Step inside the extraordinary world of Phyllis Diller’s house, where comedy genius met vintage glamour most spectacularly. This legendary Brentwood mansion wasn’t just a home—it was a living, breathing extension of one of America’s most beloved comedians. With its 22 rooms filled with personality, humor, and unmistakable mid-century charm, this residence tells the story of a woman who revolutionized comedy while creating a sanctuary that was uniquely her own.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through the halls of a true entertainment icon’s home? The Phyllis Diller house offers us that rare glimpse into a world where laughter echoed through every room and vintage treasures adorned every corner. This remarkable property stands as a testament to Diller’s fearless approach to both comedy and interior design, creating spaces that were as bold and unforgettable as her signature cackle.
Location and Historical Context of the Phyllis Diller House
Brentwood: The Perfect Setting for a Star
Nestled in the prestigious neighborhood of Brentwood, Los Angeles, Phyllis Diller’s house occupied one of the most coveted addresses in Southern California. This area has long been synonymous with elegance, privacy, and celebrity living. The tree-lined streets and manicured lawns of Brentwood have housed countless entertainment industry legends, making it the perfect backdrop for Diller’s comedy sanctuary.
The neighborhood itself tells a fascinating story of Los Angeles’ history. Developed in the early 20th century, Brentwood became a haven for those seeking spacious properties away from the hustle of downtown LA while remaining close enough to the studios. The area’s Mediterranean climate and rolling hills created an ideal environment for grand estates with elaborate gardens—precisely the kind of setting where creative minds could flourish.
A Property Steeped in History
The Phyllis Diller Brentwood home wasn’t just another celebrity house; it was architectural history. Built during an era when craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount, the property showcased the best of mid-century design principles while maintaining its own unique character. The house had witnessed decades of Los Angeles transformation, standing as a testament to the golden age of Hollywood.
What made this location particularly special for Phyllis was its proximity to the comedy clubs and television studios where she performed. The short commute allowed her to easily balance her demanding career with her home life, turning her home into both a retreat and a creative workspace. The peaceful Brentwood streets provided the perfect contrast to the bright lights and energy of her professional world.
The property’s historical significance extended beyond its famous owner. It represented an architectural style and lifestyle that defined an entire generation of entertainers who made Los Angeles their home. These weren’t just houses; they were statements about success, creativity, and the American dream realized through talent and determination.
Architectural Style and Exterior Features
A Stunning Blend of Classic and Contemporary
The architectural style of the Phyllis Diller house was a masterful combination of traditional elegance and mid-century modern sensibilities. The exterior featured clean lines typical of the era, with classic elements that gave the home timeless appeal. Large windows dominated the facade, flooding interior spaces with California’s famous golden light and creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
The property sprawled across multiple acres, offering privacy that celebrities like Phyllis treasured. Mature trees provided natural screening from prying eyes while creating a park-like atmosphere that made the estate feel like a private resort. The landscaping was meticulously maintained, featuring both formal garden areas and more relaxed spaces where nature could express itself freely.
Outdoor Spaces That Dazzled
The exterior spaces of this magnificent property were just as thoughtfully designed as the interiors. Multiple patios and terraces offered various venues for outdoor entertaining, each with its own character and purpose. Some were intimate, perfect for morning coffee or quiet reflection, while others could accommodate large gatherings of friends and fellow entertainers.
The gardens themselves deserved special mention. Phyllis had a particular fondness for vibrant flowers that matched her colorful personality. Rose gardens, exotic plants, and carefully curated flower beds created a botanical wonderland that changed with the seasons. Walking paths meandered through the grounds, encouraging strolls and providing different perspectives of the house’s impressive architecture.
One of the most striking exterior features was the pool area, designed in classic Hollywood style. Surrounded by elegant stonework and tropical plantings, it served as both a recreational space and a stunning visual focal point. The pool house, complete with changing rooms and entertainment facilities, showcased the same attention to detail found throughout the primary residence.
Curb Appeal That Commanded Attention
The approach to the Phyllis Diller vintage home was nothing short of spectacular. A sweeping driveway curved through the property, building anticipation before revealing the full glory of the house. The entrance was marked by impressive gates that provided Security while making a bold architectural statement.
