Lucy Hale Embraced Her Good Witchy Style—and Found Herself—in Her Los Angeles Sanctuary

TOKYO —

The transformative power of a home redesign is often profound, capable of eliciting deep emotional responses. For actress Lucy Hale, the revitalization of her Los Angeles sanctuary has proven to be an unexpectedly moving experience, bringing tears to her eyes and even to those of her interior designers. This emotional resonance stems not merely from the aesthetic choices, described by designers Ashley Drost and Marie Trohman of the LA-based firm Proem as "moody femme," but from the profound personal journey the home has facilitated for Hale.

Hale, 37, shared via Zoom from her media room, nestled on a smoky-gray velvet sofa with her two Maltipoos, Elvis and Ethel, occasionally popping into the frame, "This house has been very healing for me." She elaborated on the deeply personal significance of the space, stating, "I have had heartbreak in this home. I got sober in this home. It feels very divine for me to be living here at this specific moment." This candid admission underscores the home’s role as a refuge and a catalyst for significant life changes.

The journey to this state of sanctuary began in 2019 when Hale purchased the Spanish-style property, a charming 1940s home. This acquisition came two years after concluding her prominent role in the popular teen drama Pretty Little Liars. Seeking a period of calm and introspection after a decade spent in the demanding spotlight of television, Hale initially opted for a more subdued, neutral "farmhouse-y" renovation. However, as she navigated her personal growth, particularly her sobriety in 2022, Hale realized her home needed to evolve alongside her.

"I want my house to meet me at my womanhood," she explained, indicating a desire for her living space to reflect her mature self. This shift in perspective led her to seek out designers Ashley Drost and Marie Trohman, whose work she had admired in Architectural Digest features, particularly their transformation of Emma Chamberlain’s eclectic Los Angeles retreat. In their initial consultations, Drost and Trohman perceived a unique energy in Hale. "We picked up on something strong," Trohman remarked, describing it as "witchy, but not bad witchy," a sentiment that resonated with Hale’s evolving aesthetic and personal narrative.

A Sanctuary of Personal Growth and Bold Expression

The subsequent redesign, a project spanning approximately three years, has resulted in a regal transformation that mirrors Hale’s own journey of self-discovery. "It’s romantic but edgy at the same time," Drost commented on the new design ethos. Hale herself described her home as having a distinct personality, stating, "I don’t have a name for her, but she’s definitely a her." This personification highlights the deep connection she feels to the space.

The "moody femme" aesthetic, coined by the Proem duo, is characterized by a deliberate embrace of richer, bolder colors and unexpected elements. This is evident from the outset, with kitchen cabinets painted the deep, alluring hue of ripe plums, and a sofa upholstered in a striking Kelly Wearstler fabric featuring swirly candy stripes. These choices represent a departure from Hale’s initial neutral palette, signaling a newfound confidence and willingness to express her personal style.

The design philosophy extends to every corner of the home. Unabashed splashes of pink and aubergine are thoughtfully integrated, creating an "eye shadow palette" of colors, as described by Drost. This palette ranges from the muted, terra-cotta-colored Roman Clay walls in her primary bathroom to the sensuous curves of a skirted sofa in the living room, a piece Hale, Drost, and Trohman likened to a shade of Rare Beauty blush. Hale’s bedroom, designed to evoke the charm of a Parisian jewel box apartment, features unexpected linen wall coverings from the French firm Élitis, creating an illusion of intricate molding.

Embracing Roots and Personal History

Hale’s Los Angeles home is not just a canvas for bold design choices but also a repository of personal history and cherished memories. The entrance sets a tone of welcoming eccentricity. A custom pomegranate surround, crafted by Los Angeles plaster artist Marli Arizona, adorns the front door, symbolizing prosperity and abundance, as Hale explained. The door knocker also features a pomegranate motif, sourced from DeVol. The exterior wall sconces are from Hudson Valley Lighting.

Inside, a lifesize sheep sculpture, recently christened "George" by Hale’s mother, greets visitors in the foyer. The origins of this whimsical piece are as eclectic as its charm, possibly acquired from the Rose Bowl Flea Market or even the Czech Republic. Its presence, despite a chipped foot, embodies Hale’s appreciation for perfectly imperfect objects. Above a French wrought iron console from South Loop Loft, hangs Austin Hayman’s artwork, Three Apples, a piece Hale was drawn to after learning the subject shared her name.

