Shay Mitchell Has a Serious Interior Design Passion—See Inside Her L.A. Home

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt at home? Well, we haven't even been inside Shay Mitchell's Los Angeles house, but the images alone are beckoning us to sit down in those vintage red velvet chairs and hang out all day. It's clearly an elevated space, yet it feels lived-in and comfortable. That was the goal for interior designer and television personality Leanne Ford when she approached the makeover.

As with most of her projects, Ford used the architecture of the 1920s Spanish villa style as her inspiration. I mean those beams, the floors, that wall texture—it's hard to ignore. "This house already has amazing bones and Shay has amazing style on her own," says Ford. "She had a designer before I showed up that did a great job, we just needed to had to add some vintage, some texture, and some oomph." 

After speaking with Mitchell, it seems Ford added a little more to the space than just "oopmh." She tells me: "It’s very easy to fill a house with furniture and things, but it takes a really talented person to make it feel cozy and home-y and that is what Leanne Ford walks in and does, every time. Her ability to hit a flea market (or even her own garage) and transform a room and make it feel complete is something I am constantly in awe of and I am so glad I get to call her a friend." 

Ahead, tour Mitchell's stunning home along with a few style notes from Ford.

While it was architecturally sound, Ford wanted to add some serious soul to this home. "It’s beautiful without anything in it, so this project was more about bringing details in (that Shay loved) to make it her own," explains Ford. "She lives a very exciting life traveling the world and I wanted her home to reflect that."

A lot of the home was already “done” when Ford came along so she brought in vintage furniture and decorative pieces along with other small touches and art to add warmth and color. The vintage red velvet chairs from Big Daddy's Antiques really make this room pop. 

Aside from the architecture, Mitchell was Ford's inspiration for this project. "I wanted her home to reflect her life," she says. Mitchell agrees that the home really reflects her personality and lifestyle. "I think the home is such a great mix of new, refined pieces mixed with great vintage finds which I love," she explains. "That is what I tend to be attracted to, even with fashion. A vintage bag worn with newer denim is very much my style. Being able to custom really beautiful pieces of furniture and decorate it with small pieces that feel worn, with history, makes the house warm and cozy." 

Ford kept the crisp black and white story on the walls to align with the Spanish villa style then allowed Mitchell to play with rich colors elsewhere inside the house.

The biggest challenge for Ford was repurposing pieces she already had while bringing in her style and some added warmth. From the looks of things, Ford figured it out.

The breakfast nook has modern farmhouse vibes and features one of Ford's pendants from her new lighting collaboration with Target. 

Mitchell did play with color and texture in the bar and the bathrooms. "Small rooms are a great place to add some quirk and humor, as well as play with dark rooms," notes Ford.

The pink rose wallpaper is a striking statement.

The dark paint used here further highlights the architecture, while the pink floral wallpaper injects it with a sense of whimsy and fun. Perfect for a home bar.

The vintage bar stools add a touch of old-school cool.

The primary bathroom is another room in the house where Mitchell really unleashed her creativity. The collaged wall of music memorabilia and records really showcases Michell's personality and style.

The original tiles are left intact which makes for a cool juxtaposition of new and old.

The graphic black and white bathroom is another style entirely but we're feeling this glam Hollywood Regency vibe.