When searching for truly stand-out design inspiration and decorating ideas, look no further than celebrity homes. From jaw-dropping chandelier moments to ultra-bold artwork, wallpaper, and paint colors, celebs (and their interior designers) have a knack for creating jaw-dropping, personalized design moments throughout their homes (and second homes, of course).
So, we decided to tap our very own resident celebrity interior designer, Kelsey Fischer, for her insider insight. She has designed spaces for the likes of supermodel Ashley Graham and actress Odette Annable, and spends her days working with Havenly’s top-tier celebrity clients.
Ahead, Kelsey shares her top celebrity styling and design tips that you can easily apply to your own space. Keep scrolling for cutting edge design ideas:
1. Scale matters
If you have a very large room (as many celebrities do), think about the scale of your space. You want to create a full, dynamic, and engaging visual when you walk into a room — as though the home was built for the design. From accent chairs to rugs, actively paying attention to scale and buying appropriately sized, impactful pieces will help you pull off this show-stopping statement.
2. Add personal touches
Above all else, a home should feel like an expression of the owner’s personality, and celebrity spaces are a prime example of this. Regardless of what’s “trendy” or in style, always make space for beloved prints, patterns, colors, artwork, and furniture styles — your space should look and feel like you above all else.
3. Showcase souvenirs
To that point, personal heirlooms and souvenirs collected during trips are a great way to express and display personal style. If you have more than a few objects that meet that description, let your designer know so they can showcase them in a thoughtful, beautiful way! From family photographs and awards to favorite books, these sentimental objects deserve a little spotlight.
4. Prioritize practicality
Even when budget and size is no object (or at least less of a consideration), practicality still matters. A home that’s stunning but non-functional is still a flop, even for celebrities. From performance upholstery to thoughtful storage, considering durability and functionality when designing your space will ensure that it’s just as livable as it is beautiful. This is especially important with kids, pets, or both!
5. Design around feel and look
When starting a design project, it’s important to consider how the client wants to feel in their new space. You would be surprised how articulate and detailed their answers can be, and how helpful and informative this is throughout the design process. It can dictate everything from texture and color palette to rugs and drapery! It really is a great question to ask yourself when kicking off any design project — aesthetic alone isn’t enough.
6. Add some trend, but don’t rely on it entirely
From lighting to rugs, going all-out on trendy pieces is a surefire way to make a design look or feel dated down the line. Feel free to add in of-the-moment pieces you can easily swap or interchange, like throw pillows and textiles, but avoid going overboard on too many trends — especially expensive ones. Practicing restraint in this area will preserve the longevity of your design!
7. Simple isn’t boring
Sometimes, clients conflate simplicity with stark minimalism. We’re here to remind you that you can totally achieve a simple, elegant, and streamlined look that still feels inviting, cozy, and complete with some expert layering and texture play. Add a stand-out color pop, layer tonal rugs, and add in natural materials like wood and rattan to breathe life and love into minimalist spaces.
8. Textures matter!
To that end, the textures you choose can make or break the look and feel of a space. Pay specific attention to the materials you choose for drapery, rugs, throw pillows, and upholstered elements, and tie the separate elements together via color palette. For example, a natural jute rug can feel rough underfoot, and therefore may not be the best choice for a lounge-worthy den or TV room. This consideration is essential when creating a warm, inviting, and lived-in space, especially one that leans more minimalist.
9. Commit to oversized artwork
When decorating larger homes and individual rooms, embracing oversized artwork is a surefire way to take up seemingly never-ending wall space and make a visual impact with minimal effort. We always encourage clients to go big with wall art — it can give an average, ho-hum space a unique point of view and eye-catching focal point.
10. Take a design risk
Generally speaking, celebrities are comfortable making a statement, and their homes are no exception. Whether in the form of a bold wallpaper or a funky, sculptural chandelier, these stand-out features make a space feel so original, personalized, and straight-up cool. Don’t be afraid to take a few design risks in your own home to create that same design-forward experience!
Want expert advice on your actual space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.