WaterColor, a picturesque coastal community nestled along the scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida, has just seen its highest-priced home sale in history.
A 5-bedroom beachside property fetched a staggering $8,550,000 in an off-market transaction — selling for top dollar before even getting a chance to list publicly.
Here’s a closer look at this record-breaking sale and the stunning home that made it happen.
Setting a new record for the beachside community
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The notable sale surpasses the previous record of $7,500,000 that closed in February of this year and is a clear outlier in a market where the average sales price stands at just over $3.5 million. But the sale premium isn’t all that surprising, given the property’s location, design, and rental income potential.
“This landmark sale, where we represented the buyer from Chicago, highlights the remarkable growth of the luxury market on 30A,” says Maria McKenna, Luxury Real Estate Advisor with Spears Group, who represented the buyer in the transaction.
All the hallmarks of a record-breaker
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
“With its distinctive blend of coastal elegance, modern comfort, and panoramic gulf views, this home stands as a true gem in WaterColor’s Gulf District,” Maria added in an exclusive quote for Fancy Pants Homes.
“As one of only eight beachfront homes and the highest-priced sale in WaterColor, its acquisition sets a new standard for excellence in the Northwest Florida real estate market.”
A peek inside the $8.55M residence
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
Situated in the heart of WaterColor’s Gulf District, the 2003-built beachside home has 5 bedrooms and 6 baths across 3,600 square feet of living space and underwent a complete transformation in 2018. It now stands as a prime example of coastal elegance and modern comfort.
The three-story retreat offers panoramic gulf views and a design that exudes sophistication and charm, as we’re about to see.
First floor: Living and gathering spaces
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The first floor is designed for family gatherings and relaxation. It features a spacious living area and a converted screened porch that now serves as a sand and laundry room, complete with double-stacked washer and dryer units and an ice maker.
This floor also has five beautifully appointed bedrooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests, including:
A king suite with a private bathroom featuring a single vanity and walk-in shower
A bedroom with two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower
A room with two sets of twin bunk beds and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower
Second floor: Entertainment and relaxation
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The second floor is where the entertainment happens. Here, you’ll find another master suite, a secondary living room, and a generously sized kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, including a wine cooler, oven, refrigerator, and range stovetop.
The front balcony’s porch swing and the rear balcony with a grill offer perfect spots for relaxing and dining al fresco while overlooking the gulf.
The third-floor luxurious retreat
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The third floor houses the second master suite, featuring breathtaking views and a lavish ensuite bathroom with a freestanding tub. This level also includes another washer and dryer, a private media room, and multiple balconies to enjoy the coastal breeze and stunning vistas.
See also: 26 Jaw-dropping Miami-area mansions that will make you want to move to Florida
Unmatched amenities
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The new owners will enjoy access to WaterColor’s private beach and various community amenities, including pools and recreational facilities.
The property also includes the opportunity to be part of a beach-sharing agreement with gulf-front homeowners, giving exclusive access to the private beach on Beach Lane.
Access to 1,000+ feet of private beach frontage
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
“The three expansive outdoor decks, professional interior redesign, and the striking blue hood in the kitchen are some of the unique features that make this home stand out,” Maria McKenna shares, before highlighting the home’s other standout features, including access to over 1,000 feet of private beach frontage.
“The primary suite includes a private deck with breathtaking gulf views, and the upstairs loft serves as a cozy media room. With access to over 1,000 feet of private beach frontage, this property offers full access to community amenities, including a private beach attendant and chair setup.”
The ever-evolving luxury market along 30A
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
This off-market transaction not only set a new record for WaterColor but also showcased the increasing demand for luxury properties in the area. With its stunning design and prime location, this beachside home found a way to stand out among the community’s pastel-colored homes and well-maintained gardens, all designed to complement the stunning natural surroundings of WaterColor’s Gulf District.
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If you’re in the market for an affordable house to own, you might be debating whether it’s cheaper to build your own home or buy an existing home.
For those who have attempted a large-scale renovation on an older home, it may feel as if it would have been more cost-effective to start from scratch with new construction. But many costs go into building your own house that you must factor into the decision of whether to build or buy.
Let’s look at some aspects of building vs. buying an existing home. The outlook may vary depending on where you live and the type of house you want. You’ll also need to consider how you plan to pay for the home, and even if you are willing to consider off-grid living to reduce costs.
Key Takeaways
Building a house can be more expensive and time-consuming than buying an existing home due to costs like land purchases, construction, and potential delays, though it offers customization and energy efficiency benefits.
Buying an existing home is generally cheaper and quicker, providing location flexibility and mature landscaping, but may involve compromises in design, competitive markets, and potential maintenance issues.
Financing options for building include construction loans, personal loans, and land loans, while mortgages are typically used for purchasing existing homes.
Home and Land Values in Your Area
What’s the price of land in the area where you want to live? How much would it cost to purchase a fully constructed house (called “existing construction”) with the features you need and the size you want? Are empty lots available to build where you would like to live?
If you live in or are moving to a major metropolitan area or a suburb of a large U.S. city, it may be harder to find land and, if you do, the land will cost more.
On the other hand, if you move to a less populated area, you may be able to find several acres or more for under $20,000 or less.
When It’s Cheaper to Buy an Existing Home
Finding affordable land represents the first step toward being able to build a home for less than it would cost to buy. But if land goes for a premium in the area you wish to buy, it may be cheaper to buy an existing home.
Larger homes, obviously, cost more to build than smaller homes. If your main goal is to secure a house of your own for the lowest possible price, you can save money building a home in a less congested area where land is cheap.
It’s unlikely you’ll find a house for sale anywhere that doesn’t need a lot of work for less than $100,000. However, you may be able to pick up a plot of land and build a starter home like an A-Frame or a prefab, or even a tiny house under 400 square feet.
Types of Houses You Can Build
The cost of your house construction project depends on the house you choose. Here are some affordable examples.
Tiny houses – Tiny houses are typically under 400 square feet. They simply cost less to build than any other style of conventional home. They require less land, fewer materials, and take less time to construct.
Tiny houses may start at $10,000 and go up to $120,000 or more, which is the price of some regular homes. The average price for a tiny house is around $30,000 to $40,000.
Consider jumping on the tiny home trend to build your starter or retirement home.
A-Frame houses – A-frame houses represent a basic style of construction with slanted roofs. They have a loft bedroom rather than a full-fledged second story.
Prefab Homes – You can buy the parts for a pre-fab home and have it put together, or assemble it yourself, on your property. Some pre-fab homes, called modular homes, come as individual rooms and pieces that connect. Each module includes plumbing, electrical, and everything else you need to build a house already installed.
Some pre-fab home kits come as individual panels, and you’ll need to add the rest of the components. You can purchase pre-fab homes for as little as $50,000 or less on eBay.
Paying for Your Home: Construction Loan, Personal Loan, Land Loan, or a Mortgage
Unless you have cash reserves lying around, you’ll likely need financing to purchase your land or home.
If you do have the cash saved, once you do the math, you’ll probably realize it’s smarter to take out a mortgage or loan at a low interest rate. Then, you can invest your money at a higher rate of return.
