It pains me to even think about it, but tonight the series finale of "How I Met Your Mother" will air. Take a moment to shed a silent tear. I figured what better way to say goodbye to one of the best comedies of all-time (if you've never watched, do yourself a favor and do so immediately) than to take a look back on its sets. There doesn't appear to be any official photo documentation of the HIMYM sets on the internet, so pardon the mish-mash of photos; I did what I could. I'll start off with a floor plan of Ted Mosby's apartment, courtesy of the very talented Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde, whom I have to thank for the creation of great-looking floor plans for several of my favorite TV shows.

Great rendering, isn't it? (Head to Lizarralde's Etsy page to purchase this and other TV favorite floor plans!) Ted's apartment is a fairly realistic depiction of a Manhattan apartment, which I can always appreciate in a show, and it served as the hub of many of the show's plotlines and shenanigans--and it even served as home for much of the cast at some point during the nine seasons.

Via www.how-i-met-your-mother.wikia.com/ — Via www.how-i-met-your-mother.wikia.com/

And here is Ted's apartment in 3D, in all its messy glory. The couch was the epicenter of the apartment, and while I could never compare it to the iconic couches of "The Simpsons" or "Friends," it has played a pivotal role in the show and became a trademark of the apartment. The messy environs are befitting of Ted's somewhat complicated, messy--but always hopeful--romantic life. Ted later briefly moves to a upscale apartment (below), but it retains many of the same elements as his original place.

Ted's new apartment keeps a similar layout as his old place, just, well, nicer. There's still the brick wall with a fireplace behind the seating area, but with the additional of a staircase. The column adds a wonderful architectural element that Ted, an architect by trade, would likely have been very drawn to. I think it was a great mix of old Ted and successful architect Ted.

Pardon the grainy photo, but this seemed the most fitting picture to show of oddly nerdy womanizer Barney Stinson's apartment. Being the iconic bachelor, his apartment is appropriately decorated in a dark color palette of black leather, chrome, and mood lighting. One of his most prized possessions--and one of the only "decorative accessories" in his living room--is his full-size replica of a Star Wars Storm Trooper, proudly displayed in a corner of his living room. This room is, simply put, an interior designer's nightmare.

Ah, the Farhampton Inn, the focal point of the show's final season. Supremely elegant, incredibly scenic, and chock full of traditional American design. It's a great backdrop to this last season, and a lovely spot for the long-awaited wedding. There's lots of great nautical, old-school east coast touches throughout, and feels like a step back in time. Perhaps the best part is that the Farhampton Inn is REAL (sort of), and I fully intend of staying at the Castle Hill Inn when I make my way to Newport, Rhode Island for a tour of the Newport mansions. (A trip, which, I'd very much like to take, in case anyone's keeping track.)

And the best for last: the infamous blue french horn that catapulted Ted and Robin's relationship. It made its debut in the premiere episode, yet remains one of the most iconic and memorable pieces of the show. And whoever chose that shade of blue just got it perfectly right.

So here's to one of my favorite shows of the past decade: you've made me laugh, cry, and spontaneously sing "Let's Go to the Mall." You're one of the best crafted and smartly written shows on television today, and you've graced the television with one of the most entertaining cast ensembles ever assembled for a comedy. Thank you cast, crew, and everyone involved with HIMYM. You'll be missed.

A Farewell to the Set of "How I Met Your Mother"