Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have become accustomed to the idea of moving residences. "We're quite used to it now. We always entertain the idea of a new home or even making changes to our current one," shares Teigen, the vibrant model, television personality, and culinary expert. "When she says 'we,' she really means herself," playfully interrupts Legend, her superstar musician spouse, whose impressive track record includes a staggering 12 Grammy Awards, an Oscar for best original song, an Emmy, and a Tony. "But it's accurate. We don't shy away from embracing change," he adds.
The couple's frequent home acquisitions are not just random whims. "Each house we've ever owned reflects the specific period of our lives, like distinct chapters in a story," states Teigen. "Our previous home had a more subdued and secluded atmosphere, almost like a retreat," continues Legend. "We were drawn to this current place due to its brightness and openness. The way it seamlessly connects with the outdoors is something we adore. Crafting something truly enchanting was our aim, particularly for the children," he mentions, referring to their kids Luna, aged seven, Miles, aged five, baby Esti, and their recently born son Wren. The latter's arrival in June, brought into the world through a surrogate, was joyfully shared on Teigen's Instagram, much to the delight of their numerous fans.
Introducing Jake Arnold, a talent recognized in the AD100, who collaborated with the pair on their design endeavors. Arnold took on the task of renovating and reenvisioning their fresh Beverly Hills residence, following his prior work on Legend's recording studio and an office space for Cravings by Chrissy Teigen, the model's culinary and cookware venture. "We brought in Jake due to our admiration for his aesthetic, although he does lean towards earth tones if left to his own devices," Legend mentions, alluding to the designer's inclination for warm, neutral color schemes infused with impactful, sculptural shapes and opulent textures. "We're into vibrant bursts of color. We wanted to infuse some eccentricity, to introduce a touch of playfulness," adds Teigen.
Arnold openly acknowledges that his clients prompted him to venture into slightly unfamiliar creative terrain. "They appreciate elements with a dash of glam and enjoyment, and they're drawn to the work of daring, modern artisans, which isn't exactly my usual style," he admits. "Yet, Chrissy and John are incredibly open and supportive individuals, and they put their trust in me. My task was to take this highly contemporary, polished new home and imbue it with my design philosophy—to make it warm and welcoming, a rendition of my work that aligns seamlessly with their personalities."
Arnold orchestrated the replacement of the preexisting staircase—a sharp, angular structure of glass and steel—with a fluid, suspended plaster staircase adorned with an illuminated, intricately etched brass railing. "I aimed to incorporate numerous curved outlines to counterbalance the linear architecture," elucidates the designer. "Every room in the house sees use, and the children have access to every corner, so the atmosphere needed to be laid-back and cozy." The staircase's inviting contours find resonance in an extensive selection of furnishings and integrated elements in the interconnected living, dining, and kitchen expanse: an emblematic freestanding light sculpture by Nacho Carbonell; a Jeff Zimmerman light fixture resembling branches that hangs over a softly curved dining table by Joseph Dirand; a crescent-shaped oak sofa designed by Pierre Yovanovitch, resting atop a plush, organic mohair rug; and a gracefully curved marble island and plaster hood that serve as focal points in the wholly transformed kitchen.
The theme of rounded forms resurfaces in the lounge adjoining the living room—present in the sinuous design of the multi-tiered custom bar crafted from marble, plaster, and brass; the opulent de Gournay wallpaper enveloping the area; and, of course, Legend's majestic piano. A nearby powder room, enveloped in rose-hued marble, comes alive with Murano sconces adorned with sparkling glass florets and an elegantly contoured pendant light. "John's aesthetic inclinations can lean towards the feminine," remarks Teigen regarding her husband's fondness for unapologetically beautiful lighting fixtures. "Indeed, I believe every chandelier should possess graceful, feminine lines. I'm also quite receptive to incorporating shades of pink," affirms the musician.