The front facade featured a covered portico supported by elegant columns, creating a sense of grandeur that set the tone for what visitors would find inside. Vintage light fixtures flanked the main entrance, their warm glow welcoming guests during evening gatherings. Every detail, from the custom door hardware to the carefully chosen exterior paint colors, contributed to an overall impression of sophisticated whimsy—perfectly capturing Phyllis’s unique style.
Overview of the 22 Rooms: Unique Design and Functionality
A Home Designed for Living and Laughing
The sheer scale of this 22-room mansion might seem overwhelming, but Phyllis Diller transformed each space into something special and purposeful. Walking through the Phyllis Diller house was like taking a journey through different chapters of her life, with each room telling its own story through carefully chosen furnishings and personal touches.
The home’s layout was both practical and theatrical. Public spaces flowed seamlessly into one another, perfect for the large parties Phyllis loved to host. Meanwhile, private areas offered retreat and solitude when needed. This balance between social and personal spaces reflected Phyllis’s understanding that even the most outgoing performers need quiet corners to recharge.
Room Categories and Their Purposes
Let’s break down how these 22 rooms were distributed throughout the house:
Entertainment Spaces:
- Three distinct living rooms, each with its own personality
- A formal dining room for elegant dinner parties
- A casual dining area for everyday meals
- A game room complete with vintage arcade machines
- A fully equipped bar and lounge area
Private Quarters:
- Five bedrooms, including the main suite
- Six bathrooms featuring vintage fixtures and modern conveniences
- A personal dressing room that was practically a vintage boutique
Work and Creative Spaces:
- A dedicated home office for business matters
- A comedy writing room filled with joke files and notebooks
- A library housing an impressive collection of books and scripts
The genius of the layout was its ability to accommodate both Phyllis’s professional needs and personal preferences. She could seamlessly transition from hosting a glamorous party to retreating to her writing room to work on new material. This flexibility made the house not just a home but a fully functional creative headquarters.
Vintage Furnishings That Defined Each Space
Throughout the mansion, vintage furnishings created a cohesive aesthetic that was both nostalgic and timeless. Phyllis had an eye for quality pieces from the 1950s and 1960s, mixing high-end antiques with quirky flea market finds. This eclectic approach resulted in interiors that felt curated rather than decorated, personal rather than professional.
Bold patterns were a recurring theme—geometric prints, florals, and abstract designs that might clash in less confident hands but somehow worked perfectly in Phyllis’s world. She wasn’t afraid of color either. Jewel tones dominated many rooms, with emerald greens, sapphire blues, and ruby reds creating drama and energy.
The memorabilia scattered throughout the house added another layer of personality. Framed photographs with comedy legends, awards and accolades, and props from her performances turned the home into a living museum of comedy history. Yet these items never felt like mere displays; they were integrated into the daily life of the house, making history feel immediate and accessible.
The Living Room and Entertaining Spaces
Where Magic and Laughter Came Together
The main living room of the Phyllis Diller house was nothing short of spectacular. Spanning nearly 800 square feet, this grand space served as the heart of the home’s social life. The room featured soaring ceilings with exposed beams painted in a soft cream that contrasted beautifully with the rich wood floors below. Multiple seating areas allowed for both intimate conversations and larger gatherings, with each furniture grouping creating its own mini environment within the larger space.
The centerpiece of the room was an extraordinary vintage chandelier from the 1960s, featuring hundreds of crystal drops that caught and reflected light in mesmerizing patterns. Phyllis often joked that cleaning it was like “dusting a fireworks display,” but she wouldn’t have traded it for anything more practical. The walls were adorned with an eclectic mix of artwork, including original pieces by artist friends and vintage movie posters from her favorite films.
Furniture That Told Stories
Every piece of furniture in the living spaces had character and often a story behind it. The main sofa, a curved sectional upholstered in rich burgundy velvet, had been custom-made to Phyllis’s specifications. She wanted something that could seat a crowd but still feel cozy, and this piece delivered on both counts. Accent chairs in complementary jewel tones were strategically placed to encourage conversation flow.