That leaves you with several options to pay for your house or its construction.
Construction Loan
A construction loan acts as a line-of-credit rather than a conventional loan. The loan term usually lasts one year. In that time, you borrow the money you need as you need it. When you make your loan payments, you only pay interest on the money you borrowed.
Even though you only pay interest on the money you use, construction loans typically have higher interest rates than home mortgages. That’s because the land purchase is the only collateral available until the house is complete.
A construction loan can fund the land, building materials, and even provide funds to pay contractors to build your home. Your lender will want to see your construction documents and budget for the project. They’ll want to approve each step of the building process to ensure construction stays on track.
Once the home construction is complete, you can take out a conventional mortgage, which you can use to pay off the high-interest loan.
Personal Loan
If you’d rather not deal with the hassles of a construction loan, showing documentation to your lender, and taking out a mortgage after a year, consider a personal loan. The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate on an unsecured personal loan will be.
Personal loan terms tend to range from two to 10 years.
If you have cash reserves or assets that would cover the cost of the loan, you may want to take out a secured personal loan, using your cash or investments as collateral. You may be able to get approved for a secured personal loan at a much lower interest rate.
Land Loan
If you want to purchase land that doesn’t have power lines or public water running to the property, you may consider a land loan. Most lenders expect you to put at least 50% down on this type of purchase because it’s considered a high-risk investment.
Once you use the land loan to purchase the land, you may be able to finance construction through a personal loan. Or you can wait until you pay off the land loan, have utilities installed, and then get a construction loan.
Mortgage Loan
The best way to finance the purchase of an existing house is usually through a mortgage loan. These loans tend to have very low interest rates, especially compared to the loan options listed above. You may even be able to secure an FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down if you’re a first-time homebuyer.
Connect Utilities or Live Off the Grid?
There are a few more choices to make when it comes to building your own house or buying an existing home: What kind of utilities will you need?
Existing Construction
Existing construction, of course, comes already connected to sewer systems (or may include a cesspool septic system) and electricity. It already has home heating and cooling systems. And it’s probably fairly easy to run a cable television and broadband internet connection from the street to your house. At the very least, you can connect to satellite TV and internet services.
At most, it will cost a small connection fee to turn on the electricity and internet service to your home. Sewer service typically costs less than $100 per year.
New Construction
On the other hand, new construction has none of these things. You’ll need an electrician to run all the wiring. Then, you’ll need to connect to “the grid,” which means you’ll be getting electricity from your utility provider.
Even if you decide to install solar panels, which cost an average of $13,142 (after tax credits), you’ll need to pay to have them connected to your electric company. Your electric company monitors usage and charges you if your solar panels don’t produce all the energy your household uses.
Septic systems can cost from $3,000 up to $10,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Heating and cooling systems vary widely, too, depending on the type of system you prefer.
Building Your Home Off-the-Grid
If you think you can save money by living off the grid, you might be surprised. You’ll still need to invest in some sort of energy source, whether solar panels or wind turbines.
You can build a well for water and use composting toilets to avoid being connected to city water. But, unless you want to dramatically change your lifestyle, off-grid living may not be the best way to save money on your new house.
Some areas don’t permit off-grid living, so it may be harder to finance your new house if you can’t show plans for utility hook-ups.
Buy or Build a House: Pros & Cons
With so much to consider when deciding whether to buy or build a house, it can help to get a clear idea of the major pros and cons of each. We’ve listed some of the details below to help you make your decision.
Pros of Buying an Existing Home
Less costly: Buying a house is usually significantly less expensive than building one, especially as land loans can come with higher interest rates and down payments. And while home buying is an increasingly expensive endeavor these days, labor costs and construction materials are also increasing just as rapidly.
Quick move in: Most buyers of existing homes will be able to move within a few weeks, compared to the potential wait of over a year for new construction homes.
Location flexibility: Buying an existing home makes it much easier for you to live where you want. If you want to build a house and still live in or near the city, you’ll likely have to fork out a small fortune for the land rights. Home buying makes it much easier, and cheaper, to settle in the suburbs.
Established landscaping: Buying an existing property usually means you’ve got access to a mature landscaping, fully grown trees and a well established garden. For most homeowners, a beautiful garden is a must, but this can take many years to achieve with a new build.
Cons of Buying an Existing Home:
Competitive market: As we’re still very much locked in a seller’s market, the stress of trying to find and land the perfect home can make it a challenge. Home buying in today’s real estate market requires graft, patience and determination, not to mention a robust budget.
Aesthetic compromise: The intensity of the real estate market today means you’ll likely have to make some compromise when buying a house, as some elements of the design or style may not be to your tastes.
Maintenance & repairs: In a competitive market, you may also have to settle for a home that needs some repair. Depending on your initial budget, you might have to factor in funds for upgrades, and in general, you’re more likely to need to splash out on maintenance sooner than if you build a house.
Less sustainable & efficient: As a rule of thumb, buying a house is likely to mean that you’ll have a less sustainable home than if you had built one. Depending on how old an existing home is, you might have to budget for energy efficiency upgrades.
Pros of Building a House:
Customization: Building a house comes with the obvious benefit of customization, at least to some degree. The chance to build your dream home, and have full direction of the construction process, is a huge motivator for many.
Less competition: Another significant benefit of building your own home is avoiding the intense competition of the housing market. Once you own the land, the only major competition you need to consider is for construction supplies and labor.
Lower maintenance costs: A brand new home should be in the best condition possible, compared with any existing homes. You won’t have to worry about replacing major appliances or any significant home repairs in the near future.
Healthier & more sustainable home: A new build will be more energy efficient, meaning lower energy costs and a more sustainable home. There is also the benefit of not needing to worry about things like lead paint or possible asbestos in your home.
Cons of Building a House:
Expensive: Building a house is almost always more costly than buying an existing home. This is partly because you may need to obtain a land loan, as well as a loan to cover construction costs, and then a mortgage once the house is complete.
Hidden costs & delays: Most construction projects require us to expect the unexpected, and building a house is no different. Delays and unexpected costs are par for the course, and in today’s climate with supply chain issues and increased construction costs, the final cost of your new construction home can quickly soar.
Stress & time: It would be naive to underestimate the potential toll of both stress and time when building a house. With so much more work to do in terms of financing, budgeting, designing and decorating, the home building process will most likely be very stressful at least for a while, especially if you’re hoping to be finished on time.
More Work: Building a house means more involved effort on your part, as you’ll have to work with various professionals, approve every step of the process, review contracts and manage fluctuations in your budget along the way.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, you can save money building a home, especially if you choose a simple home style and are willing to do most of the work yourself. Plus, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing the creative role you played in your home—and that everything in the house is brand new.
But if you’re not considering a small house in a rural area where land is cheap, you may find it’s more cost-effective to buy an existing house. Then, you can spend time and money over the years to turn it into your dream home.
Los Angeles is known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles, but every so often, a property comes along that truly captures the imagination.
Recently listed for $3.3 million, a rare storybook house in Pacific Palisades offers a unique blend of fantasy and historical charm. Originally built in 1930, the home is a whimsical mix of storybook architecture infused with Spanish, Art Deco, and old-world farmhouse elements.
