Celebrity Style
See Inside 15+ Oscar-Worthy Hollywood Homes
Published on February 17, 2017
While Hollywood is known for its film industry, the architecture of the City of Angels is just as noteworthy. Being home to some of the most important structures from the 1920s through the 1950s, it’s an important part of America’s design history. A new book from The Monacelli Press, Hollywood Interiors: Style And Design In Los Angeles, shares a peek at some of the architectural homes of the rich and famous and shares what makes Los Angeles design so unique. In honor of awards season, we’re sharing a look inside these famous abodes with winning style.
In the house of an art-dealer client, designer Courtney Applebaum decided to let the modern furnishings and art collection complement the mid-century modern architecture. Still, the design allowed for some iconic pieces like the low-slung furniture seen here in the open plan living room.
With stunning views over the Los Angeles valley, it would have been foolish to try to compete with a flashy interior. Instead, architects Steven Shortridge and Andrew Benson kept the decor minimal while blending indoor and outdoor living — the perfect foil for the homeowners’ hosting duties. We can imagine an Oscars cocktail party would go over quite well here!
Nothing says classic Old Hollywood like a little bit of glitz and glamor. Linda Brettler brought this 1926 Spanish Revival mansion back to the glory days of old Hollywood through intensive restoration and design works.
The outside of the house is just as spectacular and has a definite Mediterranean flair. The custom Moorish tilework, fabric loggia and sunken bar impart a lively, festive vibe — perfect for a post-screening drink.
In this avid Hollywood art collector’s house, his collection of pieces had to factor into the design. The interior was based on a gallery and the look was achieved through a stark palette and strong architectural features, making it a true scene-stealer. The minimalist fireplace wall was custom-designed to hold a 1938 relief of Orpheus by Jean-René Debarre that was originally designed for a theater.
In the central living space of a house fit for Don Draper himself, the vibe is all luxury. The rotating brass and glass panels behind the sofa are a clever addition to close off space during an intimate gathering or to open it up during a larger bash.
While this Spanish Revival house has an illustrious design pedigree (it was designed in 1922 by revered designer Stiles O. Clements) its celebrity lineage might be just as impressive — former owners include actor Robert Pattinson and now-retired basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Reimagined by Commune for Jim Parsons, star of Big Bang Theory, the house is full of lively, modern pieces that pay homage to the home’s history.
In Jim’s dining room, the wine-colored walls and barrelled ceiling set the ambience for cozy candlelit dinners. Hits of shine — seen in the credenza and glossy tabletop — add depth and brightness.
When you’ve got an amazing collection of furniture, it’s best to let it shine. That was the reality of this home, owned by a Los Angeles vintage furniture dealer. Rather than competing with his collection, he painted almost every wall in the house a trendy, warm white — the perfect backdrop for iconic mid-century pieces.
At this oceanside home, the design is all about the location. Just below the main house, down a set of winding stairs set into the bluff, visitors come upon a sauna. The hillside was planted with lush and varied vegetation to create a steep and magical wall of plants. Because as the old Tinseltown adage goes: If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
Scale plays an important part in any room. With a dramatic ceiling and narrow proportions, an equally impressive old refectory table flanked by dark benches holds its own and keeps the space streamlined.
In this personal retreat, a decidedly light, feminine aesthetic took the lead — even in the master bathroom. The centrally placed tub, set under a bright skylight and whitewashed timbers, grounds the otherwise whimsical decor.
For Mark Haddawy, owner of the famous NYC vintage boutique Resurrection, only a historical house would do. Harpel House was built in 1956 by John Lautner and Mark restored the home to its former grandeur. The built-ins and clever use of diagonal lines in the architecture are what makes this house a Los Angeles classic.
Just because a house has history, doesn’t mean there’s no room for fun. Designer Trip Haenish kept a white envelope for the hilltop enclave, letting the quirky fixtures and art shine. Pops of red are seen throughout the house and unify the design.
If there was an Academy Award given out for Best Library, this one would surely win every time. From the breathtaking views to the wall of books to the comfy mid-century furnishings, this space gets our vote.
Celebrity design firm Nickey Kehoe are no strangers to Hollywood magic. They used some of that fairy dust to transform a traditional mock-Tudor home into a haven for their clients’ extensive mid-century design collection. Their effortless blend of styles shows that sometimes, no matter how far-fetched, dreams do come true.
For her outgoing and energetic client, designer Milinda Ritz imagined the house of a “hostess with the most-est,” and created a property that could handle parties of all sizes, which necessitated seating of all shapes and sizes. From a leather pouf to velvet and chrome tub chairs, there’s a spot for everyone.
For this project, the great Kelly Wearstler transformed the master closet into a jewel box. With gold leaf-covered wood panelling inset with antiqued mirrors and trimmed with antique brass, the room glows with light. There’s a reason she’s the go-to for showstopping glamor!
Though a little more understated than some of the other homes featured in the book, this is no less spectacular. The asymmetrical lantern and blonde wood floors (and dark-grouted subway tiles in the kitchen!) combine to create a look that is contemporary and artistic.