Ellen Pompeo Created a Vibe in Her Malibu House With Phillip Jeffries

Meredith Grey may know her anatomy, but her real-life counterpart Ellen Pompeo really knows her interior design, especially when it comes to creating stylish, family-friendly spaces. The actress has made a name for herself in the design world thanks to stunning renovations with interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard of her homes in New York and California. 

Her latest project, a mid-century beach house on the bluffs in Malibu, California, includes bookmatched marble in the living areas, vintage furniture in nearly every room, and one statement-making ceiling in her kids’ room thanks to Phillip Jeffries (get ready for major inspo below!).

Just as with four other projects, the Grey’s Anatomy star collaborated with longtime friend Bullard. “We’ve been in each other’s lives for so long we know what the other will like before even showing it to them,” the designer, who has also worked with Cher and Elton John, told Architectural Digest. As before, Bullard knew to create a narrative for the Malibu home. “Some people want a sterile home that makes them feel like they’re at a spa,” says Pompeo. “But I love design that tells a story.”

Family-Friendly Decorating
To complement the home’s personality of Mediterranean mixed with ‘60s and ‘70s flair (peep those framed photographs of Black history icons Martin Luther King, Jr, Diana Ross,and Grace Jones in the guest bedroom), Bullard and Pompeo made sure to make the beach house as family-friendly as possible. From the kids’ dining table (an Yves Saint Laurent cutting table from the ‘70s paired with fabric-covered benches and ‘60s dining chairs) to the tech-timeout chairs facing the ocean, no detail is overlooked. But our favorite feature has to be the bedroom for Pompeo’s three children with husband Chris Ivery.

Kids' Bedroom
While the living and dining rooms and primary bedroom all feature Brazilian marble along the walls, Pompeo looked up—literally to the ceiling—for inspiration in the children’s room. “The ceiling is a nice place to add a little vibe,” Pompeo says in the video tour with Architectural Digest. “It really does change everything, and then everything else can be clean and simple.” 

Pompeo and Bullard used Phillip Jeffries Nomadic wallcovering in Charcoal on White Manila Hemp. The tribal basket-inspired pattern is hand-printed on textured wallcovering like paper weave, natural grasscloth, linen, silk, or durable vinyl. You can also personalize your own wallcovering through our custom program, PJ Mash Up to suit your space.

Once the vibe was set, Pompeo then added touches of purple (“I love purple,” she says.) with the custom Missoni fabric bean bags, a graphic rug, and drapes. 

If you’re ready to add your own touches of color or add a vibe to your ceiling a la Pompeo, shop Phillip Jeffries Nomadic collection.