A rare window into the private residences of the global fashion elite reveals a distinct preference for grounding materials, historical preservation, and remote sanctuaries. From Kenyan coastal villas to converted Brooklyn townhouses, these properties reflect both personal sanctuary and considered design investments.
Inside the Beautiful Homes of Famous Models | Architectural Digest — Architectural DigestGlobal Sanctuaries and Coastal Retreats
International modelling careers demand constant transit, making domestic seclusion a primary brief for high-profile homeowners. In Malindi, Kenya, Naomi Campbell’s established beachfront villa utilises local vernacular architecture, open-air living spaces, and traditional Swahili craftsmanship to forge a direct connection with the Indian Ocean landscape. These properties prioritise acoustic privacy and expansive horizon views over urban convenience.
Similarly, mountain retreats in western North America offer a counterpoint to fast-paced city schedules. Properties featured in recent architectural surveys lean heavily into heavy timber framing, slate hearths, and vernacular stone masonry, creating a deliberate visual warmth that contrasts with clinical runway backdrops.
Urban Heritage and Tailored Interiors
In dense urban centres such as London, New York, and Los Angeles, the focus shifts towards spatial optimisation and historical character. Adwoa Aboah’s London townhouse demonstrates a careful balance between preserving Georgian proportions and introducing contemporary textural layers. Period cornicing and restored timber floorboards sit alongside bespoke upholstery and curated modern art collections.
Across the Atlantic, Paloma Elsesser’s Brooklyn residence showcases the enduring appeal of industrial conversions and timeless New York architecture. Exposed brick, high ceilings, and oversized factory windows maximise natural light, while custom joinery defines functional zones within open-plan layouts.
Craftsmanship and Biophilic Integration
A recurring motif across these diverse residences is the integration of biophilic design principles. Indoor-plant installations, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and courtyards dissolve the boundary between interior volumes and exterior gardens. This approach is particularly evident in Los Angeles residences, where temperate climates allow for seamless transitions from formal reception rooms to covered outdoor dining loggias.
Material selection remains resolutely tactile. Unlacquered brass, tadelakt plaster, reclaimed French oak, and honed travertine appear frequently, selected for their capacity to patina gracefully over time rather than require pristine maintenance.
- Prioritise natural, unsealed materials like tadelakt and unlacquered brass that develop an authentic patina.
- Integrate vernacular architecture and local craft traditions when building or renovating in coastal or rural regions.
- Use oversized industrial windows to anchor urban historic properties and maximise natural daylight.
- Design seamless transitions between indoor living areas and exterior courtyards to expand usable footprint.
- Balance contemporary bespoke furniture with restored historical architectural details for visual depth.
Properties associated with high-profile cultural figures or executed by notable interior architects often command a premium upon resale, provided the design choices avoid overly idiosyncratic structural alterations. Prime coastal markets in East Africa, established enclaves in Los Angeles, and heritage postcodes in London and New York demonstrate resilient capital preservation. Investors should examine the underlying asset value and zoning restrictions rather than relying on celebrity provenance alone, ensuring the property's baseline architecture supports long-term liquidity across shifting economic cycles.
Related reads
Inside the Beautiful Homes of Famous Models (Architectural Digest, 18 Sep 2026)
Where did Dolly Parton live? A look at the late music legend's many homes (Architectural Digest India, 26 Aug 2026)
'Spider-Man' Stars Zendaya and Tom Holland Host Secret Wedding Party in U.K.—but Give No Hint About Which Home They Plan To Live In (Realtor.com, 6 Aug 2026)
Sources & credits
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