The coffee tables—yes, plural—were conversation pieces in themselves. One was a vintage brass-and-glass creation from the 1970s, while another featured a base made from an old theater prop. Side tables held carefully curated collections of objects: vintage cigarette boxes (though Phyllis didn’t smoke), crystal decanters, and small sculptures that guests couldn’t help but pick up and examine.
What really brought the room to life were the personal touches. Throw pillows embroidered with funny sayings, a vintage bar cart always stocked with quality spirits, and fresh flowers arranged in unexpected containers like vintage teapots or art deco vases. These details made the space feel lived-in and loved, not just decorated.
Entertainment Central
The living room wasn’t just for show—it was designed for entertaining. Phyllis hosted legendary parties where comedy royalty mingled with up-and-coming performers. The room’s layout encouraged mingling, with no single focal point dominating the space. Instead, multiple conversation areas allowed different groups to form naturally.
The room’s acoustics were surprisingly good, something Phyllis had specifically addressed during renovations. She wanted to perform impromptu comedy bits without shouting, and the room’s design accommodated this perfectly. A baby grand piano in one corner often became the center of musical comedy performances, with Phyllis herself occasionally taking the bench to accompany singing guests.
Adjacent to the main living room was a smaller, more intimate sitting room that Phyllis called her “decompression chamber.” This space featured softer lighting, more subdued colors, and incredibly comfortable furniture. It was where close friends would retreat for more serious conversations or where Phyllis would unwind after a particularly energetic party.
Kitchen and Dining Areas: Vintage Yet Functional
A Culinary Stage for Comedy
The kitchen in the Phyllis Diller vintage home was a fascinating contradiction. This fully functional cooking space also served as a backdrop for some of her most famous domestic comedy routines. Phyllis famously joked about her lack of cooking skills, but the kitchen itself was surprisingly well-equipped and thoughtfully designed. The space managed to be both a working kitchen and a vintage showpiece.
Original 1960s cabinetry had been lovingly maintained, featuring the era’s characteristic clean lines and innovative storage solutions. The cabinets were painted in a cheerful mint green that Phyllis insisted made everything taste better, even if it was just takeout Chinese food. Chrome hardware added sparkle and tied in with the vintage appliances that were the real stars of the space.
The countertops were original pink boomerang-patterned Formica, a bold choice that might have been replaced in other homes but which Phyllis cherished for its authentic vintage charm. She often said that the pattern was so busy it hid any spills or stains, making it perfect for someone who claimed her cooking could be classified as a weapon.
Appliances as Art Pieces
The kitchen appliances deserved their own spotlight. The centerpiece was a fully restored turquoise O’Keefe & Merritt range from the 1950s, complete with chrome details and a griddle that Phyllis swore she’d never used. The matching refrigerator, also in turquoise, featured the rounded edges and chrome accents that defined the era’s aesthetic.
Modern conveniences were cleverly integrated without disrupting the vintage vibe. A dishwasher was hidden behind cabinet panels that matched the original cabinetry. The microwave was tucked into a custom niche, making it nearly invisible. Even the small appliances on the counters were chosen for their retro appeal—a chrome toaster, a vintage Mixmaster, and a percolator that looked like it belonged in a 1960s sitcom.
Special Features of the Kitchen:
- A built-in breakfast nook with original vinyl booth seating
- Display shelves showcasing vintage Pyrex and Fiestaware collections
- A vintage Formica table with matching chairs for casual dining
- Original tile backsplash in a playful atomic pattern
- A walk-in pantry that Phyllis called her “disaster preparedness center.”
The Dining Room: Where Stories Were Served
The formal dining room was where Phyllis truly shone as a hostess. The space could comfortably seat twelve, though she’d been known to squeeze in a few extra chairs when the guest list grew. The dining table itself was a stunning piece of mid-century craftsmanship—a walnut beauty with tapered legs and two leaves that extended it to accommodate larger gatherings.
Above the table hung another show-stopping chandelier, this one featuring brass and colored glass elements that cast rainbow patterns on the walls when sunlight hit it just right. The walls were covered in a bold wallpaper featuring oversized tropical leaves in shades of green and gold, a choice that might overwhelm a smaller space but worked perfectly in this grand room.
