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Their properties range from sleek, minimalist modern to classic, country-inspired estates. We'll take a look at three of their houses, highlighting how you can achieve a similar aesthetic in your own home.
The first property is a sprawling, multi-level mansion in Bel Air, a testament to contemporary design. The home, designed by renowned architect Paul McClean, is an incredible example of modern architecture. The building's clean, minimalist facade and extensive use of glass create an open, airy feel. The design cleverly uses landscaping, particularly trees, to provide privacy.
The interiors are just as impressive as the exterior, with a focus on cutting-edge design and technology. The spaces are filled with modern furniture that combines clean silhouettes with rich materials.
The most striking element of the home is its use of light and space. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls are a recurring theme, blurring the lines between the inside and the lush, green exteriors. This allows for breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles, a defining characteristic of McClean's work. The house has four outdoor pools, including long, skinny pools that reflect the sky and the surrounding architecture, further integrating the structure with its environment. This is a home where every detail, from the material choices to the flow of space, is a deliberate step toward an aesthetic that is both breathtaking and understated.
Embrace minimalism and clean lines
The core of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Bel Air home aesthetic is a sleek, uncluttered environment. Opt for furniture with simple, geometric shapes and clean silhouettes. Think low-profile sofas and beds, and tables with minimal embellishment. Avoid ornate carvings, complex patterns, or heavy, bulky pieces.
Create an open-concept flow. Arrange furniture to promote easy movement and a sense of spaciousness. Fewer, well-chosen pieces are more impactful than many small items.
Focus on a curated, high-quality materials
Luxury is expressed through the quality and texture of materials. Incorporate natural stone like travertine, limestone, or marble for flooring, countertops, or even a statement wall. The beautiful veining of Calcutta marble, for instance, adds a touch of elegance without being flashy. Use rich, dark woods for accents or flooring to provide warmth and contrast against lighter materials.
Master the art of subdued lighting
Replace a single, centered source of light with recessed ceiling lighting to get an even, soft illumination. Add strips of concealed LED light in coves or along the edges of ceilings and floors to get a dramatic, architectural look. Use spotlights to highlight pieces of artwork or architectural features individually. This creates visual appeal and dimension without taking up space. Maximize natural light with large windows, glass doors, and skylights. This bridges the exterior to the interior and makes a room seem bigger and more spacious.
Prioritize technology and hidden features
Think about smart home technology for lighting, climate, and sound systems. The goal is to have these systems integrated and hidden from view.
Look for fixtures and cabinetry that are flush with the walls. This creates a clean, uninterrupted surface and a high-end, bespoke feel.
The couple's East Hampton property presents a completely different aesthetic: country-luxe. This 12,000-square-foot home is a spacious retreat with seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The estate is set on a quiet lot next to a 17-acre nature preserve, guaranteeing a private escape.
The interiors of this home are a luxurious take on a classic country style. The design incorporates beautiful details like matte marble fireplaces, rich oak wall paneling, and hand-carved marble bathtubs.
This living room boasts a double-height ceiling, creating a sense of grandeur and airiness. This is complemented by a wall of floor-to-ceiling French doors and windows, which not only flood the space with light but also provide a beautiful view of the outdoors.
The design is highly symmetrical, with two seating areas arranged on either side of the central axis leading to the doors. Two large, ornate fireplaces are positioned on opposing walls, further reinforcing the balanced layout. The primary material is a light-toned wood. The floor features a beautiful parquet pattern, adding texture and a sense of craftsmanship. The walls are adorned with sophisticated wood paneling, which provides a rich, classic backdrop.
The room includes a stunning balcony or mezzanine level that runs along the upper perimeter, complete with a dark iron or wood railing that provides a visual anchor and a touch of contrast. The ceiling is coffered with exposed beams, adding another layer of architectural interest.
