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As humans, there is something undoubtedly salacious and exciting about seeing a celebrity in their own home. Spotting a star outside the limelight feels jarring yet intriguing, and the curiosity is fueled by the details. A lamp from that filming in Shanghai. A family picture. A walk-in closet filled with treasures.
But for an interior designer, these videos are much, much more. They are showcases of the world’s best connected and performing interior designers, who have been given space and budget to concoct designs beyond their dreams. And for that reason, we embarked on a bingeing journey throughout Architectural Digest’s repertoire, trying to answer the question: “What can interior designers learn from these videos?”. In this article, we go through our main takeaways, plus some vetted viewing recommendations.
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10 things interior designers can learn from celebrity house tours
It’s a collaborative and hands-on process with the client
The most successful celebrity homes aren’t built in isolation. Stars often come to interior designers with their own ideas – whether it's a childhood nostalgia or a piece they’ve been eyeing for years – and it's the designer’s job to mould that vision into a coherent design. This requires open communication, regular check-ins, and sometimes, a bit of compromise on both sides.
Art dealing is part of the equation
Art is more than just a decoration; in celebrity homes, it becomes the focal point of entire rooms. Many celebrities have curated personal art collections, and integrating these pieces into the design requires a deep understanding of both the art world and the space. Knowing the right art dealers, galleries, and artists is crucial, and if you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to lean on their connections too. At the end of the day, they are in the artsy world just like you, and might know the right people anyway.
Behind every great room there’s an amazing supplier
Behind every jaw-dropping celebrity living room or kitchen is a network of high-quality suppliers and iconic furniture designers and dealers. Celebrities expect – and pay for – nothing but the best, and designers who can offer exclusive access to iconic pieces from mid-century masters or contemporary innovators hold a competitive edge. You can find new luxury suppliers to source from on Portaire, a curated directory filled with rising brands and signature names.
Unique pieces must have a story (for the guests and the A&D crew!)
Every home tells a story, and in celebrity spaces, it’s the unique pieces that do the storytelling. Guests, media, and even the homeowners themselves often gravitate towards pieces with meaning – be it a chair handcrafted by a local artisan or a coffee table sourced from a flea market in Marrakesh. These items spark curiosity and create a sense of depth, making the home feel like a curated experience, not just a luxurious space.
You are the alchemist, but they have the spark
Designing for celebrities means acknowledging that while you are the professional, they bring their own magic to the table. They live in a world of creativity, innovation, and performance, and often, their ideas are bold, unconventional, and full of potential. The designer’s role is to take that raw, imaginative spark and turn it into a functional, beautiful living space. If they’re drawn to something quirky or glamorous, it’s essential to tap into their individuality and harness it.
Celebs appreciate their designers (and shout them out handsomely)
From the first video we watched, one thing was clear: celebs love their designers, and greatly appreciate their input. The collaborations often go beyond just the transactional; they become friendships, and celebrities are vocal in their appreciation. So, when you’re trying to reach out to these kinds of clients, remember that you should start by making friends, and then the rest will follow.
Celebs are human (and messy) – make it easy for them to shine
Behind the perfectly staged home tours, celebrities are as human as anyone else; they have clutter, they can be messy, and they lead busy lives. A key takeaway for designers is the importance of practicality. It’s not enough to create a stunning space; it has to work for their everyday lives. This might mean adding concealed storage, designing multi-functional spaces, or incorporating systems that help them maintain a clean, organised environment despite hectic schedules. Making their homes livable, not just glamorous, is a skill that sets great designers apart (and that keeps them booked for the holiday house next year).
They’re design fans too. Nerd it out together!
Celebrities are often more informed about design than you might expect. Many of them have an interest in architecture, design movements, or furniture styles (Antoni Porowski, we’re thinking of you!), and they enjoy geeking out over these details with their designers. Don’t be afraid to dive deep into design discussions; they will likely appreciate the expertise and enthusiasm just as much as you do.
Don’t judge the celebrity by their public image
When working with celebrity clients, it’s easy to assume their personal style aligns perfectly with their public persona. But house tours reveal that many celebrities have tastes that are surprisingly different from their brand image. For example: Emma Roberts loves dolls, and wanted them to feature in her home designed by Pierce and Ward. The lesson here is not to make assumptions and take the time to understand your client’s true preferences. What they love in their private space might surprise you and lead to more authentic, personalised designs.
Their needs might differ from the usual
Celebrities lead unique lives, and their homes need to accommodate that. A-list clients often require special spaces. Perhaps it’s a professional-grade kitchen for personal chefs, a soundproof music studio, or even a walk-in bathroom with space for external professionals to work on them (Jennifer Garner, we’re talking about your beautiful home!). These requirements might be different from the average client’s, but it’s important to figure out those needs and integrate them into the overall design. Thinking beyond the basics and offering creative solutions to these lifestyle demands is where designers can truly shine.
The best house tours, per category
Best house: Diplo's Jamaican Jungle Paradise
Brutalism, elevated taste and a wonderful Caribbean setting were the standouts in DJ Diplo’s amazing Jamaican retreat. The attention to detail and the luxurious, analog touches make this house a must-see for any designer.
Most eclectic: Harris Reed’s Fantastical London Home
This London home is what happens when designers meet designers; magic. Harris Reed’s house is filled with eccentricities, art and a whole lot of love.
Most calming: Amber Valletta’s Peaceful L.A. Sanctuary
Entering Amber Valetta’s LA home is like dipping your toes in a sandy oasis, where comfort, cosiness and minimalism collide to create a Wabi sabi paradise. Plus, there are hundreds of unique light fixtures to obsess over.
Want to know more about celebrity designing? Check out our exclusive interview with Naomi Astley Clarke and learn more about designing for celebs, and how darkness can be an asset in a design.
