What Homes Hollywood Actors Build: Star Life Hacks

For Corbin and Amanda, building and furnishing homes is more of a delightful hassle than tedious routine. So enjoyable that the couple has left the acting world behind.

Thus, Amanda became an interior designer, while her husband is a carpenter. By the way, Corbin learned carpentry as a child, helping his uncle.

For 20 years, the couple refurbished old houses in Los Angeles and resold them. After their youngest son moved to New York, the couple decided to relocate closer to him.

That gave them a perfect reason to change their surroundings. In just one month of searching, the couple found an old 1880s farmhouse and bought it.

When Finley graduated from high school and moved to New York, we realized it was time for new adventures!

After a year of effort by the whole family, the house was brought into order. It is now a two-story cottage. The first floor was designated for the living room, kitchen, and dining area. On the second floor, they set up bedrooms.

The house needed more than just a renovation; it needed everything!

The facade of the house was decorated unusually—using a grey-red color palette. However, this color choice didn’t please the neighbors, as all other houses in the area are white.

These classic colors attract attention and look great any time of year. Moreover, for every dark house here, there are ten white ones.

The interior of the house is simultaneously simple and complex. For example, the walls were finished with regular lime plaster, and wooden planks were laid on the floor. From the complex side—almost all furniture in the house is either vintage, restored, or personally made by Corbin.

The couple believes that inspiration for any space comes from furniture and decor. For example, a vintage stove was placed in the kitchen-living room, a real marble countertop was bought from a flea market for $150, and the dining table was assembled by Corbin with his sons from various wooden parts.

On the other hand, the kitchen cabinetry and appliances are completely new. According to Amanda, vintage kitchens bring nothing good, as everything should function like a clock. However, the couple couldn’t avoid making changes: the homeowner repainted all kitchen cabinets in a grey velvet color.

Notice the linen curtains—they match the wall color. This makes the space look more spacious.

On the second floor, to the right of the entrance, a room was created that serves as both a library and Corbin’s study. The study was deliberately made dark. The atmosphere of a dimly lit dusty library, like one alive from the pages of Dickens novels, inspires the owner. To offset excessive darkness, Amanda added bright textiles to the interior.

Each new house teaches something. In Los Angeles, due to the heat, I practically never used throws and rugs in my projects. But here in the north, it’s impossible to do without them. I had to work hard to bring all the textiles into one cohesive look.

To the left of the staircase, Amanda’s office was created. The old secretary was also found at a vintage flea market. The window seat was chosen not by chance—across the trees, the actress hung bird feeders. She watches the sparrows while working.

In the bedroom, the couple brought to life several original ideas they had long cherished. For example, the bed headboard was decorated with a log that Amanda found during a trip along the Hudson River. Storage systems were closed off with curtains.

According to the homeowner, such curtains create a feeling of relaxation and visually don’t weigh down the space.

The bathroom was lined with wood. This unconventional choice for a bathroom was made by the couple. The highlight of the bathroom was a vintage basin, whose outer part they didn’t touch— it fit perfectly into the interior.

Our contractor said: “There can’t be wood in a bathroom.” We replied: “There can.”

Currently, Amanda and Corbin plan to realize their long-held dream—to build a real farm with a large plot, cows, and horses.

Source: Remodelista.com