When celebrities design and decorate
(5 min read) I recently ran into this article that talked about celebrities that doubled down as interior decorators and designers. Needless to say, education really doesn’t mean as much nowadays, does it? People are paying for their education, studying hard and working two or three jobs to pay off their student loans. But what is the point if Cortney Kardashian is going to just dub herself the interior designer and start her own business? It seems that education is losing its power quickly, as quickly as some celebs are gaining their fame — overnight almost. The fact that you have some gorgeous Pierre Jeanneret chairs won’t suddenly make you an interior design expert.
However, there is something good in every bad I suppose, and this I-am-famous-so-I-can-do-anything situation is no different. School won’t make up for the lack of talent, and some celebrity interior designers just seem to be “naturals” when it comes to interior design.
One of those celebrities that clearly has the talent for home interiors design and is making some proper moves to develop it and bring it out into the world is most definitely Ellen DeGeneres. Together with her partner Portia de Rossi, DeGeneres delved into the world of house-flipping. Ellen even published a book Home: The Art of Effortless Design, which features a variety of pictures of their estates.
Ellen also has a really simple approach to design, which is probably the reason why she is so successful. “If you think of your home as your canvas — regardless of its style of architecture — you can put anything in it,” she said in her interview for People magazine, “I tend to keep painting the painting until it’s done, there’s nothing left to do. That’s when I sell the canvas and buy a new one.”.
One of the people who managed to make quite an imprint in the world of home interiors interior design is also the rom-com darling, Diane Keaton. She is a well-known design devotee, but unlike DeGeneres, Keaton is mostly focused on the interior design of historic properties. Like the majority of design fanatics, Keaton is also an enthusiastic Pinterest user. Her board shows off her love for the black and white combo, wood and stone materials and chic vintage industrial touches.
Keaton has also published several books, the latest one is called The House That Pinterest Built. Needless to say, in it, she explains how much Pinterest has influenced her home interiors design style and skill. She’s also known for her love of home-libraries, which I wholeheartedly support. Although, she wrote in her book, “books, those elegiac tokens of forgotten moments…”, yadda yadda yadda. I beg to differ, Diane Keaton, books are pretty much alive. However, she did call her library over at River Ranch Rd. a “living library”, so I suppose it’s all good. I’m a forgiving person…
I saved the best for last. My personal favorite is most definitely Lenny Kravitz, and I’m not being biased cuz he’s an awesome musician. He is simply SO talented, you just can’t ignore it. His lengthy portfolio includes a variety of ventures around the world, luxury suites in prestigious hotels in Miami and Las Vegas, ceramic tiles for Lea Ceramiche, the Trousdale collection of architectural items for Rocky Mountain Hardware, and much more.
My favorite work of his, that pretty much incorporates everything he stands for as an interior designer is most definitely a Nolita’s 75 Kenmare in New York City. This glorious building was architecturally designed by the renowned architect Andre Kikoski, while the interiors were done by Kravitz. In one of his interviews, he stated that he was kind of selfish when he was designing it, “I thought about myself living there. Of course, you have to make it work so it’s appealing to a large group of eyeballs, but I thought, If I were to live here what would I do?”. Keeping that in mind, it is no wonder that every single part of the interior in 75 Kenmare exudes urban lushness and warmth.
I have huge respect for education in general, but especially accredited education. On one side, associate or bachelor’s degree is something that should be mandatory if you want to call yourself an interior designer. On the other, there is no degree in the world that can buy you good taste and talent, so if you feel that you have it in you — go for it. We live in a day and age of acceptance on all fronts, so if you think that you have the nose for house flipping, interior design, and decoration, don’t let anyone stop you from accomplishing your dreams.
62 Comments
Wow, I didn’t even realize Ellen was into this! And Lenny Kravitz. I am sold. His aesthetic is as cool as him.
I can’t agree more!!! He is awesome!
oh my goodness i used to love seeing this when CRIBS used to be on MTV ha love how they are all designing and bringing their own taste and style to their home
I often adore “stealing” from celebrities ideas although it is obviously impossible to have their spaces hihihi
Very unique yet eclectic. I can appreciate an excellent write-up utilizing mosaic. Architecture is something I truly appreciate.
I am dying over that one view! Seriously would love to have some of these in our house!
Ellen DeGeneres is my idol and glad to see some of her works here. Really simple and modern and comfy feel.
She is so talented! Try to grab her book, it is great.
These are all great spaces. I’m not surprised that these spaces are so lovely. Creative people like this often have talents in a variety of areas.
I am not much of an interior designer. I just don’t have the eye for it. But I love seeing what others are doing. I didn’t know Ellen has a book about it, I’ll have to see if my library has it in next time I am there.
I bought her book a couple of years ago, she is really great! You’re gonna love the book.
It’s great knowing that these celebrities are into this..! It’s so cool..! I’m glad to see their work..!
I used to love watching Cribs… although I suspect most celebs just employ designers to style their homes for them!
I totally love Ellen DeGeneres and Portia and their design work is so stunning, I did not know that they did all the designs
I got her book a couple of years ago, she is so talented in interior design just like she is talented in everything else lol
Wow, her designs are really amazing and she really have a good taste when it comes to interior designing. I am now a fan of her.