A large, white kitchen island with raised panel cabinetry serves as the central hub of this space. A wooden dining table with chairs is situated between the kitchen and the living room, suggesting a seamless flow for entertaining.
The space is defined by large, white support columns that partition the different zones without creating a closed-off feel. The ceiling is paneled with white beadboard, adding texture and a coastal cottage-style feel. A significant amount of natural light enters the space through multiple sets of glass-paned French doors that line the walls, offering views of the outdoors. The dark, wide-plank wood floors provide a rich, warm contrast to the bright white walls and cabinetry, contributing to a sense of classic elegance.
Embrace a neutral palette
Keep walls in a soft, clean white or a very pale off-white. This maximizes natural light and creates a bright, airy feel. Use light, natural colors like cream and beige for large pieces like sofas and armchairs. This keeps the space feeling open and cohesive.
Focus on natural materials and textures
The elegance of this home is in the quality and texture of the materials, not in loud colors or patterns. Recreate the look of the beautiful, high-quality wood floors. The dark, wide-plank wood flooring provides a rustic, grounding contrast to the light walls and furniture. Look for wood planks with a dark stain.
Incorporate architectural details like the wall and ceiling paneling. The walls can feature classic, hand-milled wood paneling, and the ceiling can have a distressed, beadboard-style paneling that adds texture and a cozy, rustic charm.
Select timeless, classic furniture
Opt for large, plush sofas and armchairs in a solid, light-colored fabric. A large, dark-colored coffee table can serve as a visual anchor and ground the seating area.
For the bedroom, a stately bed frame, like a tufted headboard, works well. The room can also be furnished with a small seating area, indicating a focus on creating a comfortable retreat.
Finally, we turn to the couple's historic home in New Orleans, which is bursting with character and vibrant style. Unlike the modern properties, this home embraces a more eclectic and colorful design.
The spacious living room is a visual masterpiece, mixing art pieces, elegant furniture, and shiny floors to create a unique, luxurious space. The high ceilings and open layout make it an ideal place for family gatherings and lively events.
The second living room has a distinctly different, more intimate feel. A striking feature is the deep blue ceiling, which creates a moody, luxurious ambiance. The room is furnished with a sleek, white leather sofa and a glass coffee table. A drum set sits in the corner, adding a playful, artistic touch. The decor is a blend of modern simplicity and opulent elements, such as the classic crystal chandelier and gilded wall sconces, which contrast with the simple white chair.
The bathroom is a bold statement, primarily due to its vibrant red walls. It features a classic, white clawfoot bathtub with ornate detailing, contrasting with the room's modern, tan-tiled floor. A small mosaic pattern on the floor adds an extra touch of sophistication. The room is completed by a large, carved wood armoire, which adds a country feel to the space, and a simple mirror hung above the sink. The arched window of the tub is another significant architectural feature.
Embrace the "More is more" philosophy with purpose
A good guideline for mixing styles is to have a majority of your pieces (around 80%) in your chosen dominant style and then let the remaining 20% be the contrasting pieces that make the space eclectic. For example, a room with mostly modern, clean-lined furniture can be given a vintage feel with a single large oriental rug and an antique chandelier.
Don't fear bold, saturated colors
The blue ceiling in one of the rooms is an unforgettable feature. A painted ceiling can make a space feel more intimate and dramatic, especially in a room with high ceilings. Pair a dark-colored ceiling with lighter walls or vice versa to create visual interest. The red bathroom is a perfect example of using a single, bold color to create a distinct mood and feeling for a room. Use this technique to give each space a unique identity.
Mix old and new with confidence
A sleek, modern leather sofa can sit comfortably next to a traditional, ornate fireplace. A glass coffee table can be placed on a vintage oriental rug. The contrast between styles is what makes the space feel unique and curated over time.
Let art be the star
Don't be afraid to hang a large piece of art on a big wall. It can serve as a focal point and set the tone for the entire room. Leaning large-scale art against a wall can give a room a casual, cool vibe.
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