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5 People You Didn't Know are Designers

Writer's picture: Tonisha RamonaTonisha Ramona

Updated: Oct 20, 2023

I have always loved seeing the creativity of celebrities and how they find their expression in different avenues. From actors who sing to singers who act (and everything in between!), we’re no strangers to multi-hyphenate celebrities with a laundry list of talents! For many of our favorite celebs, theatrical, musical and athletic talents are just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve seen Rihanna launch uber-successful lingerie line Fenty x Savage and watched Selena Gomez juggle music, Murder and popular cosmetics line Rare Beauty. From wellness brands to real estate endeavors, I’ve always loved watching celebrities find their creative expression through different avenues. And whenever an artist finds that expression through interior design, I’m on the edge of my seat!


Just when we thought this 7- time Grand Slam winner couldn't surprise us any more, Venus Williams serves up a boutique interior design firm specializing in commercial spaces. V Starr focuses on hospitality, multifamily living and luxury residential environments. With an Associate’s degree in Fashion Design and a Master’s in Interior Architecture, Venus devotes considerable energy to hands-on involvement, bringing her own unique approach to each youthful – and decidedly swanky – interior.


“The key to it all is coming out and giving my input. I make sure that I stay on top of things so they’re real sassy, with lots of color and more daring details,” notes Venus. “My personality is going into the design.” In fact, Venus subscribes to a distinctly anti-trend design philosophy. “When it comes to style or design, once things are in style, I absolutely don’t want them! I don’t like mainstream. I want to be ahead of the curve. I don’t like to be the same as everybody.” Don’t worry, Venus – there’s little chance of that!




Meanwhile, Kanye West (now officially known as Ye) has broadened his considerable reach from his rap-music roots into music production, gospel, fashion and even politics. Ye has collaborated with Nike, Louis Vuitton, GAP and of course Adidas, bringing you the now-iconic sneaker brand known as Yeezy.


Just when we thought he’d done it all, Ye expressed interest in interior design – and with his background in fashion, it’s no surprise that spaces just might be in his future! “Architecture should communicate to humanity an understanding of proportion and spaces and the way it affects your mood,” he said, revealing a deep passion for design.


Along with ex-wife Kim Kardashian, Ye famously collaborated with renowned architect, art dealer and interior designer Axel Vervoordt to design the aesthetic of their marital home. Leaning heavily into Vervoordt’s influence, Ye prefers a minimalistic, modern aesthetic fused with organic, natural elements. Ye’s not after perfection though – the rapper-designer relates to the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which appreciates beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.” While Ye filed a trademark application for a homeware line in 2021, we’re still anxiously awaiting news. In music, design and beyond, Ye always keeps us on our toes!



American sweetheart and global heartthrob Brad Pitt has more than good looks going for him! His production house, Plan B Entertainment, has produced several award winning films including 12 Years a Slave, Moonlight, Selma and The Tree of Life. But beyond his larger-than-life Hollywood presence, Brad harbors a love for architecture and interior design. Drawing inspiration from the hotels and landmarks he sees on his travels, the two-time Oscar-winner has an eye for craftsmanship and an obsession with quality materials.


Brad’s long standing friendship with New Jersey-based furniture designer Frank Pollaro sparked the development of their collaborative furniture line, Pitt-Pollaro. The collection leans into a decidedly art deco vibe, defined by fluid lines, pleasing proportions and unequalled material selection.



Multi-hyphenate artist Lenny Kravitz is an American actor, singer-songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist.Lenny went on to pursue his interest in interior design and founded Kravitz Design in 2003. With a modern sensibility and a focus on interiors, industrial design, branding and graphic design, the work of Kravitz Design always conveys a soulful elegance through a natural, relaxed sense of style. The end result is a vibe that bounces happily between earthy organic and crazy-sexy-cool. In his Brazilian farm house, Lenny expresses that the ongoing renovation is less about newfangled aesthetics than preserving the spiritual energy of his remote oasis: “This farm, this land, they have a life force all their own. You can’t fake that with design.”



Daytime show host Ellen DeGeneres may be best known for her sense of humor and quirky dance moves, but this A-list comedian has also become famous for flipping homes and changing her nest periodically. With a passion for interior design, architecture and fashion, Ellen founded ED Ellen DeGeneres, a beautifully designed, high quality collection of fashion, home and pet items. ED Ellen DeGeneres focuses on an “inclusive vision of style,” offering modern, traditional and rustic elements. Staying true to her personal brand, Ellen encourages us to embrace and express our own sense of style and individuality throughout our lives and our homes.


And at the end of a long day, we all want a place to hang our hat – a place that makes us feel comfortable, relaxed and at peace. A private place to let down our guard and return to the truest, most authentic versions of ourselves. Celebrities pour an insane amount of energy into presenting their public persona, so it’s no surprise that those in the public eye might feel drawn to interior design. After all, celebrity or not, a well-designed home can make you feel safe, secure and grounded. So if you’re ready to update your home to reflect your own personal brand, look to your favorite multi-hyphenate artist – they might have just the inspiration you need!


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