Inside the Venice Home of Hollywood's Favorite Jewelry Designer

Photography by Jessica Sample

“You know how people often overuse the term ‘mixing and matching’ when they speak about getting dressed?” asks jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth. “That’s my approach to the way I decorate my house.” Neuwirth shares her home, located in the beach town of Venice, California, with her long-term boyfriend, film director Phil Lord (best known for the Jump Street films), and their adorable labradoodle, Teddy.

An L.A. native, Neuwirth designs colorful boho-style pieces that she describes as “uniquely modern yet heavily sophisticated.” When she launched her company in 2003, her designs were quickly picked up by Barneys New York, and soon after she earned a loyal following among cool girls like Rihanna, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Lawrence. Fast-forward a few years, and she’s opened up her first brick-and-mortar shop in West Hollywood, where she worked closely with the ultracool design firm Commune to execute her vision.

Her home, located on the canals, is what she calls a “bulletin board come to life,” an eclectic place where Neuwirth throws together all sorts of pieces she’s collected throughout her life, whether they’re papier-mâché animal heads or family heirlooms. She also loves to mix patterns — throw pillows come in very handy, as do a pair of tie-dye sandbags. She likes to see how everything complements everything else. “I often call my home the balance of ‘perfect clutter,’” says the designer. She keeps her bedroom essentially spare, with an all-white palette, though, because she likes to go to bed “superearly” — much to the disappointment of her partner.

Neuwirth’s casual approach extends to her art collection and the manner in which she displays it. She mixes blue chip pieces like a painting by Mary Weatherford with a personalized skateboard entitled Irene’s Guest Board, which was made by her best friend’s husband. There’s also an ink drawing from her mom and sculptures by her father scattered around the house. And for good measure, she has a wall dedicated to papier-mâché animal heads — her own version of an animal kingdom.

It’s a place where nothing is too precious, where she can throw her überstylish dinner parties or have the kids in the neighborhood come to play (while their parents can kick back with a glass of wine). Here, she opens up her airy space and lets us run free.

IRENE NEUWIRTH’S FAVORITE PLACES FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION 

 Nickey Kehoe They have a really playful vibe tons of animals and incredible fabrics. It’s a mix of things that are really fine with those things that aren’t as precious.

Irene Neuwirth  I have to put my store on this list. It’s my favorite place. I worked with Commune Design and they are creative geniuses. They have the best aesthetic, it’s everything I dreamed of and everything I saved for.

• A’maree’s  It’s one of the most beautiful stores in the world, and it’s in Newport Beach. It’s so airy and is such a different aesthetic than what I surround myself with at home. You walk in and feel as if you can just breathe. It’s perfection.

Capo I know this doesn’t really fit into the design world, but the art in this place is mesmerizing. To me, it feels like a cozy cabin. Plus, the food is incredible and the staff are kind.

Heath Ceramics  I love this store because it’s a big open space and you can actually look around freely. I shop here often.

OK Store This is one of my favorite shops. They have everything from jewelry to children’s books to incredible plates for your kitchen.

• Tortoise General Store  This place on Abbot Kinney has everything I could ever want in my home. I love that they have napkins with rabbits and whales and then really beautiful plaid blankets. They have gorgeous Japanese cooking knives and the pottery is insane.

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