Architectural Cases

In a significant real estate development, acclaimed actress Angelina Jolie has reportedly put her opulent Los Angeles estate on the market for an impressive $29.85 million. This move is seen as a pre-planned transition for the Oscar winner, aligning with her long-standing intention to depart LA once her youngest children reach adulthood. The property, steeped in Hollywood history, was once the cherished home of legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, and its sale represents a notable moment in celebrity real estate.

Hollywood History and Future Plans: Jolie's Estate Sale

The distinguished Cecil B. DeMille estate, a magnificent Beaux-Arts residence designed by architect B. Cooper Corbett, was originally purchased by DeMille in 1916. He later expanded it by acquiring the adjacent property, formerly owned by Charlie Chaplin, and connected the two with a stunning glass conservatory. Angelina Jolie acquired this iconic property in 2017 for $24.5 million, following her divorce from Brad Pitt. Spanning an expansive 11,000 square feet, the estate offers six luxurious bedrooms and ten bathrooms, complemented by a guesthouse, a poolhouse, a quaint teahouse, and a separate garage, all nestled within two acres of meticulously landscaped grounds.

Jolie’s decision to sell comes as her twin children, Knox and Vivienne, are set to turn 18 this July. She has openly discussed her desire to leave Los Angeles and spend more time in Cambodia, as well as visit family members across the globe. This intention was reiterated in a 2024 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, where she expressed her readiness for this next chapter. While Sotheby’s International Realty–Beverly Hills Brokerage and Resident Group agents Ernie Carswell and Jon Grauman are handling the listing, they have not officially confirmed Jolie as the seller, despite widespread reports of her ownership. The property has a notable past, having been featured in Architectural Digest in 1987 while still under the ownership of the DeMille family. Jolie herself, during an interview with Vanity Fair shortly after her purchase, revealed her fondness for the estate’s library, complete with a rolling ladder. In 2021, she shared with British Vogue her appreciation for the home’s design, highlighting the absence of an entertainment room and the abundance of pathways for reflection, emphasizing a preference for thoughtful living over ostentation.

This impending sale reflects not only a shift in a celebrity's personal life but also underscores the enduring allure of historic Hollywood properties. It offers a unique glimpse into the evolving dynamics of personal and professional priorities for public figures, reminding us that even in the dazzling world of entertainment, there's a constant pursuit of personal fulfillment and new beginnings.

In the vibrant Matongé district of Brussels, where diverse cultures converge and the pace of life is brisk, architect Luisa Grasso has meticulously crafted a 355-square-foot apartment into a haven of tranquility. Her design vision, embracing gentle curves, a rich variety of ceramics, and a spectrum of pink hues, successfully counteracts the urban intensity outside. The journey into this serene space begins with a peach-toned staircase, a graceful prelude to the carefully curated interior.

A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function in Brussels

Luisa Grasso's insightful renovation in the heart of Brussels' Matongé district exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform a compact urban dwelling into a peaceful sanctuary. Located mere moments from significant EU institutions and the historic Belgian Royal Palace, this 355-square-foot apartment now radiates calm, offering a stark contrast to its lively surroundings. The design narrative unfolds with an inviting, flowing peach staircase, signaling the home's distinctive aesthetic.

Inside, every element, from the undulating walls to the abundant ceramic details and the soft pink palette, contributes to an atmosphere of refined serenity. The apartment's layout intelligently incorporates a kitchen, living area, bathroom, and bedroom. The walls are largely adorned with wavy, 1970s-inspired faux bois paneling from Alpi Wood, adding a touch of vintage elegance. The living area, bathed in natural light from expansive windows, is centered around a kitchen alcove painted in a powdery pink, a direct homage to the architectural genius of Luis Barragán. Spanish ceramic tiles form the backsplash, introducing an organic texture that beautifully complements the clean lines of the space, further enhanced by jute window shades and unique ceramic art pieces.

The living room furniture, notably a modular sofa by Micadoni Home, was chosen by Grasso to encourage contemplation and social engagement, with its curved forms making the space feel both expansive and intimate. Industrial accents, such as a metal filing cabinet from H&M Home, provide a subtle contrast to the porous wall surfaces, while a Grönvik coffee table by Venture Home seamlessly matches the omnipresent wooden paneling. The bedroom continues the theme with a deeper pink accent wall and a bespoke tiled headboard that harmonizes with the imitation terracotta floors. Burnt orange duvet covers and Asian-inspired paper lanterns imbue the room with a distinct 1970s charm. This warm, earthy palette extends into the central bathroom, where terracotta-toned tiles and curved walls evoke Mediterranean architecture, creating a rustic yet natural aesthetic through the use of textured plaster. A mirrored closet in the bedroom enhances the sense of space and brightness, paired with a practical modular side table from Kartell.

This thoughtful transformation was originally featured in AD Italy, highlighting Luisa Grasso's remarkable ability to infuse a small urban apartment with a profound sense of peace and sophisticated design.

This meticulous transformation of a small urban apartment into a sophisticated and tranquil retreat offers a compelling blueprint for modern living. It underscores the profound impact that thoughtful design can have on our daily lives, proving that even in the densest urban environments, it's possible to cultivate a personal oasis. Grasso's approach, which integrates artistic influences with practical functionality and a harmonious color scheme, reminds us that true luxury lies not in expansive spaces, but in meticulously crafted environments that nurture well-being and inspire creativity. Her work challenges us to reconsider how we perceive and utilize small living areas, advocating for designs that are both beautiful and profoundly livable.