6 Celebrities Living in Enviable Mid-Century Modern Homes

Written by

Megan Johnson
Megan Johnson
Megan Johnson is a reporter in Boston. She got her start at the Boston Herald, where commenters would leave sweet messages like “Megan Johnson is just awful.” Now, she's a contributor to publications like People Magazine, Trulia and Architectural Digest.
published Apr 18, 2018
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(Image credit: Deasy/Penner)

We’ve all heard that everything old is new again. That’s why it’s no wonder that some of Hollywood’s biggest names avidly embrace the unique world of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Whether they’re frequent house flippers or just design obsessed, here’s a roundup of stars with excellent taste who have snagged some of the country’s most exquisite Mid-Century designs.

1. Jennifer Aniston

She’s even said that if she wasn’t an actress, she’s take up designing professionally. The former Friends star has amassed several luxurious properties in Southern California throughout the years, most recently the Bel Air home she shared with estranged husband Justin Theroux. The stunning three-plus-acre property, which was designed by A. Quincy Jones and completed in 1965, appeared on the cover of Architectural Digest just days before Aniston and Theroux announced their split. No word if they’re keeping the Muppet in the bedroom.

(Image credit: Trulia)

2. Rooney Mara

She’s saying goodbye to the two-bed, two-bath property in the hipster-y neighborhood of Los Feliz, and we’d gladly take this beautiful home off Rooney’s plate. Currently on the market for $3.45 million, the fully-restored home was originally built in 1963, and maintains many of the original features. We wouldn’t mind cozying up on the benches in the reading nook, or cooking up a meal in the open-air kitchen. And don’t miss that view of Los Angeles from the spacious deck and lush hillside.

3. Mandy Moore

In 2017, This is Us star Mandy Moore and her fiance Taylor Goldsmith purchased a beautiful Mid-Century home in Pasadena for $2.56 million. Designed by architect Harold Zook, the 3551-square-foot home was recently gut renovated by the duo with the help of designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, a process Moore said on her Instagram was “essentially all of my HGTV fantasies come to life!” We love the unique touches like the large copper fireplace.

(Image credit: Trulia)

4. Meryl Streep

When you’ve got as many Oscars as she does, you need a few different homes to put them in. So it was no shock when Hollywood icon Meryl Streep dropped $3.6 million on a Pasadena property back in December. The Mid-Century Modern estate was designed by famous architects Smith and William, and features plenty of open air spaces and large glass windows and walls. You’ll even notice a bit of Japanese inspiration, making guests feel like they’re strolling through their very own zen garden.

(Image credit: Sotheby’s via Zillow)

5. Ellen Pompeo

It’s a far cry from Seattle Grace Hospital, but it turns out that actress Ellen Pompeo has excellent taste. Back in September, Pompeo listed her Hollywood Hills home on the market for just under $2 million, and we relished getting an inside look at the modern beauty. Filled with colorful artwork up against bright, white walls, it even includes the original stonework in the den and around the outdoor pool.

(Image credit: Deasy/Penner)

6. Kristen Wiig

Not only did the comedy queen buy a Mid-Century Modern stunner, but it’s a highly significant historic property too. Back in December, Wiig dropped $2.96 million on the Case Study House #10, located in Pasadena. The four-bed, four-bath home, which measures 3425 square feet, is part of a collection of houses that were designed by prominent architects like Pierre Koenig and Eero Saarinen after WWII. The horizontal home, which was designed to follow the slope of the property, even has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.