Step through the gated entry, and you’ll find yourself in a fairy tale setting, complete with a turret, archways, and stained glass windows.
The house is also a treasure trove of salvaged items and artistic touches. With doors from the old Los Angeles Athletic Club, a bar and headboard from Hearst’s collection at San Simeon, and even a backyard fence made from old railway ties, every detail of this home tells a story.
And since pictures are worth a thousand words, let’s take a closer look at this fairytale-esque home — now listed for $3.3 million with Compass’ Dan Urbach.
Property overview
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
Built in 1930, this enchanting home sprawls over 4,234 square feet and features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and plenty of unique amenities. From its gated front yard with lush landscaping to the spiral staircase and hidden rooms, every corner of this house tells a story.
Especially since the property’s longtime owners have spent the last 60 years sourcing materials spanning from around Los Angeles, the Central Coast, and across Europe – all to create a home that exudes curated, refined character and unique craftsmanship. And their efforts paid off, as we’re about to see.
Breakdown of amenities
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
Before we caught up in this house’s fairytale-like elements, let’s see what it comes with. Some of the amenities include:
A formal living room with brick fireplace and stained glass
Open dining area and kitchen with vintage O’Keefe & Merrit oven
A spacious family room off the kitchen
A primary suite with vaulted ceilings and an Art Deco-style bathroom
Two guest bedrooms, each with unique character and custom details
A backyard with multiple lounge areas, casita, garden shed, and darkroom
Basement and central heating
A carport with garage door
Architectural charm
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
This house is a delightful blend of storybook architecture with touches of Spanish, Art Deco, and old-world farmhouse styles.
Storybook architecture, characterized by whimsical designs and fairy tale elements inspired by European folk tales, first appeared in Los Angeles in the 1920s and quickly gained popularity among Hollywood stars who wanted homes that felt like fanciful hideaways.
This home captures that essence perfectly, with its turreted entry, archways, and stained glass windows that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Equally charming interiors
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
Step inside, and you’ll find a living room for the ages — featuring a brick fireplace with a mantel made from an old oak wine press, leaded glass windows, and vaulted ceilings crafted from reclaimed wood from a Los Olivos farm.
The kitchen’s vintage charm
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
The kitchen exudes vintage farmhouse charm, boasting a classic O’Keefe & Merrit oven/range, a custom sink and pantry, and architectural details such as archways and copper-clad corners.
The cozy family room
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
The main hall leads to a cozy family room and an Art Deco-inspired powder room with pink and green hues.
Idyllic primary bedroom
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
The primary suite offers a large bedroom with vaulted ceilings, a built-in vanity, ample closet space, and an Art Deco-style bathroom.
The charming guest bedrooms
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
Two guest bedrooms, each with their own unique character, share a beautifully tiled bathroom with a step-down shower and separate tub.
One bedroom features cathedral-like windows and custom closets with a built-in desk, while the other boasts a seating area and a lofted sleeping space accessible by an oak beam staircase.
The loft above the living area
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
A wrought iron spiral staircase leads to a spacious loft overlooking the living room, complete with bookshelves and secret rooms.
Salvaged treasures
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
The house is a treasure trove of salvaged items.
The doors in the dining room, blue bathroom, and the big middle room are from the old Los Angeles Athletic Club, salvaged by the owner’s late mother during the club’s renovation.
The master bedroom headboard and the bar in the dining room came from Hearst’s collection at San Simeon. Even the backyard fence is made from old railway ties, adding to the home’s quirky charm.
Hearst Castle connections
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
Speaking of Hearst Castle, the house has a direct connection to the famous San Simeon estate. According to our sources, the current seller’s parents had a friend who managed to bring several items from Heart’s castle — and helped repurpose them.
The bar in the dining room and the master bedroom headboard were part of Hearst’s collection, originally sourced from Louis XIV’s collections in France. It was initially part of Hearst’s collection of antique French furniture he had shipped over from Europe to decorate San Simeon. The family friend acquired the headboard and repaired it for the current owners.
Art & sculptures abound
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
Art lovers will appreciate the “Bucket Man” sculpture by Malibu artist Carl Gillberg, which graces the backyard pond. Created in the early ’70s, this whimsical piece doubles as a fountain, adding a playful touch to the garden (provided future owners will rehab the pump).
The house itself is a living piece of art
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
The eclectic combination of salvaged doors, antique furnishings, architectural details, and repurposed materials come together to create a living art piece. Each room has been thoughtfully designed with artistic vision.
The fairy tale continues outside
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
The backyard is equally charming, with a deck, lounge areas, a “casita” with a kitchen, and a garden shed. There’s also a lower level with a storage room, a workshop, and a darkroom, perfect for creative projects.
The “casita” is a rustic dream
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
Made out of reclaimed produce crates and beams, the “casita” is just as unique as the main house, and serves as an extra-charming rustic kitchen with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and plenty of salvaged items.
Pacific Palisades location
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
Located in the picturesque Pacific Palisades, this house offers the perfect blend of coastal living and suburban charm. The Palisades are known for their beautiful landscapes, excellent schools, and a tight-knit community. Plus, it’s just a short drive from the beach, making it an ideal spot for those who love the ocean.
Unlike anything else on the market
Photo credit: Neuefocus / Compass
“There is really nothing like this on the market, especially in the Palisades,” says listing agent Dan Urbach. “Inventory remains low in Pacific Palisades and there is still strong buyer demand for homes priced in a market-value range. Properties with exceptional character and charm tend to sell faster, as they create an emotional appeal.”
This storybook house is not just a home; it’s a fairy tale waiting to be lived in. With its rich history, unique design, and prime location, it’s truly a rare gem in Los Angeles.
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Find a place to hang your hat. Then decorate it with the best of the West.
This might not be Texas or a hold-em, but you can still design a place fit for your “Cowboy Carter” era. Whether you’re renting a house in fast-paced Northeastern cities like Philadelphia or an apartment deep in the heart of San Antonio, TX, you can find the cowboy-inspired touches that give your house a rustic, down-home appeal that feels true to your lifestyle.
At Rent., we turned to the experts who specialize in Western design and curated our very best suggestions from them. Our roundup includes interior stylists, art specialists, lifestyle bloggers, and others, so keep reading to see their recommendations.
What’s cowboy chic? Why is it trending?
Western styles such as “cowboy chic” give apartment and home dwellers a mix of cozy, rugged, and lived-in that feels approachable. “After all, it’s the versatility of Western designs that makes this accessible trend popular in the first place, as Lacey Boyer of her eponymous Lacey Boyer Interior Design says. “The popularity of Western decor taps into a broader cultural fascination with nostalgia, authenticity, and a longing for connection to rugged landscapes and simpler times. The enduring appeal of cowboy-chic lies in its versatility. It’s not merely a fleeting trend but a timeless aesthetic that can be adapted to various design sensibilities, from modern rustic to eclectic bohemian.”
It seems that other designers agree. According to Alex Woulf of Sustainably Staged, ” Western decor is poised to make a stylish comeback, and there’s no better time to explore the intersection of heritage-inspired aesthetics and modern design principles. From rugged textures to earthy palettes, there’s a richness and authenticity to Western-inspired interiors that I find utterly captivating.
