When you think of Ellen Pompeo, her iconic role as Meredith Grey in Grey’s Anatomy might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, beyond her on-screen persona, Pompeo has built a reputation for her impeccable taste in interior design. Her Malibu beach house, a stunning mid-century modern masterpiece, is a testament to her passion for creating spaces that are both stylish and family-friendly.
Ellen Pompeo’s Stunning Mid-Century Malibu Beach House isn’t just a home—it’s a retreat. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this 3,000-square-foot property is a brilliant marriage of vintage charm, modern luxury, and personal touches. From its book-matched marble elements to custom furniture and ocean-inspired designs, the house embodies elegance and warmth in equal measure.Inside Ellen Pompeo’s Stunning Mid-Century Malibu Beach House: A Modern Family Oasis with Iconic Design Touches
History and Acquisition
A Love Story with Malibu
Ellen Pompeo’s journey with this remarkable home began long before she became a household name. As a budding actress, she often admired the property from afar. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that she had the chance to make it her own.
Designed in 1979, the house originally had all the hallmarks of mid-century architecture, including clean lines, open spaces, and a focus on blending with the surrounding environment. Pompeo partnered with renowned designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard to give the home a fresh yet timeless makeover while preserving its vintage essence.
A Portfolio of Dream Homes
This Malibu retreat isn’t Pompeo’s first foray into stunning real estate. Over the years, she has curated an impressive portfolio that includes a Sag Harbor barn conversion and an elegant Los Angeles villa. However, this beach house holds a special place in her heart, serving as a serene escape for her family. The timeline of her real estate journey is a testament to her evolving taste and knack for blending luxury with livability.
Year Property Style
2007 Sag Harbor Barn Rustic and modern
2011 Los Angeles Villa French-inspired luxury
2013 Malibu Beach House Mid-century modern
Exterior and Architectural Highlights
A Beachfront Treasure
Nestled on the shores of Malibu, Pompeo’s home exudes the tranquil energy of its surroundings. The house is designed to maximize its proximity to the ocean, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite the stunning views indoors. The exterior is a harmonious blend of cement, marble, and wood, reflecting the classic mid-century modern ethos of simplicity and functionality.
Key Features of the Exterior
The outdoor spaces are just as enchanting as the interiors. The pool area, surrounded by sleek daybeds and an outdoor bar, is perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. Unlike many sprawling celebrity mansions, Pompeo’s home maintains an intimate, inviting vibe. Here’s a quick breakdown of the standout exterior features:
- Expansive glass windows for uninterrupted ocean views.
- Seamless indoor-outdoor flow, ideal for entertaining.
- Minimalist landscaping to complement the home’s modern aesthetic.
- A poolside oasis with custom furniture and cozy seating areas.
Living and Dining Spaces
Open-Plan Elegance
The heart of Ellen Pompeo’s Stunning Mid-Century Malibu Beach House is its open-plan living and dining area. Once a grand ballroom, this space has been reimagined as a cozy family room. The design strikes a perfect balance between functionality and sophistication, making it a hub for entertaining guests or spending quality time with family.
Iconic Furniture and Decor
The living area is adorned with a curated selection of mid-century furnishings, including a De Sede DS-85 daybed, Mario Bellini leather chairs, and a Gino Sarfatti chandelier. These pieces add personality and depth to the room while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The dining area features a lazy Susan table surrounded by 1960s Swedish chairs, offering both style and practicality.
Noteworthy Design Elements:
- Rattan planters and wood bead garlands add texture and warmth.
- Patterns and materials throughout echo the waves of the nearby ocean.
- The space is always alive with activity—whether it’s kids playing or guests mingling.
Kitchen and Family Hub
A Compact Yet Functional Space
The kitchen, though compact, is a masterpiece of design. Its book-matched marble countertops act as a work of art, adding a touch of luxury to the space. The turquoise bar stools and teal lacquered cabinets inject vibrant pops of color, creating a playful yet elegant vibe.
A Place for Connection
Despite its modest size, the kitchen is undeniably the heart of the home. Pompeo’s rule? The family clears out when she’s cooking! A bar cart often takes center stage during parties, reflecting the home’s emphasis on blending functionality with fun.
Feature Description
Book-matched marble adds elegance and serves as a focal point.
Turquoise bar stools: A playful nod to the ocean-inspired palette.
Grasscloth wallpaper offers texture and warmth to the space.
Master Bedroom Retreat
The main bedroom is a sanctuary within the sanctuary. With a custom extra-large bed, it’s designed for family movie nights and lazy weekend mornings. The black canopy frame, paired with textured carpets and Vertebrae lamps, creates an inviting and cozy atmosphere.
A fireplace bench adds a touch of rustic charm, while the mix of organic and artificial materials stays true to the mid-century aesthetic. The bedroom exemplifies the balance between luxury and comfort that defines the entire home.
Children’s and Guest Rooms
Kid-Friendly Design
Pompeo’s children’s rooms are vibrant and playful, featuring bunk beds, geometric wallpaper, and Moroccan rugs. These spaces are designed to inspire creativity and provide comfort for her kids.
Stylish Guest Retreats
Guest rooms, on the other hand, are a study in understated elegance. With photography-themed decor, including prints of Diana Ross and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as Memphis-style tables, these rooms are every bit as stylish as the rest of the house.
Playful Yet Functional Details:
- Teal grasscloth closets for a pop of color.
- Padded headboards for added comfort.
- Yasuni wallpaper for a bold statement.
Design Philosophy and Influences
Pompeo’s Malibu home is a celebration of mid-century modern design. This style, characterized by clean lines, natural materials, and functional spaces, is elevated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s creative vision. Pompeo’s personal touch is evident in every corner, from the art sourced from Fahey/Klein Gallery to the ocean-inspired patterns that tie the home together.
Lifestyle and Entertaining
Pompeo’s Malibu beach house isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a lively, bustling home. Whether it’s piña coladas by the pool or music-filled evenings with friends, the house is designed for connection and celebration. The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces ensures that every gathering feels effortless.
Where Does Ellen Pompeo Currently Live?
Ellen Pompeo currently lives primarily in a Mediterranean-style mansion in the gated community of Laughlin Park in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. She and her husband Chris Ivery raise their three children in this large 16,000 square-foot estate featuring luxurious design elements, a pool, cabana, outdoor kitchen, and more.
