Brie Larson's living room is the epitome of California cool – but designers love this feature the most
With limewashed walls and off-white textiles, the space uses color to accentuate its history – and designers are impressed
It's easy to feel a little bit envious of Brie Larson. The actress's Mediterranean-inspired Los Feliz estate epitomizes everything that makes SoCal so chic while paying homage to timeless European decorating techniques: limewashed walls included. And nowhere is this more evident than in her white living space.
There's a lot to love in this room – from the aforementioned textured walls to the soft furnishings (including what looks to be an on-trend bouclé sofa to the right of the actress below). However, in all its beauty, designers love its all-white color scheme the most. But what makes them so eternally admired?
'All-white living rooms is a classic that will never go out of style. There are so many shades of white that you can evoke just about any feeling as a foundation for the space,' says Tama Bell, the founder and interior designer at Tama Bell Design.
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The hue is crisp and clean – creating a blank canvas that allows other shades to stand out. And, in Brie's case, it is the perfect base for a neutral space that is as therapeutic as it is good-looking.
Tama Bell is a certified designer and founder of Tama Bell Design, a studio based in Sebastopol, California. She describes her design style as European traditional mixed with the California coast – demonstrated through designs that are 'quiet, elegant and comfortable.'
This tone transcends color trends – continually impressing designers and Hollywood's elite, Captain Marvel included.
'It's bright and a classic. It allows you room to direct the aesthetic through the furnishings and accessories,' Tama says. While the designer says that it can be used to allow more monochromatic pieces to pop – it is just as powerful to color drench with white (and off-white) pieces as Brie has done.
Despite exhibiting exclusively similar tones, the actress's space is far from vanilla. She had added interest through trending textiles (including celebrated bouclé) and a large neutral rug. This undemanding color also allows the home's architectural assets to shine through – most strikingly, in the case of her stone fireplace, which is a nod to its history.
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When the actress purchased her home, we reported that the $7 million property has origins dating back to 1948 – and, alongside the fireplace, comes with a vintage yellow kitchen and views of Los Angeles' skyline.
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When decorating with white, however, Tama reminds us that every home is different. So, just as Brie has chosen tones that accentuate her home's natural beauty – we should do the same.
'For the right tone of white, pay attention to the undertones when selecting and what feeling you are trying to create in the space,' she says. 'We love warm, off-whites used en-masse on walls, ceilings, and trim to encapsulate and create a cozy, modern feeling.'
And, for another Brie-inspired decor decision, we're looking to this equally timeless bouclé sofa below.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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