The dining chairs were upholstered in a durable orange velvet that had survived countless dinner parties and showed remarkably little wear. Phyllis had them reupholstered once but insisted on keeping the same vibrant color, saying that orange was the perfect appetite stimulant and conversation starter.
A massive sideboard along one wall housed Phyllis’s collection of vintage china and crystal. She had complete sets from various eras, each with its own story. The good china came out for special occasions, but even everyday meals were served on vintage dishes that made every meal feel like an event.
Bedrooms: Personal Retreats with Character
The Main Suite: A Glamorous Escape
The main bedroom in the Phyllis Diller house was a study in Hollywood glamour meets vintage comfort. This wasn’t just a place to sleep; it was a personal sanctuary where Phyllis could shed her public persona and be herself. The room was enormous, easily accommodating a king-sized bed and multiple seating areas, while still leaving plenty of space to move around.
The bed itself was a vintage Hollywood Regency piece with a pale-pink silk upholstered headboard. The tufted design and nail head trim gave it an elegant feel, while the color kept it from being too serious. Phyllis always said pink was the most flattering color to wake up to, as it gave everyone a healthy glow even before their morning coffee.
Layers of bedding in complementary shades of pink, cream, and gold created a luxurious nest. Vintage satin pillowcases, a cashmere throw, and sheets with impossibly high thread counts made the bed irresistibly inviting. A vintage bed bench at the foot of the bed, upholstered in gold velvet, provided a perfect spot to lay out clothes or sit to put on shoes.
Color Palettes and Fabric Choices
The main bedroom’s color scheme was surprisingly sophisticated for someone known for wild costumes and outrageous wigs. Soft pastels dominated, with pink, lavender, and mint green creating a soothing atmosphere. These colors were balanced with metallic accents in gold and silver, adding glamour without overwhelming the space.
The windows were dressed in elaborate treatments that were pure Phyllis—layers of sheer curtains beneath heavy drapes in a pale green silk. The drapes featured hand-sewn crystal beads along the edges that caught the light beautifully. Vintage tie-backs with tassel details added another layer of old Hollywood glamour.
The flooring was covered in a plush carpet in the palest shade of pink, so thick that your feet practically disappeared when you walked on it. Area rugs in complementary patterns added visual interest and defined different zones within the large room. One particularly stunning rug featured an abstract floral design in shades that perfectly matched the room’s color scheme.
Guest Rooms with Personality
Each of the four guest bedrooms had its own distinct personality, though all maintained the vintage charm that characterized the entire house. The “Blue Room” featured navy walls with white trim, brass fixtures, and nautical-themed vintage accessories. It was masculine without being heavy, sophisticated without being stuffy.
The “Garden Room” brought the outdoors in with floral wallpaper, white wicker furniture, and botanical prints. The vintage chenille bedspread in soft green was a particular treasure, one that Phyllis had found at an estate sale and had professionally cleaned and restored.
Another guest room, dubbed the “Sunset Room,” featured warm oranges and yellows that made it feel perpetually sunny. The vintage bamboo furniture and tropical prints gave it a Palm Springs vibe that guests found instantly relaxing. This room had its own small balcony overlooking the gardens, making it particularly coveted among overnight visitors.
The fourth guest room was more neutral in palette but no less interesting. Done in shades of cream and beige with black accents, it featured Art Deco furniture and geometric patterns, giving it a sophisticated, urban feel. This room often housed visiting comedians who appreciated its more understated elegance.
Home Office and Comedy Sanctuary
Where Jokes Were Born
The home office in the Phyllis Diller house was perhaps the most essential room in the entire mansion. This was where the magic happened, where random observations became comedy gold, and where Phyllis spent countless hours perfecting her craft. The room was surprisingly organized, defying her public persona as a chaotic housewife.
Filing cabinets lined one wall, each drawer meticulously labeled with categories like “Mother-in-Law Jokes,” “Cooking Disasters,” and “Fang Material.” Phyllis had developed a card catalog system for her jokes, with thousands of index cards containing one-liners, setups, and punchlines. This wasn’t just a collection; it was a comedy archive that documented decades of American humor.
