melaniewdaugherty
- Apr 12, 2022
- 3 min read

Featured Home: Actress Virginia Williams and her Sunny So-Cal Style Home

I was reading my April issue of Better Homes & Gardens and fell head over heels in love with the article featuring the home of actress Virginia Wilson. A midcentury modern gem of a house rich in colorful accents and perfectly curated artwork and lighting fixtures. It reminds me of what so many of our clients are looking for, I had to share!

Background: In 2013, when the actress and her talent manager husband, Bradford Bricken purchased the 1960 modern ranch home - originally designed by architect Perry Neuschatz of the famous Neustra Group - it was dark and dated. But the couple were looking for a project, not only to create a home that fit their style but also as a way to heal after suffering three miscarriages.

With the help of their friend and Interior Designer Seyie Putsure, they covered the wood paneling in white paint, which welcomes the rainbow of Virginia's favorite hues. Putsure also layered in a few Hollywood regency notes - mirrored, metallic, and lacquered finishes and crystal details.

The house feels like "a perfect marriage of the South and Southern California" as Virginia is a Tennessee Native. Playful updates recast antique pieces in a modern light. Case in point: The vintage bergère chairs, which came with the house, are covered in a vibrant indoor-outdoor (aka kid-friendly) banana leaf fabric. The pattern is Putsure's tribute to The Beverly Hills Hotel, a Regency-style icon.

Clean white walls and crisp midcentury architecture set a neutral backdrop for Virginia's favorite colors. The upholstery on the dining chairs pulls the yellow from her and husband Bradford's wedding china displayed in the cabinet. Virginia loves color, glamour and shine. The house needed to be updated to feel hip, cool and fresh, but they wanted it to reflect who they are as a couple.

Slim Aarons' 1970 Poolside Glamour photograph echoes the kitchen's vibrant palette. High-shine accents - the crystal chandelier and lacquered cabinetry - add a touch of glamour. Continuing the traditional notes Putsure says, "The Louis Ghost chairs open up the space and have the same French-inspired silhouette as the bergères in the Living Room.

In another Palm Springs influence, Virigina's office introduces an unexpected color - tangerine - in a vibrant cabana stripe on the ceiling. The bright pink in the rug and chrome finishes on the light fixture, lamp, and chairs tie in the scheme for the rest of the house.

Virginia loves her house because it feels bright, fun, and sunny. "Even when it's a mess, it still feels happy." she says. The house sports a punchy Palm Springs look that complements the midcentury architecture as well as the vibrancy of a young family that now includes two energetic boys (Ford, 6 and Beau, 4).

A mix of vibrant jewel tones, lively patterns, and touches of shine brings home the Palm Spring Feel. Want to get the Bold & Bright look? Check out these colorful & practical finds that will add a punch of color to your home: