cassidy, Judy embodies the “angriest little rich girl” archetype and exudes an ultra-feminine style characterized by abundant pinks and icy blues. Among the home’s eccentric features are throw pillows adorned with glamor shots of Judy and her husband, BJ, alongside striking taxidermy arranged in dynamic poses.
Perhaps the most audacious decoration is a prominent painting depicting Judy and BJ as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden—nude and cleverly positioned with the forbidden fruit. This provocative artwork serves as both a bold statement and an example of the couple’s extravagant lifestyle, adding an unexpected layer of blasphemy to the overall decor.
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com