Lily Collins may be known for her role in the hit Netflix series *Emily in Paris*, but when she’s not on set, she’s living a quieter life in East Los Angeles. Her home, a mid-century house surrounded by sycamore trees, is a world away from the bustling streets of Paris. It’s so secluded that a friend was alarmed by the number of cars parked outside during a Vogue photoshoot. Collins, laughing, explained it was a planned event. On Sundays, Collins and her husband, director Charlie McDowell, enjoy long walks with their dog, Redford, followed by breakfast at local favorites like Kumquat Coffee or Amara Kitchen. McDowell goes for a breakfast burrito, while Collins opts for avocado toast with chili flakes. After breakfast, they might browse a local flea market or simply spend the day at home, enjoying the tranquility of their haven.
This isn’t just any home; it’s a Case Study House, a historic designation that signifies its place within a unique architectural movement. These houses were built in the post-war era, with leading architects creating inexpensive model homes for returning soldiers. The most famous example is the Stahl House in West Hollywood, and several others were designed by Ray and Charles Eames. When Collins and McDowell first saw the roaring fireplace on a rainy day in 2021, they knew it was their dream home. “We looked at each other, and it was just this overwhelming emotional experience where we didn’t need to say more,” Collins shares. They immediately put in an offer.
With the help of interior designer Emily Farnham, they renovated the house while respecting its history. Collins hung a vintage 20th Century Fox sign from the old studio lot, a gift from her mother, while McDowell hung a vintage clock from his mother’s best friend. Their shelves are filled with vintage children’s books, first-edition Steinbeck novels, and fashion monographs, reflecting Collins’ love for style. McDowell, on the other hand, added a collection of chairs, from Hans Wegners to Finn Juhls. “Oh god, he’s going to love you for saying that,” Collins laughs.
Their love for Scandinavian design is evident throughout the home, from the Noma cookbooks in the kitchen to the Marta Maas-Fjetterstrom mid-century rugs. McDowell has a particular fondness for rugs, spending hours browsing them on Instagram and auction house websites, which Collins finds endearing. “A guy that loves to show me a rug!” she exclaims. The couple describes the interior style as “mid-century California meets Scandinavian”, a theme that extends to their outdoor space. The garden is inspired by Piet Oudolf, the designer behind the famed grounds at Noma. Their fascination with Nordic culture led them to purchase property in Copenhagen. “We designed this house before we really started spending a lot of time in Scandinavia,” Collins says. “It was almost ahead of our time, because we didn’t realise we’d actually be immersed in it years later.”
The California vibe is brought to life with the original concrete floors, re-installed by the couple, and warm earth tones. Outside the front entrance sits a perfectly sculpted bonsai tree. Every detail within the house tells a story. There are countless earth-tone mugs, but Collins’ favorite is a forest-green Yeti rambler from her wedding. The wedding took place at Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado shortly after they moved into the house. After the ceremony, all they wanted to do was return to their home. “Right after our wedding, we came back to this house and we got to come back to a place that felt like us as a couple already,” she says. “It was really, really special.”
There’s a plate on the wall that belonged to Ingrid Bergman, a signed first-edition Winnie the Pooh book gifted by Collins to McDowell for their anniversary, and two humorous Danish figurines named Postman Pat and Ronnie Wood. “They look like British old musicians,” Collins says, laughing. In December, they hosted a holiday party, decorating the house, playing Christmas music, and serving wine, cheese, and festive snacks. For the first time, they lit a fire, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome in their home.
Collins and McDowell have created a space that embodies their personalities, their history, and their love for both each other and the home they share. It’s a place where they can relax, enjoy each other’s company, and create lasting memories. Their mid-century modern oasis in East Los Angeles is a testament to the power of design to bring together history, personal touches, and a sense of home.
