When it comes to iconic TV homes, few can compare to the beloved Brady Bunch house. From the bright orange and green exterior to the shag carpeting and avocado appliances inside, this house has become a cultural touchstone for generations of fans. Let’s take a closer look at the history and enduring appeal of the Brady Bunch house.
A Brief History of the Brady Bunch House
The Brady Bunch first aired in 1969 and quickly became a hit with audiences of all ages. The show followed the daily lives of the Brady family, a stepfamily consisting of parents Mike and Carol Brady and their six children. Unlike most TV families at the time, the Bradys had a house that was both modern and spacious, with a unique layout that included a staircase in the living room and a shared bathroom for all six kids.
The Brady Bunch house, located at 11222 Dilling Street in North Hollywood, California, was used for exterior shots throughout the series’ five-year run. In reality, the inside of the house was never used for filming – instead, a set was built on a soundstage in nearby Studio City. However, the iconic exterior of the house became so synonymous with the show that it has remained a cultural landmark long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Inside the Brady Bunch House
While the interior of the actual Brady Bunch house was never seen on TV, fans have long been fascinated by its unique layout and colorful decor. In 2018, HGTV purchased the house for $3.5 million with plans to renovate it and bring the iconic Brady Bunch look to life.
The HGTV team worked tirelessly to restore the house to its original 1970s glory, including recreating the famous avocado-green kitchen and shag-carpeted bedrooms. Fans were overjoyed to see the house’s exterior matched the beloved Brady home they had grown up watching.
The Brady Bunch House in Popular Culture
The Brady Bunch house has become a fixture in popular culture, appearing in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials over the decades. The house has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects as a prime example of mid-century architecture, and has even been used in real estate listings as a selling point.
One of the most famous depictions of the Brady Bunch house was in the 1995 comedy film The Brady Bunch Movie. In the film, the Brady family is transported from the 1970s to the present day, but their old-fashioned values and groovy style clash with the modern world. The movie’s set designers meticulously recreated the interior of the Brady house from the show, from the wood paneling to the plaid couches.
Another notable homage to the Brady Bunch house came in 2018 with the release of the music video for Ariana Grande’s hit song “thank u, next.” In the video, Grande and her backup dancers donned 1970s-style outfits and danced through a recreation of the Brady house, complete with costumes and set pieces that were spot-on replicas of the show.
The Future of the Brady Bunch House
Since its renovation by HGTV, the Brady Bunch house has become a popular tourist destination, with fans flocking from all over the world to get a glimpse of the iconic home. In addition, the house has been used as a filming location for several HGTV shows, including A Very Brady Renovation, which chronicled the house’s renovation process.
While the Brady Bunch house may never be used as a full-time residence again, its enduring appeal ensures that it will remain a cultural touchstone for generations to come. Whether you grew up watching the show or discovered it later in life, there’s no denying the iconic status of the Brady Bunch house.
Conclusion
The Brady Bunch house has become much more than just a TV set – it’s a symbol of a simpler time, a cultural landmark, and an enduring reminder of the joys of family and togetherness. Thanks to the hard work of HGTV and the enduring popularity of the show, the Brady Bunch house is sure to remain a beloved icon for years to come.