Laura Medicus of Laura Medicus Interiors, a premier home design studio in Denver, also weighs in: “When Beyonce sings about Levi Jeans and line dancing, we pay attention. Cowboy chic is a cool Western vibe that’s lived in, it embraces vintage finds and is pulled together with dark colors and metallic shine. In 2024, this is inclusive of Western Americana with moody colors, fringe, denim, and worn leather.”
Where to find the Western look and defining characteristics
While anyone can add elements of this aesthetic to their homes, it’s going to feel more authentic in Western or Western-adjacent areas, like the desert areas or the Midwest. With that said, anyone can introduce cowboy-chic to their interior design. No need to gatekeep here!
As Casey Coleford of the California-based design firm, Casey Coleford Interior Design, posits, “Western-themed elements will always have a place in interior design. Whether it be a cowhide rug, wrought iron hardware, or a collection of cowboy hats hung on the wall. Geography also has a lot to do with what you’ll find in any given room: It is expected in heartland states (think Cracker Barrel). Incorporating Western elements pays homage to our settlers, and won’t be affected by music trends.” he says.
According to studio mtn founder Sierra Fox, “Western influence is everywhere, permeating beyond interior design; models dating cowboys, beach girls in cowboy boots, and a vacation on a ranch to see a rodeo is reigning over tropical getaways and city stays.”
While Fox and her team are inclined to protect their own private Idaho, they are also embracing the Western movement as a whole. “For example, studio mtn loves seeing the resurgence of worn leather, the warmth of reclaimed wood and patinated metals, and the timeless allure of rustic finishes. Western style goes beyond just aesthetics — it captures the essence of adventure, resilience, and a connection to nature. When done right, any space can tap into the soulful energy of the American West.”
Try Western rugs for starters
One Western decor idea to try is pretty low-commitment: Simply add a cowboy-chic rug to the floor to see if you fancy this trend. For example, cowhide rugs provide a fresh take on an animal print that feels more on-trend than, say, leopard print.
According to Alicia at Rodeo Cowhide Rugs, “Affordability has also made cowhide rugs more accessible, once seen as luxury items, they are now within reach for a broader audience. Additionally, they align perfectly with the latest design trends, including bohemian chic and Scandinavian minimalism. In particular, as Western themes gain popularity each year, cowhide rugs have become essential for creating an authentic cowboy-inspired decor, enhancing the rugged yet refined aesthetic of Western-themed spaces.”
Add some artwork
Want to display your Western decor more prominently? Dress up your wall with some tapestries or art.
“Western art portrays a unique time in history,” explains renowned Arizona-based artist Miguel Camarena. “The modern western look is trending because of the simplicity and elegance of the rustic modern decor and its simple use of muted colors such as warm and cool greys of the whole hue scale.
An example of this would be my “White Horse” painting. At the same time, there is the opposite end of the spectrum where whimsical and high key colors can add a pop of color and accent to most homes, which is why my “Donkey Collection” has become famous worldwide.”
Look to rustic decor for inspiration
Rustic decor gives your space an unfinished look, whether or not you’re committing to a fully Western decor scheme. Think live-edge dining tables, reclaimed wood furniture, and well-worn leather when curating items.
This style exudes warmth and coziness through its use of organic textures and vintage-inspired furnishings, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of ranch side cottages or lodges set in the mountains. Some rustic decor bleeds into other down-home looks, such as modern farmhouse and shabby chic, allowing DIY designers to play around with different looks to find the self-expression sweet spot.
Bring fashion into your Western decor
“We love seeing ‘cowboy core’ emerging in both fashion and home design,” says Patrick Burch, co-owner of Cave + Post Trading Co., an Arizona-based men’s boutique specializing in American heritage brands. “In our store and in our home, we like to use authentic Western pieces as decor. For example, we love to use cowboy hats from Spur Hats or Lost River Hat Co. as wearable wall art. Guitars mounted on the wall are another fun way to introduce a Western vibe.”
Similarly, Libby Palmieri of House of L Designs talks about how the runway’s influence is energizing the trend beyond the Western states: “As a designer, the usual requests for Western embellishments are typically found in dusty cowboy towns tucked away in Colorado, Montana, and Utah where home design can embrace the fantasy and bring the landscape strokes inside.
Now, however, the influence of runway fashion in the house of Louis Vuitton (for starters) with Pharrell at the helm and his Western-themed men’s spring 2024 retro cowboy collection and the music industry, with Beyonce’s new release of ‘Cowboy Carter,’ that is all about to change.”
Just how much will pop culture influence Western decor?
“As a roofer who’s seen a fair share of houses over the years, I’d say trends come and go faster than a Texas tumbleweed,” says Brendan Anderson of Montana-based roofing company Brix Systems. “Now, this Beyonce country album buzz sure is something new. I wouldn’t say it’ll cause a full-on stampede toward Western decor, but it could definitely spur some folks on the fence. Here’s why…”
Celebrity influence is powerful: Anderson continues, “Beyonce’s a huge star, and when she shines a light on something, people notice. It can spark interest in people who might not have considered Western style before.”
Rustic charm allure: “Western decor already has a certain timeless appeal. The worn leather, natural textures, and warm colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This might resonate with folks lookin’ for a more comfortable, down-home feel.”
Subtle shift, not a roundup: “I wouldn’t expect folks to overhaul their whole house. More likely, we’ll see a sprinkle of Western influence – fringe on throw pillows, a rustic coffee table, or maybe some weathered barnboard on an accent wall.”
Anderson goes on to explain why pop culture influence might not supersede more practical considerations, like maintenance needs, location, or budget:
Maintenance matters: “Western decor often features natural materials like leather and wood. These require more upkeep than, say, laminate flooring or synthetic fabrics. Folks gotta be prepared to put in the extra effort.”
Regional appeal: “The Western aesthetic might not translate everywhere. Sure, it fits perfectly in ranch houses and cabins, but might feel out of place in a beach bungalow or a modern loft.”
Budget considerations: “Genuine Western furniture and antiques can be pricey. Most folks will likely stick to accents and accessories, which can be more affordable.”
Commenting on the recent interest in Western decor ideas, Patrick Burch of Cave + Post Trading also adds, “Shows like Yellowstone were already popularizing Western fashion and design, and Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” is feeding that trend. Subtle Western touches go with so many styles — just like in fashion. You can add accent pieces to your home that don’t overwhelm, but add a cool Western touch.”
Maggie McCombs is the managing editor at Rent., where she oversees the content calendar and production schedule for three high-traffic websites. She studied linguistics and Spanish at the University of Georgia, where she learned the fundamentals of languages like Arabic, Latin, French and Old English and mastered Spanish literature. Since college, Maggie has developed a strong portfolio of blogs and journalistic pieces alike. Outside of work, Maggie spends time playing video games (especially anything Zelda!), competing in trivia contests, listening to audiobooks, exploring new cities and relaxing with her husband, dogs and cat.
As the latest season of the hit reality competition series “The Circle” hit our screens, we couldn’t help but notice that something looks a little bit different.
And no, we’re not talking about the new AI bot that has entered the chat (sorry, Max).
