Actress Ellen Pompeo and interior designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard first crossed paths during a visit to Paris in 2006, both attending the Christian Dior show. Lawrence-Bullard, in the company of his longtime client Cher, struck up a conversation with Pompeo and her husband, Chris Ivery, as they awaited the singer’s arrival. This encounter marked the beginning of a front-row connection.
At the time, Pompeo had recently acquired a classic 1920s Spanish-style home in the Hollywood Hills, rumored to be a former residence of Ronald Reagan. Interestingly, it was situated just around the corner from Lawrence-Bullard’s own residence. Despite the house’s solid structure, unlocking its full potential required a touch of creative vision.
Upon acquiring the 1920s Spanish-style home in the Hollywood Hills, Ellen Pompeo found it frozen in time, resembling a museum with minimal updates since its construction, featuring remnants of shag carpeting from the ’60s or ’70s. The lush landscape of neglected cypress trees obscured the potential views of the HOLLYWOOD sign and Griffith Observatory.
Before interior designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard could initiate the renovation, Pompeo had to clear out the remnants of the previous owners—a lifetime of possessions, furniture, clothing, and family photographs. Following months of meticulous sorting, most items were donated to Out of the Closet, a chain of California thrift stores operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. This process, though time-consuming, fostered a connection with the house’s history. Pompeo retained a pair of armchairs and a claw-foot console table for nostalgic continuity.
The two-year restoration project commenced with the replacement of outdated electrical and mechanical systems. While respecting the original architecture’s perfection, Lawrence-Bullard aimed to seamlessly integrate advanced lighting without compromising the home’s aesthetic appeal. The renovation focused not only on modernization but also on preserving the timeless elegance of the Spanish-style residence.
Ellen Pompeo’s design vision for her Hollywood Hills home draws inspiration from the enchanting Mediterranean regions, particularly Morocco, Spain, Tuscany, and the South of France. Embracing the design traditions and laid-back lifestyles synonymous with these locales, Pompeo envisions a space that mirrors casual entertaining, hearty cuisine, and sun-drenched relaxation. Interior designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard notes Pompeo’s easygoing and relaxed personality, eschewing any star-diva extravagance. Their collaboration flourished as Lawrence-Bullard presented an image of a French farmhouse, a vision Pompeo had previously clipped for inspiration, solidifying their shared design sensibilities.
- Foyer:
Ellen Pompeo’s Hollywood Hills home welcomes visitors with a Chinese lamp from Nathan Turner and a Moroccan ottoman in the foyer, setting the tone for the eclectic and culturally inspired design. - Living Room Treasures:
In the living room, a vintage dhurrie graces the floor beneath a custom-made sofa by designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. Photographs by Sebastião Salgado adorn an antique Chinese painter’s table, complemented by a 1950s lacquer side table from JF Chen. The space seamlessly blends old and new furnishings. - Living Room Charm:
The living room features chairs left by the previous owners, adding a touch of history to the space. A petrified wood block from DAO Home serves as a unique side table, contributing to the room’s character. - Dining Elegance:
Lanterns suspended above an antique Guatemalan farmhouse table from Dos Gallos illuminate the dining room. A mirror by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard and a vintage subway sign enhance the room’s aesthetic, creating an elegant dining experience. - Den Retreat:
In the den, a linen-covered sectional and ottoman by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard exude comfort. Woven sea grass stools from ABC Carpet & Home add a natural touch, creating a cozy and inviting retreat within the home. - Primary Bedroom Oasis:
The primary bedroom serves as a luxurious oasis with an antique Egyptian wall hanging, West African pillows from Hollywood at Home, and a bed adorned with a cashmere blanket by Matteo and an Indian silk-and-wool throw. Vintage lacquer campaign cabinets and ’60s Moroccan-style brass lamps from Orange Furniture complete the sophisticated ambiance.
The ambiance of Ellen Pompeo’s home is established with reclaimed Provençal tiles, specifically hexagonal terra-cotta flooring imported on antique pavers, weighing about two tons. The furnishings, gathered during her travels and complemented by items from Caravane Chamber 19 in Paris and Martyn Lawrence-Bullard’s collection, contribute to a global and eclectic feel. In the living room, featuring a 24-foot ceiling, a diverse mix includes a 19th-century French industrial table, an Afghan wool dhurrie from the ’30s, an 18th-century Italian inlaid-wood chair, a Chinese painter’s table, and vintage side tables by Osvaldo Borsani.
Despite Pompeo’s minimalist inclination, the collaboration with Lawrence-Bullard strikes a balance, with Pompeo contributing a minimalist touch and Lawrence-Bullard adding just enough. This unpretentious sensibility extends to the dining room, furnished with benches and a rugged 19th-century Guatemalan farmhouse table, adorned with a Moroccan mirror and tinned-copper lanterns. The kitchen, dominated by a large black-and-white photograph by Sebastião Salgado, emphasizes functionality and ease of care.
