Lupita Nyong'o's redesigned Los Angeles home comes with cosy interiors, a sunset-view balcony and an outdoor entertaining space

Lupita Nyong’o’s redesigned Los Angeles home: Designing a home is often a matter of finding the right balance between appeal, comfort and functionality. Actress Lupita Nyong’o knew she wanted a welcoming space, but she wanted to take her time and get to know her surroundings before making major decorating decisions. Her California residence had beautiful architectural features and sweeping views, but she wanted its interiors to feel warmer, personal and more inviting.

Rather than decorating immediately, Nyong’o spent time living in the house and observing how she used its spaces. She then worked with the Crate & Barrel Design Desk to create an airy, comfortable space that mirrors her preferences for natural materials, practical furnishings and uncluttered interiors.

“Live in your space before you design it,” Nyong’o states to ELLE Decor. “A space will inform how you behave in it.”

Creating a Home That Feels Like a Retreat

For Nyong’o, the objective was not simply to make her California property look beautiful. She wanted it to become a peaceful retreat from the outside world, with enough space to think, relax and create.

This approach guided the shift of the living room and patio, helping the spaces feel more personal while preserving the home's association to its surroundings.

A Mid-Century Modern Influence

Nyong’o has a longstanding appreciation for mid-century modern design, especially its proportions, softness and elegance.

The clean lines and airy feel of the style fit her need for an uncluttered look in her interiors. Rather than filling rooms with several decorative objects, the method allows furniture and views to contribute to the overall atmosphere.

Beautiful Design Must Also Be Functional

While Nyong’o appreciates attractive furniture and carefully considered interiors, practicality continues to be central to her design philosophy. She picks objects that have a function, rather than just pieces that look good.

Her decorating is also affected by the uncluttered rooms.Although she loves visiting maximalist interiors, she finds that clinging to possessions doesn't fit her lifestyle.

The result is an interior that emphasizes comfort and simplicity without compromising on character.The neutral palette is enlivened by textural details and elegant touches, while thoughtfully chosen furnishings help maintain the sense of openness.

Letting the Outdoors Become Part of the Interior

The home's expansive windows and sweeping has a significant role in its design. Rather than treating the scenery as a background detail, Nyong’o wanted the outdoor landscape to become a defining element of the living room.

The finished space mirrors the atmosphere she had been hoping to achieve since moving in.

A Balcony Made for Quiet Moments

One of Nyong’o's most personal design priorities is creating a comfortable space to enjoy her balcony. Prior to the redesign, she had imagined herself sitting outside with a cup of tea watching the sunset, but the available seating was not comfortable enough to accomplish that vision.

The inclusion of an outdoor loveseat offered her a more inviting place to spend time outside.

Also Read: Liev Schreiber's New York triplex comes with a rooftop chicken coop, raspberry garden, vintage interiors and custom bedroom

Inspiration From Literature and Nature

Nyong’o also has creative inspiration from sources beyond interior design publications. While putting together a mood board using material from online magazines, she discovered herself looking to literature for ideas.

She specifically cited her appreciation for Sidney Poitier’s quotes about moving to California, emphasizing how words and personal reflections can impact the way she thinks about a place.

When imagining her ideal setting, however, she looks toward a fictional scenario.

Ultimately, her approach is less about following a decorating trend and more about creating a home that supports daily life. By allowing herself time to know about the property before redesigning it, Nyong’o found a way to make its beautiful views and architectural features part of a warmer, more personal retreat.

Source: Homes & Gardens and ELLE Decor