The reality show has a brand new building, a whole new series of colorful apartments, and a fresh filming location set on American soil — stepping away from the UK filming location where all international versions of the dating series have been filmed up until now.
Season 6 sees contenders take residence in a Midtown Atlanta apartment building, with each of their units meticulously designed by art director Karen Weber, a reality series vet who also worked on America’s Next Top Model.
And she took extra care in designing each apartment, as well as the communal spaces the contestants get to enjoy while filming the Netflix production.
So let’s take a closer look at the Atlanta building that now houses the popular series, the colorful The Circle apartments and the design principles that brought them to life, and how you too can book a stay here — though your apartment might look a tad different than those the contestants live in.
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The Circle building is now the Sonder Midtown South, in Atlanta
Unlike previous seasons and all other international versions of the series — which all filmed in Northern England, at the 206-unit Adelphi Wharf building in Salford, UK, right outside of Manchester — Season 6 takes place stateside in Atlanta, Georgia.
Offering a fresh setting for the drama to unfold, the Sonder Midtown South apartment building at 126 Renaissance Pkwy NE in Midtown Atlanta serves as the main filming location for the hit Netflix series.
Art director Karen Weber led the charge in designing the vibrant new apartments, housed in the Sonder Midtown South building.
With communal spaces like a retro launderette and a rooftop courtyard, Weber aimed to create distinct yet cohesive living environments for the players, each measuring approximately 1,200 square feet.
And this was no easy feat, especially while trying to emulate the bold, colorful aesthetics the series is already known for.
From bold color palettes to whimsical themes inspired by Barbie and Wes Anderson, the transformed spaces offer a Pinterest-worthy aesthetic that’s sure to catch the eye of viewers.
The apartments, given names like Glamour Room and Artist Loft, were curated with furniture and decor sourced from vintage shops and salvage yards around Atlanta, lending them a bespoke feel.
For some spaces, art director Karen Weber aimed to create “really bright high energy,” while other rooms were meant to feel “more adult, laid-back, and [a] little more restful,” she shared on Netflix’s blog. After all, the players actually had to live in the spaces throughout filming, so comfort is key.
And while the budget was the same for each apartment in the new The Circle building, creating a variety of spaces and aesthetics is paramount to the show’s success.
“Giving producers that kind of a range [of types of spaces] lets them figure out who fits where,” Weber added.
But in Weber’s eyes, the apartments aren’t just for the players who inhabit them.
She also wanted viewers watching along to imagine themselves in the living spaces and perhaps inspire them to transform their own — either by stenciling something on a wall or spray-painting fish scales on a bathroom cabinet.
“I try to do a couple of DIY projects in each space that could be done by someone at home,” she says.
Re-designing 10 more apartments for the next contestants
As if Weber didn’t have her work cut out for her, as soon as she was done setting up the apartments for Season 6, she had to do it all again in preparation for the already-announced Season 7. For the upcoming season, another 10 new apartments had to be designed from the ground up.
“It’s the sandcastle theory, because you build this beautiful thing and then you let it all just get washed away and it’s done,” she says. “The rooms have their moment and then you have to move on.”
You can stay at the Atlanta building where The Circle filmed
While fans won’t be able to book a stay in the exact apartments seen on-screen, they too can book a stay in the building featured on the show whenever visiting Atlanta.
The Sonder Midtown South offers sleek and modern accommodations with amenities like a fitness center, outdoor grill, and in-unit laundry. And its colorful, imaginative makeover for The Circle only adds to the building’s appeal.
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After participating in pop-ups and markets—and working with AD100 designer Alex Papachristidis—founder Alice Minnich opened Larger Cross to embrace New Jersey’s “bucolic lifestyle.” The shop features a wonderful mix of country house essentials, including antique English furniture and silver, Mexican etched glassware, and other stylish finds. Though Larger Cross has select pieces on its web store, its Oldwick location is a must-visit because of its robust inventory and soothing sage green interior.
Domain
Jennifer Hughes courtesy of Domain
Charming and often locally made home accessories and gifts are the specialty of interior designer Laura Hodges, who runs this storefront in the historic area of downtown Catonsville. Knitted throw blankets, handmade ceramics, ample artwork, and a profusion of pillows are what keep shoppers stopping by.
Think of Good Neighbor as one of the few home decor stores that can appeal to all the senses. Located in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood, the retailer boasts a roster of contemporary wares sure to elevate any entryway, living room, or home office. (Highlights include rippled glassware from Ferm Living, Hem’s vibrant side tables, and terrazzo stools courtesy of Normann Copenhagen.) Should you get hungry mid-spree, grab a coffee or sweet treat at Good Neighbor’s in-store café. You can also check out Green Neighbor, the retailer’s New Age nursery next door that sells plants and modern gardening essentials.
Eclectic design enthusiasts might know Yowie for its sprightly social media presence; however, its brick-and-mortar store in Philadelphia’s Queen Village is well worth the in-person visit. Yowie is open only a few days each week, but if you schedule your stop for the right moment, you’ll see that Shannon Maldonado packs the storefront with punchy ceramics, glassware, pillows, and linens, as well as innovative provisions. Out-of-towners, take note: In 2023, Yowie opened a colorful hotel attached to the storefront for some bold beauty sleep.
Growing up in Amsterdam, founder Natalie van Dijk had a deep appreciation for all-things home decor—so much so that she studied textile design in Europe and pursued a career in New York City. When she decided to open her shop in Boston’s South End, she blended aspects of her unique journey into one storefront: the sleek aesthetic of Amsterdam, the luxuries of Paris, and the innovative spirit of NYC. (Lekker is Dutch for “pleasing, enjoyable, and tasty.”) Van Dijk’s perfected the balance of understated and upscale with furniture upholstered in Alexander Girard textiles, outdoor rugs by Chilewich, and table lamps by &Tradition.
Home Remedies has been serving up classic New England charm since 2010—and remains a favorite design destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. (Even the store itself feels unequivocally Maine, thanks to its exposed wooden beams, brick walls, and a sprinkling of shiplap.) Nestled on Portland’s bustling Commercial Street, the retailer is the epitome of east coast style with an assortment of Thibaut throw pillows, lobster-printed serveware, and cast-iron cookware.
Midwest
Mitchell Black
Courtesy of Mitchell Black
With a studio-slash-storefront a stone’s throw away from Chicago’s famed Wrigley Field, Mitchell Black is the place to find custom and bespoke wall coverings in any style. You can also specify statement-making wall murals, peel-and-stick repeats, and just about anything else that will add a graphic punch to a project. In addition to signature repeats, Mitchell Black is also brimming with designer collaborations from the likes of Beth Glover and Forbes Masters, among others.
Open on weekends, or by appointment, The Stoop isn’t the kind of store you can sporadically swing by. But once you finally carve out some time to visit the West Town retailer, you’ll be happy you did. While The Stoop might have an impressive selection of secondhand clothes and accessories, it’s the homewares section that offers hit after hit. On any given day, you can pick up a complete Alessi by Michael Graves set or graphic art by Erin Burke.
