Blog | AV Architects + Builders

Designing Your Dream Home Like a Celebrity: Custom Home Trends Inspired by Stars

Written by JC Valenzuela | Jun 20, 2025 5:53:17 PM

You might have visions of lush spaces, grand designs, and luxurious touches, but transforming that dream into a practical, functional, and luxurious living experience can leave you scratching your head. Whether it's the serene elegance of Oprah Winfrey’s estate, the timeless charm of Martha Stewart’s Connecticut haven, the expansive, sports-inspired opulence of Michael Jordan’s mansion, or the bold style of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's Montecito home, achieving that celebrity-inspired grandeur without losing sight of your personal needs can be a real challenge. Explore some of these celebrity homes to spark your imagination.

This is where AV Architects + Builders shines. We specialize in designing custom homes that are inspired by your dream lifestyle. We don’t just build houses—we craft an experience tailored specifically to you. Imagine transforming your home into something as breathtaking and serene as Oprah Winfrey’s Telluride retreat, as iconic and expansive as Michael Jordan’s estate, or as timeless as Martha Stewart’s traditional yet warm country home. Get more ideas from this Casablui design feature.

At AV Architects + Builders, we’re not just about design; we’re about bringing your vision to life with the same kind of grandeur that makes these stars’ homes famous. Our promise to you is simple: a home that doesn’t just fit your needs but exceeds your expectations—one that embodies elegance, luxury, and a bit of that celebrity sparkle. Learn more about what it means to build a custom home and how to plan for its costs.

The Architect House, Great Falls, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie

Luxury, Lifestyle, and Legacy: Inside 6 Stunning Celebrity Homes

1. Oprah Winfrey: The Sanctuary of Serenity

Essence of Elegance: Oprah’s Telluride retreat is the embodiment of luxurious peace. Her home incorporates natural elements like wide glass windows, reclaimed wood, and neutral palettes that encourage mindfulness and stillness. The design is intentional—each corner promoting wellness and presence.

Inspired Living: To channel Oprah’s tranquil style, create open spaces filled with natural light, warm neutrals, and organic textures. A meditation room or spa-inspired bath can serve as your personal sanctuary. Want your home to feel like a retreat year-round? Learn how to achieve vacation-style living in Northern Virginia.

2. Martha Stewart: Timeless Harmony with Nature

Rooted Sophistication: From her Turkey Hill estate to her Bedford property, Martha Stewart has mastered the art of timelessness. Her homes are filled with curated antiques, carefully restored structures, and garden views that evoke a sense of nostalgia and quiet luxury.

Elegant Balance: Embrace timeless charm by integrating natural stone, wood, and classic silhouettes into your design. Martha’s style invites a blend of old and new—spaces that feel both curated and lived-in.

3. Michael Jordan: Bold Luxury Meets Function

Champion’s Playground: Michael Jordan’s Chicago mansion is as iconic as his career—gated, expansive, and customized to his lifestyle. From regulation-sized basketball courts to grand entryways and monogrammed touches, his home is tailored, bold, and highly personalized.

Powerful Personalization: Build your space around your passions. Whether that’s a home theater, game room, or fitness center, your house should reflect you. Thinking of adding bold, custom elements? Let your architect guide the process—sometimes saying "no" is key to getting it right. Here’s how to avoid buying or building a McMansion.

Main Level Modern, Falls Church, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Best Side Story Media

4. Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi: Clean, Curated Comfort

Modern Tranquility: Their Montecito home embraces an effortless, sun-washed style with mid-century accents, layered neutrals, and nature-forward landscaping. It’s minimalist without being sterile, modern yet personal.

Curated Minimalism: Focus on quality materials, symmetry, and layout. Keep spaces open but welcoming, with texture playing a central role. Need more inspiration? Explore Foyr’s guide to best celebrity homes.

5. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Grand Design Meets Family Focus

Iconic Warmth: The Rock’s homes are massive but warm, luxurious but lived-in. With features like expansive outdoor patios, full-scale gyms, and cozy great rooms, his design reflects his active life and deep family values.

Inviting Luxury: Design family-friendly spaces that don’t skimp on elegance—think open kitchens, multi-use media spaces, and lush outdoor areas.

6. Robert Francis Prevost (Pope Leo XIV): Spiritual Sophistication

Sacred Style: Now serving as Pope Leo XIV, Prevost’s architectural taste reflects timeless Catholic motifs—arched windows, soaring ceilings, and sacred art that foster a sense of spiritual retreat and inner peace.

Quiet Grandeur: If you desire a home with an atmosphere of reverence, consider adding design elements like stained glass, cloistered gardens, or serene chapels.

The Solar House, Arlington, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie

Design Like a Star, Live Like Yourself

At AV Architects + Builders, we bring more than inspiration—we bring intention. From celebrity homes to your own, we blend iconic aesthetics with functionality and personal expression. With thoughtful planning, high-end materials, and expert guidance, your home can look like it belongs in the pages of Architectural Digest—but feel unmistakably yours. Discover what makes an AV custom home expensive and explore our Learning Center for even more resources and guidance.

Ready to live like a celebrity? Let’s build your dream home. Our award-winning team is ready to hear your vision and help you bring it to life. Contact us to start the conversation and experience the AV Architects + Builders difference.