AUSTIN -- Over the past 15 seasons, each camera-laden home on MTV's "The Real World" has become as much of a character as the seven strangers picked to live within it.
For the sweet 16 season in Austin premiering June 21, MTV and Bunim-Murray Productions hired native interior designer Joel Mozersky to transform an old warehouse into a reality TV domicile.
"I got the job basically six weeks ago," Mozersky said in January during a tour of the house the day before the roomies were due to arrive. "I had full concept in a week. I had to present to the president of the company in a week. Construction has been three and a half weeks from rough space to this. So it's been quick."
But it doesn't show. Mozersky filled the space with Texas kitsch, art from friends, Italian furniture and a pool. Mozersky used "Real World" stature to expeditiously furnish the space.
"It carries a lot of weight when I call and say I'm with 'The Real World,' " Mozersky said. "I get a lot more than I would if I just called and said, 'Hey I'm working on this project.' That clout helps balance out the need for immediate gratification."
· Foyer. When the seven strangers enter their abode, they'll be greeted by an 18-foot tall neon cowboy named "Big Tex" (because he's holding a sign that says so). "When they walk in, I want them to feel like 'Welcome to Texas!' and I don't think I could've said it any better than that," said Mozersky.
As they moo-ve further into the warehouse, they'll notice an assemblage of vintage cowbells on the left wall.
· Living room. A sleek vintage vinyl couch, lava stone coffee table and mod seats adorn the small living area. Two plastic bubble chairs hang above a white flokati shag rug.
"I used the bubble chairs because I think they're a really fun chair," said Mozersky. "They can hold like two people. I don't know the exact weight requirement, but they can hold at least 300 pounds."
· Kitchen. It might be hard to cook in a kitchen this loud. The walls are pink, the cabinets are red and a tree trunk with an island atop it sprouts up in the center. At least the stainless steel fridge is calming. It's loaded with organic goods.
"I think red and pink together create a lot of energy as opposed to having flat wood," said Mozersky. "It'll make you stop changing the channel."
· Pool. There's a small pool in the center of the warehouse, carved out of indigenous leuter stone.