I’ve always been a huge fan of her, she is so good!
I never knew this about Ellen. Is there anything she isn’t good at? What a wonderful human.
You’re right! She is so good!
OMG, Ellen DeGeneres designs are amazing… I love those spaces
I love Ellen’s design and taste! I didn’t know she was into interior design! Such a fun post!
I like that area with fireplaces. hahaha…a fireplace is a must if you live in the north country.
I love simple and elegance in my home. I’m not much of a designer so this approach works great for me. I didn’t know that Ellen was so into design.
I did not know this about Ellen I am sooo hooked. I love all the spaces OMG.
I really do love all of these wonderful looks but I am most especially loving that 2nd photo from the top as it is a style that I would love in my home for sure.
I bow down to anyone who has a design bone in their body because I… DO NOT. I am not good with fashion or interior decorating/design so I love these photos that will hopefully give me some good ideas!
This is such a great read! Love Diane Keaton’s designs, so traditional yet stunning!
I love all of these decorate designs so beautiful I have a blog about best bedroom wall decor design and I design my bedroom to look stylish and artistic awesome photos!
I would love to check your blog May, I am sure it is awesome.
I think a bit of education and a lot of talent and experience is a good mix for a designer. I have found many designs I like from experienced people with a “flair”.
I hadn’t realised how much someone’s personal style is reflected in their home decor and design until I saw Diane Keaton’s designs. I would recognise that color palette anywhere.
That was fascinating to me as well, their personality is reflected in the work, amazing right?
It’s all about space, and celebrities can afford all the space they want.
I didn’t realise that either Ellen or Diane Keaton were involved with interior design. They seem very creative. All the spaces look beautiful.
those are all really great spaces. they all have talent but Ellen does an amazing job.
This is by far one of the best articles I read so far. relate wholeheartdly. Working three jobs myself for paying an insane amount of student loans and I’m 30. I’m at a point hoping I won’t have to do it much longer because this girl is tired. I’ve seen Ellen’s bedding collection and was surprised to know she flipped houses. What can’t that woman do?
She is awesome!!!! I bought one of her books a few years ago, so inspiring.
It’s funny to see Ellen DeGeneres on the cover of an interiors book but she is rather talented and we love her style! We have serious room envy!
I am also loving that rustic kitchen design. I have to say I have always liked Ellens style so it is no surprise that I like her interior design ideas too 🙂
They are so good at this omg all the designs are stunning. I love Ellen’s designs the most tho.
True enough all around. Drives me nuts when celebs try to cash in on name recognition and write a random book about whatever. Then again, my degrees are in history vs parenting, so I suppose I should be writing a history blog – but writing about parenting is infinitely less dull, and friends keep telling me that my (hard-earned street cred) $0.02 on managing kids + a household is worth something, so I guess I’m as qualified to do that as Ellen and Diane are to publish interior decorating books lol
yep and unfortunately a lot of them do these days! And they get the buy in from followers who seem to worship everything they do…Oh well….
I really like some of the choices. Spacious and cozy with just enough.
Wow I’m so impressed by what these celebrities have pulled off! My fav is definitely Ellen’s designs.
Same!!! Ellen is so talented for real. I also liked Kravitz’ work, so good!
Just when I thought I couldn’t love Lenny Kravitz more! I love this spaces he designed. I could certainly live there!
Everyone you mentioned in your article can come decorate my home! I personally like a simple – kid friendly style.
It does seem unfair that celebrities just waltz in and take away jobs from professional designers. However some of them are quite good. I love Ellen but Lenny Kravitz’s designs are more my style.
I’ve always been a lover of your blog posts. I love all these designs. I wish I could see it in person.
It is so educational, so fascinating to learn about designing and its elements. I love the urban look and feel.
Celebrities are artists, and their cribs are their expressions of their art
I feel like everything Ellen does is just amazing. She’s truly an inspiration in pretty much everything she does!
These are all so beautiful design. However, Dianne Keaton is my favorite bc it’s more my style. 🙂
Dianne Keaton Home Decor is my favorite style. I love the white walls and modern look :).
I’m in love with all of these rooms
It’s official, I’m proclaiming myself the queen of all interior designers! Oh, wait! I’m not a celebrity. I don’t have a degree either. lol
Seriously though, I love looking at photos like these and using them as inspiration. Though admittedly, my skills are best employed at home.
Thanks for this post. I now have even more reason to spend time on Pinterest. 😀
I love the industrial farmhouse aesthetic that Ellen has created. I do believe that with many of these opinion and taste based fields that the proof is in the pudding and I don’t care where someone studied as long as I like the end result.
Every person is individual and has an inner intuition for what is beautiful and what is not. I like this article because I once again realized that celebrities are not special – the interiors look not cozy and too cold for me.
Who knew Lenny Kravitz had such good taste?? I want them all great designs
Whoa Ellen is a bona fide interior designer right there! Who knew!!! Damn these multi-talented celebrities!
Diane Keaton does a very great job on her living library..! And even the living room..! It looks so great. I like the materials that was used and the black and white vibes is so relaxing in the eyes.
These homes are stunning! I love the Ellen’s home & would very much like to arrange that she pop over here and help me out with decor!