Shopkeeper Beth Berke isn’t an interior designer by trade. (In fact, she spent many years as an aid and social worker.) However, when she was sprucing up her historic home many years ago, Berke found herself searching all corners of the earth for unique vintage pieces—and loved every minute of it. Her hobby turned into a full-fledged business with South Loop Loft, which is located just north of Chicago’s Fulton Market area. From Carrara marble office furniture dating back to the 1980s to a Belgian “space age” sofa from the 1970s, South Loop Loft gives retro finds a cool, trending flair.
Portland, a city renowned for its lush green parks, eclectic food scene, and unique neighborhoods, is a haven for renters who prefer to navigate their surroundings on foot. Rentals are also fairly affordable, with the average one-bed costing $1,500. But which areas of the city offer the most pedestrian-friendly experience?
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll uncover the most walkable neighborhoods in Portland. So, prepare to step out and explore the charm and convenience of these neighborhoods that make Portland a walker’s paradise.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Pearl District
Walk Score: 98
Pearl District is the most walkable neighborhood in Portland, with a Walk Score of 98. Known for its quirky art galleries and loft-style apartments, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its highly walkable layout. Notable attractions include Powell’s City of Books, Voodoo Doughnuts, and Jamison Square.
Search for Pearl District apartments for rent.
2. Old Town Chinatown
Walk Score: 97
Old Town Chinatown has a Walk Score of 97, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Portland. There’s a lot to love about the area, from its waterfront parks to its bustling nightlife. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
See Old Town Chinatown apartments for rent.
3. Downtown
Walk Score: 96
Downtown is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Downtown, like Pioneer Courthouse Square and the Portland Art Museum. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Find Downtown apartments for rent.
4. Hollywood
Walk Score: 94
Located in Eastern Portland, Hollywood has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From the Hollywood Theatre to the Hollywood Farmers Market, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is Grant Park, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
Browse Hollywood apartments for rent.
5. Kerns
Walk Score: 94
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, Kerns is known for its eclectic mix of eateries and shops. Consider exploring Laurelhurst Park or getting a bite to eat at Screen Door with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this bustling community as well, like the Buckman Farmers Market and the Laurelhurst Theater.
Discover Kerns apartments for rent.
6. Goose Hollow
Walk Score: 94
Goose Hollow has a Walk Score of 94, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Portland. Known for its historic homes and proximity to downtown, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden. While you’re out, check out Providence Park.
Look for Goose Hollow apartments for rent.
7. Northwest District
Walk Score: 93
Northwest District is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in Portland. This bustling community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the Portland Japanese Garden and the Pittock Mansion. While you’re walking, take a moment to smell the flowers at the gigantic Forest Park.
Search for Northwest District apartments for rent.
8. Sunnyside
Walk Score: 93
Sunnyside has a Walk Score of 93, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at nearby Hawthorne Fish House, to taking a walk at Sewallcrest Park. If you’re up for a longer outing, nearby Mount Tabor Park is popular among locals.
Find Sunnyside apartments for rent.
9. Boise
Walk Score: 93
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Portland is Boise. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like Gravy, Boise Fry Company, and The ReBuilding Center. It’s also easy to walk over to Peninsula Park Rose Garden for a great day out.
Peruse Boise apartments for rent.
10. Hosford-Abernethy
Walk Score: 92
Hosford-Abernethy is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Eastbank Esplanade, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community.
Discover Hosford-Abernethy apartments for rent.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
Sterling ‘Steelo’ Brim, the charismatic co-host and producer of MTV’s hit show Ridiculousness, known for his quick wit and infectious laughter, has found his slice of paradise in L.A.’s family-friendly Encino neighborhood.
Dropping a cool $4.150 million back in 2020 for the then-newly built manse, Brim’s move into the celeb-favored enclave added another star to Encino’s glittering firmament.
Fast forward two years and Brim proudly showcased his stunning home on a segment of the revamped MTV Cribs, giving fans a personal tour of his lavish lifestyle and impeccable taste. And we’re here to fill you in on all the details that didn’t make their way into the video tour.
Especially since we’re intimately familiar with the Encino residence, which we covered extensively when it first came to market back in November 2019. Maya Librush at The Agency held the listing.
He paid $4,150,000 for the stylish new build
Ridiculousness host Steelo Brim lives in a 6,000-square-foot home that was built just two years before he purchased it in October 2020 for $4,150,000.
The modern farmhouse-inspired abode has five bedrooms, seven baths, and an array of jaw-dropping amenities that blend seamlessly with the California lifestyle.
Fun fact: Brim’s Encino house sits on the same street as Cher’s house in ‘Clueless’ (that’s right, while said to be in Beverly Hills, the 1995 cult movie featured a San Fernando Valley house as the Horowitz residence).
Key numbers & facts
Location: Encino, Los Angeles CA
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 7
Square footage: 6,000
Year built: 2018
Lot size: 0.27 acres
Amenities: a recreation/billiards room, wet bar and kitchenette, a walk-in wine room, a home gym, home theater, a basketball court, putting green, and a backyard with a resort-style swim-up bar in the grand pool
Other structures: pool house
Purchase price: $4,150,000 (October 2020)
Seeing that Brim purchased the home at the height of the pandemic house-buying craze, well before interest rates shot up, he had to pay a little over the asking price to land the property, which was listed for $3,985,000.
But he definitely got his money’s worth, as we’re about to see.
A look inside Steelo Brim’s house & its many amenities
Walking past the short white wall and through the gates of Brim’s transitional-style abode, you’re greeted by a sleek exterior of smooth white stucco accented with jet-black trim—an early hint at the elegance that lies within.
Boasting a modern farmhouse-inspired design — a common architectural style for the area, which has proven to attract star power to the neighborhood, as Michael B. Jordan’s stylish farmhouse shows — Steelo Brim’s house blends modern architecture with classic elegance.
Step through the pivoting wooden door, and you enter a world where contemporary design meets homely warmth. You’re welcomed by a grand entryway with unique water features, a floating walkway, and vaulted ceilings.
Inside ‘Ridiculousness’ host Steelo Brim’s house in Encino, Los Angeles. Photo credit: The Agency
The great room—a harmonious blend of the living room, dining area, and kitchen—sets the tone with its vaulted ceilings, pale hardwood floors, and a linear fireplace that demands attention, all basking in the glow of natural light.
The kitchen, a marvel in its own right, boasts Calacatta marble countertops that echo the home’s refined aesthetic, complemented by a contemporary chandelier in the dining area that adds a touch of modern sophistication.
It also has state-of-the-art Thermador appliances and an oversized island.
Photo credit: The Agency
Ascend to the master bedroom, and you’re met with a cozy fireplace, a vast window flooding the space with light, and a private patio that offers a serene overlook of the backyard oasis.
The en-suite bathroom, with its clawfoot soaking tub, vanity area, and walk-in steam shower, is a spa-like retreat promising relaxation and luxury.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Additionally, there’s also a huge walk-in closet and dressing room, masterfully designed bathrooms, and stunning fireplaces in the living room, the master bedroom, and the outdoor lounging area.
Photo credit: The Agency
The backyard is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a large rectangular pool and spa, a sunken BBQ area, and an ultra-luxe pool house—ensuring that every day feels like a vacation.
