Cher's Los Angeles Sanctuary: A Blend of Spirituality and Exotic Design
Step Inside Cher's Serene Oasis: Where Bold Style Meets Tranquil Living.
The Enduring Style Icon: Cher's Architectural Digest Legacy
Cher, a multifaceted artist known for her singular name and iconic career in music, acting, and fashion, has left an indelible mark on interior design. Over the years, her homes have graced the pages of Architectural Digest a remarkable ten times, each a testament to her evolving tastes and bold aesthetic. From the Mediterranean-inspired villa she once shared with Sonny Bono in Bel Air to her leopard-print adorned New York City apartment, Cher's residences consistently mirror her vibrant personality. This retrospective celebrates her enduring influence on design, particularly by revisiting her Los Angeles duplex from the July 2010 issue, a spectacular high-rise haven that perfectly encapsulates her unique vision.
A Spiritual Home: The Genesis of Cher's Design Philosophy
Cher humorously describes herself as "a Buddhist who should always be in after-school detention," a quip that perfectly captures the intriguing blend of deep spirituality and spirited individuality found in her homes. Her Los Angeles duplex is a prime example of this duality, a space that is as gloriously original as its owner. Cher views her residences not just as dwellings but as "passions," ever-changing barometers of her dynamic and expanding consciousness. Her long-standing engagement with Buddhism, particularly her admiration for American Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön, profoundly influences her living environments. This spiritual grounding manifests in the serene and thoughtfully curated atmosphere of her Los Angeles abode, where every element contributes to a sense of peace and personal reflection.
Collaborating on a Dream: Crafting an Ethnic, Spicy, and Romantic Aesthetic
When Cher acquired her expansive 4,000-square-foot duplex in a coveted Los Angeles building, she enlisted the expertise of her friend, interior designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, to bring her vision to life. Her mandate was clear: to create a space that felt "ethnic, spicy and romantic," yet grounded in a tranquil color palette of creams, ivories, whites, and buttery beiges. Despite her fondness for collecting Gothic artifacts and her artistic flair with Pantone pens, Cher prefers a neutral backdrop, especially in her private quarters, finding such hues effortlessly livable. This collaboration resulted in a home that harmonizes exotic influences with a calming, sophisticated simplicity, reflecting Cher's diverse tastes and her desire for a harmonious living environment.
Reimagining Space: The Transformation of the Master Suite
Lawrence-Bullard initiated the design process by radically reconfiguring the apartment's original 12 rooms, transforming them into two expansive, loft-like floors seamlessly connected by a spiral staircase. Cher's long-held desire for a "one big bedroom" apartment, stemming from her early days with Sonny Bono, became a reality. Her master suite now encompasses the entire second floor, featuring an antique Indian-paneled platform bed that offers breathtaking panoramic views from Malibu to Hollywood. The suite also boasts a luxurious sitting area and a bath so opulent that Lawrence-Bullard likens it to Cleopatra's, complete with a 19th-century stone-wrapped tub. A button-activated gauze curtain, embroidered with gold Indian symbols, encloses the tub, adding to the exotic ambiance. A dressing room cleverly concealed behind a mirrored facade from a Jaipur palace further enhances the room's lavish and theatrical feel, which the designer playfully describes as "one big harem."
Zen Entrance and Versatile Living: The Main Floor's Thoughtful Design
The main floor, affectionately dubbed her "parlor," immediately imparts a Zen-like tranquility upon entry. Backlit eglomise panels, depicting Indian deities, greet guests with a serene and flattering glow. Further within this ethereal space, hand-carved latticework screens ingeniously conceal a contemporary kitchen. A 16th-century Chinese opium bed, alongside a flat-screen TV, serves a dual purpose, functioning both as an inviting guest area and a "sexy little TV nook," as described by Lawrence-Bullard. The living room's focal point is a custom-designed L-shaped sofa by Lawrence-Bullard, meticulously crafted to Cher's specifications. Her preference for curling up with her legs tucked beneath her led to exceptionally large, deep cushions, reflecting her belief that she would "rather sit on the floor than a narrow couch." This thoughtful design caters to her comfort, ensuring a truly personalized and relaxing experience.
A Sanctuary from the Public Eye: The Home as a Personal Retreat
Cher's active involvement in the design process was crucial, highlighting her keen eye for aesthetics. Lawrence-Bullard noted that if Cher hadn't pursued singing, she would have excelled as an interior decorator, often joining her on her bed to review color samples. Cher appreciates Lawrence-Bullard's ability to articulate her unspoken design desires, finding their sensibilities perfectly aligned due to their shared artistic inclinations. This collaborative synergy results in rooms that consistently provide beauty and tranquility. Amidst the relentless intrusion of paparazzi, which Cher describes as "egregious," her homes have become increasingly vital. They stand as indispensable sanctuaries, offering peace and privacy from the demands of her public life.