Under the influence of his history
Keepsakes and homey decor help Derek Waters stay close to his past.
Although Derek Waters has lived in Los Angeles for 17 years, his love for his home state of Maryland is present throughout his Toluca Lake home.
Crab-themed decor surrounds the white bench under his living room bay window, including a crab pillow — from his brother and sister-in-law — boasting the Maryland state flag.
“I’ve had crabs since I was a kid. Maryland crabs,” said the co-creator and host of Comedy Central’s “Drunk History.” “I love where I live, but I also love where I came from, so I like to combine those things.”
Other nautical elements, such as the fish tank equipped with “trippy” LED lights, create a transportive space that helps Waters relax.
“When I come home from work and put on my Acorn slippers, pull the chair out in front of the TV, put the ottoman out and kick my feet up, I’m in the Caribbean,” he said.
The space is characterized by a prominent, wooden spiral staircase leading to the master bedroom and features collectibles, such as a miniature couch from the movie “Team America” and a large print of Johnny Cash above the couch.
“The Drunk History Christmas Special” will air on Comedy Central on Tuesday.
Why is this your favorite room?
My favorite thing in life is people, and I love having people over in here. It’s nice to have a room that’s not just my room — it’s everyone’s room.
And the spiral staircase felt like a treehouse. So my favorite room is the trunk of the tree.
What’s your design philosophy?
Cozy, safe and warm. I only wanna live in places that feel like home the moment you walk in.
Do you have a favorite piece?
My Chris Farley painting of his “Saturday Night Live” character Matt Foley. Farley was my reason for wanting to do comedy. When I was growing up, I would tape “Saturday Night Live,” and my family would watch it on Sunday after church. When he died, I decided to leave Baltimore and come out to L.A. He’s always been a guardian angel to me.
Did you decorate this room yourself?
I did. I just had [actor and comedian] Bob Odenkirk over and asked him if he liked the house. He said, “Yeah! When you first come in, your focal point goes right to the fish tank.” I’m not great at decorating, so when you have people complimenting you on anything in your house, it feels good.
That is a nice fish tank. Do you have a favorite fish?
No, but I have a least favorite. The biggest one always steals the food from the rest. But she’s getting to know me better. I know everyone talks about their fish being the greatest, but my fish are. They move when I move; it’s really weird. Their whole life is “When am I going to get fed?”
Besides the crabs, any other keepsakes that remind you of home?
The “It Is What It Is” sign. My grandfather would always say that. No matter what you do in life, everything seems crazier than it really is.
It’s reminding yourself that it’s OK. My grandfather will always be my ultimate hero.