The desk itself was a massive vintage piece from the 1940s, made of dark mahogany with brass hardware. Its surface was usually covered with legal pads, colored pens, and reference books. A vintage banker’s lamp provided task lighting, while the overall room lighting could be adjusted to different moods depending on whether Phyllis was writing, reading, or just thinking.
Tools of the Comedy Trade
The office housed several vintage typewriters, though Phyllis had transitioned to writing longhand in her later years. She kept the typewriters for both their aesthetic appeal and the occasional times when she wanted the satisfying clack of keys to accompany her creative process. Each machine had been professionally serviced and was in perfect working order.
Bookshelves covered another wall, filled with joke books, comedy albums, scripts from her television appearances, and books by and about other comedians. She had first editions of Groucho Marx’s books, recordings of Jack Benny radio shows, and videos of every comedy special she’d ever done. This wasn’t just a library; it was a comprehensive resource center for comedy history.
Essential Elements of the Comedy Workspace:
- A vintage tape recorder for capturing spontaneous ideas
- Boxes of colored index cards for joke organization
- Scrapbooks filled with reviews and press clippings
- A collection of wigs on stands (for inspiration)
- Framed photos with comedy legends
- A small refrigerator stocked with snacks and beverages
- A comfortable reading chair with an ottoman
- Multiple notebooks in various stages of completion
The Creative Process Made Visible
What made this office truly special was how it revealed Phyllis’s creative process. Bulletin boards displayed jokes in progress, with arrows and notes showing how she refined material. An extensive calendar marked performance dates, with different-colored inks indicating the venue type and the material to be performed.
The room also featured a full-length mirror where Phyllis would practice her physical comedy and facial expressions. She understood that comedy wasn’t just about words—it was about timing, expression, and physical presence. The mirror, lit like a dressing room mirror, allowed her to perfect every aspect of her performance.
A small sofa in one corner provided a spot for creative contemplation or quick naps between writing sessions. Above it hung a collection of vintage comedy posters and playbills, including some from her own performances. These served as both decoration and motivation, reminding her of past successes while pushing her toward future achievements.
The Role of Vintage Charm in the Home’s Atmosphere
Creating Ambiance Through Authentic Details
The vintage charm of the Phyllis Diller home wasn’t achieved through reproductions or modern interpretations of retro style. Instead, Phyllis had spent decades collecting authentic pieces that spoke to her. Every vintage lamp, every retro clock, every piece of mid-century furniture had been chosen because it resonated with her personal aesthetic and brought her joy.
The lighting throughout the house deserved special attention. Phyllis had amassed an incredible collection of vintage lamps and light fixtures, each one a work of art in its own right. Starburst ceiling fixtures, ceramic table lamps with fiberglass shades, and arc floor lamps created layers of warm, inviting light. She understood that lighting could transform a space, and she used it masterfully to create distinct moods in each room.
Color played a crucial role in establishing the home’s vintage atmosphere. The palette throughout the house included quintessentially mid-century colors: turquoise, orange, avocado green, and gold. These weren’t muted or modernized versions—they were bold, authentic representations that transported visitors back to the golden age of American design.
Patterns and Textures That Defined an Era
The patterns found throughout the house read like a textbook of mid-century design. Atomic starbursts, boomerangs, abstract geometrics, and stylized florals appeared on everything from wallpaper to upholstery to dinnerware. Rather than overwhelming the senses, Phyllis had learned to balance these bold patterns with solid colors and neutral spaces, creating visual rhythm throughout the home.
Texture added another dimension to the vintage charm. Nubby boucle fabrics, smooth vinyl, rough grasscloth wallpaper, and sleek Formica surfaces created tactile variety that kept the spaces interesting. Shag carpeting in certain rooms (kept in pristine condition) provided that quintessential 1970s touch that guests either loved or hated.
The mix of materials was distinctly mid-century: blonde wood paired with black metal, brass combined with glass, and ceramic mixed with chrome. These combinations created a sense of optimism and innovation that defined the era’s design philosophy. It was a time when people believed the future would be bright, and that optimism was reflected in every design choice.