In the primary bedroom, Arnold initially fashioned a sanctuary as bright and ethereal as the rooms on the ground floor. Yet, as is characteristic of Teigen and Legend, they underwent one of their customary shifts in preference after its completion. "For the second rendition, we opted for something notably subdued and atmospheric, featuring deep plaster walls with a rich quality, a bed framed in walnut with seagrass, and a fireplace crowned with a patinated-brass hood," Arnold remarks. In lieu of maintaining the separate bathrooms and closets that were already present, Teigen and Legend chose to reconfigure the layout and share these amenities. "We prefer being together, so the concept of his-and-hers spaces felt excessive," Legend elaborates. His wife offers a more precise perspective on the matter: "We're not a traditional Victorian couple that needs to dress separately and then present ourselves fully adorned."
Arnold's creativity truly takes flight in the design of the children's bedrooms. Luna's haven is a whimsical vision in lavender—complete with a tented ceiling and a ball pit filled with pearlescent spheres—while Miles's boyish enclave boasts a climbing wall, a custom bed resembling a Jeep parked on synthetic turf, and curtains fashioned from camouflage netting. "We acknowledge that these rooms will transform as the children mature, but they're perfect for the present moment. They're like miniature worlds of imagination," asserts the designer.
Truly, life at the Teigen/Legend residence seems wonderfully idyllic for both adults and children. Whether it's a celebration for the Vanderpump Rules finale, a catered extravaganza featuring hibachi delights, a lively bouncy-house gathering, or a classic pajama soirée, there's a constant stream of friends and family at the couple's exceptionally welcoming abode. "That's our preferred way of living," Teigen insists. "Our doors are always open here."
The home of Chrissy Teigen and John Legend is featured in AD's Style issue. Stay up-to-date by subscribing to AD and never missing an edition.
John Legend, dressed in a DSquared2 sweater and pants paired with Christian Louboutin boots, stands alongside his wife Chrissy Teigen. Chrissy is adorned in a Saint Laurent top and skirt, with earrings from Jacquie Aiche and Roseark, a gold ring by Roseark, and a David Yurman bracelet. Their children, Miles, wearing a Gucci coat while accompanied by Petey the poodle, Luna in a Gucci dress, and baby Esti dressed in a Noralee dress, complete the family portrait. The fashion styling for the shoot was skillfully handled by Alana Van Deraa and Apuje Kalu. Adding to the aesthetic, a hanging fixture by Anna Karlin contributes to the ambiance.
A Nacho Carbonell light sculpture flanks the sinuous staircase. Paint throughout by Portola Paints.
A Jeff Zimmerman pendant is suspended above a Joseph Dirand travertine dining table with custom chairs in a Maharam velvet. Porcelain wall sculpture by Valéria Nascimento.
In the living room, a custom cabinet covered in a Jim Thompson fabric is flanked by Venini sconces, and a chair by Cox London sits beside a Philip and Kelvin LaVerne side table.
The open kitchen features slabs of calacatta macchia vecchia marble, stools by (wh)ORE Haüs Studios in a Pierre Frey fabric, Vola fixtures, and Apparatus monopoint lights.
The living room is outfitted with a Pierre Yovanovitch sofa, a Vincenzo De Cotiis cocktail table, and a Dimorestudio floor lamp.
Teigen (wearing an Isabel Marant top, a Saint Laurent skirt, and jewelry by Jacquie Aiche, Roseark, and Chanel) and Legend (wearing a King & Tuckfield sweater, a David Yurman necklace, DSquared2 pants, and Santoni shoes) sit poolside. Plants and planter by The Tropics Inc.
A close-up look at the Yamaha piano. Chandelier by Alison Berger
Luna’s fantasy bedroom has a custom bed and slide, and a ceiling tented in a Designs of the Time fabric.
Miles’s bedroom has a custom car bed with operable lights, a climbing wall, and curtains of camouflage netting.
The primary bath features a custom marble-and-walnut vanity, broad expanses of calacatta monet marble, and fixtures by Vola and Newport Brass.
An Anna Karlin chandelier crowns the kitchen breakfast area.
A custom banquette covered in a Schumacher fabric sits beneath Verónica Mar sconces in the lounge.
Source: Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest