Even in her circle of pop stardom, Cher is one-of-a-kind. It’s hardly surprising, then, that her home is a true extension of her personality. Her living room, styled by British interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is as eclectic as they come, complete with antique furniture, a star-shaped coffered ceiling, and even a Chinese wedding bed (yes, you read that correctly).
If there’s one thing we can take away from the actress’ living room, it’s that styling a space around unique furniture can be a great way to make a statement.
While many of us are drawn to antique accessories or vintage curios, we often shy away from incorporating them in our designs, let alone making them the centerpiece. But one glance at Cher’s space proves just how effective decorating with antiques can be at drawing the eye, and – with the right styling – all while avoiding dating your home, too.
The living room of Cher’s California home is steeped in luxury. The sprawling space is full of unique artifacts that give the space a museum-like quality, emphasized by the impressive coffered ceiling and arched windows. Throughout the space, you’ll find Baroque influences, Moroccan influences, and oriental influences – a melting pot of culture that reflects Cher’s global travels.
One of those is, of course, the An Chuang, otherwise known as a Chinese wedding bed. The unique decor days center stage at the end of the room, symmetrically positioned between two arched windows where it anchors the space and makes a great focal point. ‘It’s a custom piece wherein the bride and groom’s new bed is set up and decorated in preparation for their new life together,’ writes designer Martyn in his Instagram caption. ‘Such a magical piece in its perfect home.’
While many of us can appreciate unique items like this, we’d never dream of bringing them into our homes. But why leave it to the A-listers? Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors, says that with some intentional styling, you can make one-of-a-kind statement pieces the focal point of your space (and the embodiment of your unique personality and tastes).
‘Cher’s home is an excellent example of applying themes and cultures to one’s personal space,’ says Butler. ‘The recall of traditional Asian/East Asian design is consistent throughout and tells a coherent story of who Cher is and what she loves.’
Shop the look
Cher is clearly a fan of Oriental design styles. This chinoiserie vase is a classic Chinese-inspired style and makes and elegant addition to any living room.
Moroccan Ceiling Light Fixture
Cher’s Moroccan style shade might dominate too much space, but the design itself really complements her ceiling. Try a smaller fixture, like this one, to avoid overwhelming your space.
Dark wood tones feature throughout Cher’s home, and the classic silhouette of this antique Ecclesiastical chair would look right at home in her living room.
She notes how the An Chuang’s interplay with other furniture pieces in the room also helps to tie Cher’s space together cohesively (the repeated dark woods, the ornate carvings, the dimensional ceiling). But, to really harness the power of unique furniture, the key is to give them an unbridled spotlight – something Cher’s space actually fails at.
‘At first glance, you see the sitting area. However, the three-dimensional ceilings take your eyes to the back of the room, and before you can get to the grandeur of the An Chuang, the chandelier – another statement piece by itself – interrupts the moment,’ she says. ‘Sure, it draws your eye to the An Chuang, but it competes with it. Nothing should compete with your statement piece; they should elevate the experience.’
Heirlooms, antiques, and vintage decor always have a place in our homes, but as Theresa notes, you need to be thoughtful with how you use them. To let them sing, allow for plenty of surrounding space – be it a vase, a chair, or a painting. This breathing room will allow a statement piece as astonishing as a Chinese wedding bed (or, likewise, a far smaller accessory) time to really shine.
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