Balancing Kitsch and Sophistication
What set the Phyllis Diller house apart from mere nostalgic recreation was the sophisticated way vintage elements were deployed. Yes, there were kitschy elements—the pink flamingo in the garden, the collection of vintage TV lamps, the bar accessories shaped like poodles—. Still, these were balanced with genuinely beautiful pieces of mid-century design.
Phyllis understood that vintage charm wasn’t about recreating a time capsule. It was about taking the best elements of past design and giving them new life in a contemporary context. She mixed high and low, serious and playful, creating spaces that were both museum-worthy and completely livable.
The key was confidence. Just as Phyllis’s comedy succeeded because she fully committed to her persona, her decorating succeeded because she fully embraced her aesthetic choices. There was no apologizing for bold colors or quirky accessories. Everything was presented with the confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are and what you love.
Celebrity and Media Appearances of the Phyllis Diller House
A Star in Its Own Right
The Phyllis Diller Brentwood home became almost as famous as its owner, featuring in numerous magazine spreads and television segments over the years. Architectural Digest did a full feature in the 1980s, with photographers capturing the home’s unique blend of glamour and whimsy. The article became one of their most popular celebrity home features, with readers fascinated by how Phyllis’s personality translated into interior design.
Television crews regularly filmed segments at the house for various programs. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous devoted an entire episode to the property, with Robin Leach marveling at the joke filing system and the extensive wig collection. The house appeared in several documentaries about Phyllis’s life and career, with filmmakers using the spaces to illustrate different aspects of her personality and creative process.
MTV’s Cribs even did a special throwback episode featuring the house, introducing a new generation to Phyllis’s unique style. Young viewers were particularly fascinated by the vintage elements, many of which had returned to fashion. The episode sparked renewed interest in mid-century design and proved that good style truly is timeless.
Stories from Famous Visitors
The guest list for parties at the Phyllis Diller house read like a who’s who of entertainment royalty. Bob Hope was a regular visitor, often found holding court in the living room with a martini in hand. Joan Rivers, Phyllis’s protégé and friend, later recalled how the house inspired her own approach to decorating—bold, personal, and unapologetic.
George Carlin once spent an entire party in Phyllis’s joke room, marveling at her organizational system and taking notes on her methodology. He later credited that evening with inspiring him to become more systematic in his own comedy writing. Don Rickles claimed the dining room was where he delivered some of his best impromptu roasts, inspired by the room’s theatrical atmosphere.
The house also hosted numerous charity events, with Phyllis opening her home for causes she believed in. These events became legendary not just for the money raised but for the incredible performances that would spontaneously break out. The living room’s piano became the center of many impromptu concerts, with everyone from Liberace to Elton John taking a turn at the keys.
Preservation in Popular Culture
Beyond physical visits, the house lived on in popular culture through countless references and homages. Set designers for period films and TV shows studied photos of the house to capture the authentic mid-century style. The joke filing system inspired a subplot in a sitcom about a female comedian. Even animated shows included references to the house’s distinctive features.
Fashion designers cited the house’s bold color combinations as inspiration for collections. Interior designers studied how Phyllis mixed patterns and periods to create cohesive spaces. The house became a masterclass in personal style, showing that the best interiors are those that genuinely reflect their inhabitants.
Preservation and Legacy of the Phyllis Diller House
Maintaining a Comedy Monument
After Phyllis Diller’s passing in 2012, the fate of her iconic Brentwood home became a topic of considerable interest among fans, preservationists, and real estate enthusiasts. The Phyllis Diller house represented more than just valuable real estate; it was a piece of entertainment history that deserved thoughtful preservation.
The estate initially passed to Phyllis’s family, who recognized the property’s cultural significance. They worked with preservationists to document the house extensively, creating a detailed archive of photographs, floor plans, and inventories of the unique furnishings and decorative elements. This documentation ensures that even if the physical space changes, the memory of how Phyllis lived and worked will be preserved for future generations.