The interior design, executed by Proem, alongside landscape design by Wander Landscape Design and construction by Craig Sampson Construction, meticulously weaves together these personal elements. In the entry, Drost and Trohman incorporated an archway adorned with hand-painted Tabarka tile, a detail that extends to the stairs, adding a touch of Old World craftsmanship. An early 20th-century Danish two-seater settee in shearling fabric from 1stDibs rests atop an antique Malayer rug from Woven. Overhead, a Haunt Pendant by Jane Hallworth from Blackman Cruz provides ambient lighting. Anne Libby’s aluminum silver blinds artwork, sourced by Jordan Horowitz of Fairground Advisory, adds a contemporary artistic touch.

A Space for Reflection and Celebration

Hale’s commitment to creating a home that reflects her evolving self is evident in the diverse array of spaces designed for both quiet contemplation and social gathering. The living room features a custom stripe sofa, upholstered in a Kravet fabric by Kelly Wearstler, a piece that balances the room’s romantic yet edgy aesthetic. Drost and Trohman added wood beams to the ceiling to enhance the home’s Spanish-style architectural character, aiming to "bring some architectural interest," as Trohman stated.

The media room, a space for relaxation and entertainment, is outfitted with a vintage modular sofa designed by Pamio, Toso, and Massari for Stilwood, upholstered in a Schumacher velvet. The walls are covered in Dedar wallpaper, and a vintage coffee table from 1stDibs complements the space. Custom curtains in a Pindler fabric and a loomed merino wool rug from Marc Phillips complete the ensemble. The media room also features a bar that nods to Hale’s Memphis roots, with an Elvis Presley lamp, acquired long ago from an antiques shop in upstate New York. This nod to her heritage is a recurring theme, with a vintage Italian Art Nouveau chandelier from the 1900s from 1stDibs gracing her primary bedroom.

For Hale, this home is a sanctuary for personal reflection. In the meditation room, she maintains an altar for departed loved ones, surrounded by her collections of feathers and vintage Happy Meal toys. Photographs of her late grandmother, great-grandparents, and her father, Preston Hale, who passed away in July, are displayed in the hallway. "It’s my way to honor them and always keep their memory vibrant," Hale shared, emphasizing the comfort she finds in these mementos. She cherishes a specific white chair in the living room, affectionately known as "Dad’s chair," where she sits to feel close to him.

Even the functional spaces are imbued with personality and meaning. The powder room features Anna Glover Studio wallpaper, with its floral pattern echoed in a custom stained glass window by Ben Tuna, the Glass Cowboy. Vintage Kalmar sconces flank an antique mirror, both from 1stDibs, above a custom sink from Aegean Marble. The bathroom walls are lined in Portola Roman Clay in Costes, with a Monrovia copper bathtub from Magnus Home Products. The walls in Hale’s office, a minty-green sanctuary with serene canyon views, are covered in Portola Roman Clay in Birdie.

A Reflection of Empowerment and Future Aspirations

Hale, who self-identifies as a "late bloomer," finds empowerment in creating a home that is a true extension of herself. "I want every corner of this house to make me excited," she stated. "That is such a cool place to be in." This sentiment reflects a broader trend of women taking greater control over their living spaces and expressing their individual identities through interior design. The house not only supports the woman she is today but also nurtures the person she aspires to become. While she acknowledges that this may not be her forever home, she is certain of her intention to always own it.

The exterior of the property also reflects the thoughtful redesign. Wander Landscape Design has enhanced the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. The pool area features chaise longues from Harbour, a parasol umbrella from Paolo Lenti, and Gervasoni Next side tables by Paola Navone from 1stDibs. The pair of stone lion sculptures adds a touch of regal charm to the outdoor space.

The home’s embrace of personal history and a "moody femme" aesthetic, combined with its role as a healing sanctuary, has created a space that is both deeply personal and aesthetically captivating. It stands as a testament to Lucy Hale’s journey of self-discovery and her commitment to creating a home that truly reflects her evolving identity. The emotional impact on Hale and her designers underscores the profound connection between our living spaces and our personal well-being, proving that a house can indeed be a home in the truest, most resonant sense of the word.