More outdoor amenities that add to the charm (and fun) are a basketball court, a putting green, and a resort-style swim-up bar in the grand pool.
Photo credit: The Agency
There’s also a sanctuary seating area with serene views, an oversized steam shower, and an 18K gold applique fireplace, just for opulence’s sake.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
And for those rare chilly L.A. evenings, the estate’s indoor perks like a movie theater, a wine cellar with a tasting area, and a game room with a wet bar ensure the entertainment never ends.
It’s clear that this Ridiculousness star, who reportedly rakes in around $140,000 per episode, has invested not just in a property, but in creating a haven that reflects his success and personality. And we couldn’t be happier for him, especially knowing that he made his fortunes by making us laugh.
If you want to see more or tour the house alongside Steelo Brim himself, here’s the full MTV Cribs episode, which will also take you through Macy Gray’s LA home and pro snowboarder Nick Baumgartner’s Michigan space.
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Ready for a nostalgia-filled jaunt back to the ’90s, complete with plaid miniskirts and oversized cell phones?
This time, we’re diving into something a tad more tangible than Cher Horowitz’s enviable wardrobe: her iconic Beverly Hills mansion. Or so we thought.
Buckle up, because we’re about to spill the tea on the real location of Cher’s Beverly Hills mansion – and trust us, Alicia Silverstone’s character would definitely not be on board with the address.
Picture this: the sprawling, sun-kissed mansion where Cher and Josh shared that oh-so-sweet kiss. The kitchen where a clueless Cher attempted to bake, and the lavish pool where the gang chilled to Kids In America.
Feels like a page taken straight out of the Beverly Hills, 90210 handbook, right? Plot twist: the real deal is nestled not in the hills of Beverly but in the Valley!
Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz and Paul Rudd as Josh in a Clueless scene taking place on the winding staircase. Photo credit: IMDB
That’s right, Cher’s house is actually in Encino, in the San Fernando Valley.
But here’s the kicker: the Encino location, a suburban neighborhood, is quite the departure from the Beverly Hills glam portrayed in the movie.
Not only that, but Cher would have HATED being called a Valley Girl (a term that we owe to musician Frank Zappa, btw).
Photo credit: IMDB
In the 1995 movie, the San Fernando Valley is mentioned and featured in a few scenes, notably when Cher is robbed at gunpoint in a parking lot after mistakenly driving onto the freeway, leading to a very stressful situation for her.
This scene is one of the few direct interactions Cher has with the Valley, showcasing her sheltered Beverly Hills life clashing with the broader Los Angeles area.
The real-life ‘Clueless’ house in Encino
So first, let’s get something out of the way: while Hollywood movies have long used the San Fernando Valley / Beverly Hills divide to highlight the social and geographical contrasts within the city (first example that comes to mind is Karate Kid and the new Cobra Kai sequel series), Encino is actually a very sought-after and safe neighborhood.
In fact, the median sale price for Encino homes in early 2024 stands at a hefty $1,900,000.
While that’s considerably less than what Beverly Hills homes sell for (the median sale price for the ritzy, star-studded neighborhood is $3.7M), houses in Encino are notoriously luxurious — with significantly more square footage than their counterparts in the Hills.
And Cher’s Clueless house is no exception.
Streetview image of the Clueless house located at 5148 Louise Ave in Encino, CA. Image credit: Google Maps
This 9,441-square-foot behemoth boasts 7 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, and commands yearly property taxes north of $40k. Built in 1993, just a hop and a skip before Clueless hit the big screen, its fresh design had us all green with envy.
However, it’s worth noting that scenes taking place inside the house were filmed elsewhere, on a soundstage.
The house, sitting pretty at 5148 Louise Ave on a 2-acre lot, hasn’t switched hands since it was built back in 1993. The last publicly recorded sale was a land transaction in 1980 for $680,000.
Fast forward to today, and the house is pegged at a cool $7 million. Not too shabby, huh? But, surprisingly, it’s considerably cheaper than the next Clueless house on our list.
Dionne’s real Beverly Hills digs
Now, let’s dish about Dionne’s house. Unlike Cher’s Encino residence, Dionne’s Tudor-style mansion truly sits in the heart of Beverly Hills.
Boasting similar specs to Cher’s house but with a Beverly Hills zip code, this property screams luxury — and is considerably more expensive than the Horowitz residence.
The house at 705 N Sierra Dr in Beverly Hills, which played the part of Dionne’s house in Clueless. The property currently sitting on this lot looks very different today. Photo credit: Google Maps
Last sold in 2008 for over $10 million, its current value hovers around $17 million – making it way pricier than Cher’s home.
But it’s also worth noting that the house that sits on the lot today is completely different from the Tudor-style home that graced our screens three decades ago.
Property records show that the house at 705 N Sierra Dr in Beverly Hills sold twice since the movie’s 1995 debut: once in 1998, when it commanded a $3,350,030 sale price, and then again in 2008, when it sold for three times that amount, $10,650,000. So it does look like in between these two owners, a new house was built on the 0.51-acre lot.
Other real ‘Clueless’ filming locations
Our Clueless journey doesn’t end at Cher and Dionne’s doorstep.
Remember the fictional Bronson Alcott High? Those scenes came to life at Occidental College and Ulysses S. Grant High School.
And who could forget the Westside Pavilion mall escapades or the mugging at Circus Liquor? Not to mention Cher’s post-failed driver’s test meltdown on Rodeo Drive.
Los Angeles served as the ultimate backdrop, bringing the Clueless universe to life with its diverse filming locations.
And the most unique of them was surely the famous Spadena House — also known as the Witch’s house in Beverly Hills — a unique storybook home that was only featured on-screen for a few seconds, but that captivated movie fans for years after.
The unique storybook house known as The Spadena House also made an appearance in the 1995 classic. Photo credit: IMDB
The Beverly Hills illusion
So, what’s the takeaway from our stroll down Clueless lane? First, it’s that movie magic can transform any location into a narrative’s heart and soul. Cher’s “Beverly Hills” mansion, firmly rooted in Encino, serves as a perfect example.
As we celebrate nearly three decades since Clueless graced our screens, let’s remember the film for what it truly offered: a comedic, stylish, and somewhat educational tour of Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods.
In the end, Cher’s house, much like the film itself, remains a beloved piece of ’90s pop culture. Its real-life Encino location only adds to the charm and intrigue of the “Clueless” legacy.
As for us? We’re totally buggin’ over the fact that movie magic can make us believe anything – even that Cher’s mansion was actually in Beverly Hills.
It wouldn’t be the first time tough. We also long thought that the Fresh Prince house is actually in Bel Air (spoiler, it’s not!).
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In AD PRO’s monthly Having a Moment column, AD senior design editor Hannah Martin reports as a weathervane for fads big and small, documenting the patterns and home decor trends she’s clocked in the pages of AD and beyond. Here, enjoy a look back at 2023’s most defining moments.
From nostalgic styles making a comeback to innovative responses to how we live today, there were many stand-out moments in the world of interior design this year. Reviewing them retrospectively, the selections sum up the past year’s tentpole memories—from the design fair debuts we’re still thinking about to the interiors that will inspire well into the new year. Before diving into the design forecasts and color predictions for 2024, take a minute to reflect on the home decor trends that ruled interiors this year.