Several of the home’s most distinctive features were donated to museums. The Smithsonian acquired parts of her joke filing system for their permanent collection on American comedy. The Hollywood Museum received some of her vintage furniture pieces and decorative items for a special exhibit on women in comedy. These donations ensure that elements of the house continue to inspire and educate long after the property changes hands.
The Challenge of Preserving Celebrity Homes
Preserving celebrity homes like the vintage Phyllis Diller home presents unique challenges. Unlike historically significant buildings with architectural importance, these homes derive their value from their association with their famous inhabitants. Once that person is gone, maintaining the property’s character while making it viable for new owners becomes complicated.
Real estate values in Brentwood mean that properties are often purchased for their land value alone, with new owners demolishing existing structures to build modern mansions. The threat of demolition loomed over Phyllis’s house, sparking campaigns from preservation groups who argued for its cultural significance. They pointed out that the house represented not just one comedian’s life but an entire era of American entertainment and design.
Some suggested converting the property into a museum, similar to Graceland or the Louis Armstrong House. However, the residential nature of the neighborhood and the costs associated with maintaining such a facility made this option challenging. Others proposed designating it as a cultural landmark, which would provide some protection while allowing private ownership.
Current Status and Future Possibilities
The house has changed hands since Phyllis’s passing, but efforts have been made to preserve its essential character. The new owners, understanding the property’s significance, have committed to maintaining many of its original features while making necessary updates for modern living. They’ve worked with preservation consultants to ensure that renovations respect the home’s vintage charm and historical importance.
There’s ongoing discussion about creating a virtual tour of the house as it existed during Phyllis’s lifetime, using the extensive documentation created by her estate. This would allow fans and design enthusiasts worldwide to experience the space without physically visiting the property. Technology could preserve not just the visual aspects but also the stories and context that made each room special.
The legacy of the house extends beyond its physical preservation. It has inspired a renewed appreciation for mid-century design and personal expression in home decorating. Interior designers regularly reference the house as an example of how to successfully mix periods, patterns, and styles while maintaining coherence and personality.
Why the Phyllis Diller House Inspires Fans and Home Decor Enthusiasts
Lessons in Fearless Decorating
The enduring appeal of the Phyllis Diller house lies in its fearless approach to personal style. In an era of neutral palettes and safe choices, Phyllis’s bold use of color and pattern offers a refreshing alternative. She showed us that our homes don’t have to look like magazine spreads or follow current trends—they should reflect who we are and what brings us joy.
Home decor enthusiasts study the house for practical lessons in mixing vintage and contemporary elements. Phyllis demonstrated that vintage pieces don’t have to be precious or untouchable. She used her vintage furniture and accessories daily, proving that beautiful things are meant to be enjoyed, not just admired. This philosophy has inspired a new generation to seek out vintage pieces and incorporate them into their daily lives.
The stunning house also teaches us about the importance of humor in design. Not everything has to be serious or sophisticated. Phyllis included whimsical elements that made people smile, from funny artwork to quirky accessories. These touches made her home feel welcoming and unpretentious, despite its size and grandeur. It’s a reminder that our homes should make us happy, not just impress others.
Creating Personality-Driven Spaces
What the Phyllis Diller Brentwood home really teaches us is the value of personality-driven design. Every choice Phyllis made reflected some aspect of her character, her history, or her interests. The result was a home that couldn’t have belonged to anyone else—it was uniquely, unmistakably hers.
This approach to decorating requires self-knowledge and confidence. You have to know what you love and be willing to commit to it, even if others might not understand or appreciate your choices. Phyllis’s house showed that when you decorate with authentic personal style, the result is always more interesting than following someone else’s rules.
The house also demonstrated the importance of evolution in design. Phyllis didn’t decorate once and left everything static. She continued to add, edit, and refine her spaces throughout her life. Rooms evolved as her tastes changed and as she discovered new treasures. This organic approach created layers of interest, making each space rich with history and meaning.
Where Does Phyllis Diller Currently Live?
Phyllis Diller’s longtime primary residence was a large 22-room, 10,000 square-foot country English-style mansion in Brentwood, California, which she purchased in 1965. However, this home was sold in 2012 and subsequently demolished in 2014, leaving a vacant lot.