The kitchen counters and island of Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s renovated New York family home are clad in Calacatta Turquoise Antico marble from ABC Stone.
Photo: Kelly Marshall
Forget the subtlety of travertine (last year’s surface du jour) or the always-in elegance of snow-white Carrara. This year was all about an eye-popping specimen—strong veining, unusual colors, and (for the ultra-daring) perhaps a graphic mix of both. Surfaces need not blend into the background; they can say something too. Let’s call it personality marble—that essential dose of pattern that can make any interior pop. Take, for instance, the freestanding onyx bar Roman and Williams turned into a showstopping moment in Gwyneth Paltrow’s Montecito living room, or the all-over marble bathroom of Tinder founder Sean Rad and his wife, Lizzie Grover Rad, conjured by designer Jane Hallworth. Consider it a new kind of conversation piece for the home.
Jaxx Red Marble Side Table
In artist Mary Weatherford’s midcentury-modern LA home, revamped by AD100 designer Oliver M. Furth, the pink toilet is vintage Kohler.
Photo: Douglas Friedman
“With a rise in midcentury-modern home remodels and an increased nostalgia for retro furnishings, we’re seeing more customers favoring color,” says Alyssa Wilterdink, senior marketing manager at Kohler, which relaunched a duo of vintage hues for its plumbing fixtures in honor of the American manufacturer’s 150th anniversary this year. Designers are indeed leaning in: Virginia Tupker recently ordered custom colored Water Monopoly sinks in pale pink and blue for a family home in Connecticut; color fiend Frances Merrill installed a cobalt blue sink in the powder room of a Cape Ann, Massachusetts, home; and designer Oliver M. Furth opted for a vintage pink toilet from Kohler for artist Mary Wetherford’s midcentury-modern abode in LA.
Lookin’ Good Shower Set
The Plain English kitchen of this Virginia Tupker project in Connecticut, features a backsplash made of custom Portuguese tile, hand-painted with a William Morris–inspired motif.
Photo: Isabel Parra
This year, we witnessed a surge in designers adding color, pattern, and artistic flair to their projects with hand-painted tile. “I’ll tile just about anything,” says interior designer Jessica Jubelirer, who applied the treatment to the hearth, the bathrooms, the baseboards, and, most memorably, inset in the closet doors in a lakeside Wisconsin family home. Meanwhile, in a historic Connecticut family home designed by Virginia Tupker, Delft and Portuguese tiles create a sort of wainscoting in the entryway and bathrooms, as well as fireplace surrounds. In the kitchen of that project, hand-painted tile adds a splash of pattern (drawn from a William Morris motif) as a backsplash. Practical and durable with an artisan flair, hand-painted tile adds visual interest wherever needed. Adds Jubilerer: “Kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces can all benefit from its practicality and beauty.”
São Dinis 88 Portuguese Tile
Massimiliano Locatelli’s Milan apartment features task lighting; an industrial, stainless-steel kitchen; and terrazzo floors.
This spring’s design fair circuit hinted at a return to the industrial minimalism, high-tech style of the ’70s and ’80s—an industrial revolution of the interior, if you will. In April we returned from Milan with notes about a minimalism resurgence, with a particular emphasis on industrial materials. Knoll had reissued some of high-tech star Joe D’Urso’s super-adaptable and sleek low tables from the ’80s. Ledongil Workshop’s experimental lighting and furnishings, on display at Ordet gallery, felt like an elevated take on track lighting. And at Drop City, designer Daisuke Yamamoto showcased a collection of clean-lined chairs made of the most frequently trashed construction material: lightweight gauge steel. Indeed, industrial materials and minimalist silhouettes were the protagonists of this year’s debuts.
Hector Small Dome Clip Light
A pale plink moire dressing room by Sophie Ashby
Photo: Alexander James
“We’re blowing the dust off moire,” says Raffaele Fabrizio, creative director of Dedar, while showing off the Italian fabric house’s newly expanded Amoir Libre textile. Cue the ripple effect. As of late, a handful of brands and interior designers have redirected their gaze to the historic textile that oozes opulence, repackaging it for today’s quiet luxury. Interior designer Sophie Ashby, who recently wrapped a dressing room in a pale pink Dedar moire, praises the home decor trend for its ability to expand space: “When used in the right way it can really enhance a space, enveloping the interior with tactility whilst also subtly playing with light to make smaller spaces—such as dressing rooms or hidden nooks—appear larger.”
Quadratic Rug in Burgundy by Objects of Common Interest for CC-Tapis
Aerin Lauder mounted a grid of prints in the service pantry of her Palm Beach kitchen.
Photo: Simon Upton
Before there was photography, botanists—or anyone wishing to document flora—created detailed illustrations, known as botanical studies, intended to convey the plant’s physical appearance and other qualities. Unsurprisingly, such botanical studies have long been used to decorate. Lately, the botanical studies trend—a longtime hallmark of traditional, even preppy interiors—is blooming anew. In Lauren Dupont’s Connecticut home, designed by Stephen Sills, a pair of antique botanical prints purchased at auction hang in her dressing room, and in her Palm Beach kitchen, Aerin Lauder mounted a grid of floral prints in the service pantry. Sure, there’s nothing innately groundbreaking about florals when it comes to home decor trends, but perhaps that’s just what gives them eternal life.
Nasturtium Wall Tray
In his Manhattan loft, Colin King styles a minimalist bed—or “grandma-style,” as he dubs it.
Rich Stapleton
In the bedroom, gone are the piles of decorative pillows and fussy, overstuffed duvets. Back is a simple coverlet that is perfectly happy not to take center stage. You know this super-simple look: a flat coverlet is laid across the bed, folded down a little at the top, and then back over a pair of standard pillows. “It always felt a bit traditional and almost religious,” says Colin King, the stylist and longtime AD contributor, who favors the minimalist bed. “It’s clean and tidy, simple but elegant. It gives the room the feeling you want your bedroom to have—serenity.” The back-to-basics look has been spotted in a restored Brooklyn Heights apartment by Augusta Hoffman, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s California bedroom designed by Jake Arnold, and Andre Mellone’s Manhattan sleeping quarters too.
Repose Heavyweight Bedcover
A pair of Biedermeier armchairs add a classical touch to a Nashville living room designed by Roger Higgins.
Photo: Haris Kenjar
In Germany and Austria between 1815 and 1850, when the Napoleonic wars had ended and a burgeoning middle class emerged, a new style of furniture was created to suit their needs: streamlined versions of more opulent Empire furniture, characterized by strong lines, warm local woods, and simplified shapes—though, notably, not totally stripped of ornament. Biedermeier furniture, as it would later be named, has regained appeal in contemporary interiors for its chameleon qualities. It brings a calculated hit of classicism to a cool, minimalist interior, but it can deliver streamlined modernity to one that is layered and super decorated. These days, says Campbell-Rey’s Charlotte Rey, it’s all about the mix: “It is important to not be afraid to mix them with color and other periods. Perhaps you place a Memphis Milano lamp on top of a Biedermeier sideboard? Being too respectful can make it feel overly polite.”