Before he was a household name, George Clooney was a struggling actor living in Studio City, Los Angeles. Photographer Lynn McAfee captured him in his apartment in 1989, just before his big break.
Though the home's retro kitchen is a far cry from the luxury properties Clooney has come to call home in more recent years, it contains early glimmers of one of the most crucial elements to understanding his design DNA: play. From his mullet to his checkered curtains down to the paint-splattered fridge, the photographs are full of the whimsy that still defines George's interior design style.
First, though the images were captured in the late '80s, checkerboard floors and vintage posters in the kitchen harken to the mid-century and art deco periods. This anachronistic detailing gives George's former kitchen a sense of nostalgic kitsch. It's peak Americana, and peak fun.
The color blocking with pops of red and creamy yellows in the American kitchen feel especially playful, giving George's kitchen the ambiance of classic Los Angeles diner. This sense is only bolstered by a 'reserved' sign, and stainless steel salt and pepper shakers on his Formica table.
George and his wife Amal Clooney currently have a $50 million property portfolio with homes spanning across the world, including houses in England, New York, France, and Italy. As mentioned, these homes are significantly more glamorous than the humble apartment where he lived before his breakout role as Dr. Doug Ross on NBC's , but all of them contain the same sense of whimsy we see in his '80s kitchen.
Take, for example, George and Amal's Oxfordshire Manor. In addition to its nine bedrooms and at-home spa, the property features a converted pool house bar which the couple affectionately calls 'The Party Zone.' This space includes a 16-seat screening room with a popcorn machine, and a custom photobooth for capturing light-night moments. It's on a different scale and price tag from the Studio City apartment, but the intention of having a great time still undergirds the design decisions.
Furthermore, just like George went beyond the classic '80s color trends in decorating his retro apartment, he decorated his 18th-century estate on Lake Como, Villa Oleandra, with another period in mind. After purchasing the estate in 2002, he and Amal set about renovating it to preserve the historic character, while updating it for modern living. Their choice of a bright turquoise and gold color scheme in the living room embodies this philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the Baroque period, it conveys classic Italian elegance – with whimsy.
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Rather than opting for a self-serious burgundy and gold leaf look, George and Amal kept it light and joyous. The luxury is there, but so is the play.
Shop The Retro Kitchen Edit
Creating a kitchen with whimsy is easier than you might think. Here are our editors' picks for incorporating fun and play into your space, inspired by George Clooney's '80s kitchen.
The design-lover's take on George Clooney red mugs, this stunning gorgeous piece features Marimekko's signature flower pattern. It was born in 1964, and still looks just as stylish.
If you want to bring a touch of checkerboard into your home at a low cost (ie, without installing full checked floors like we see in George Clooney's home), these gorgeous utensil holders are the perfect pick. They add a chic playfulness to any kitchen countertops.
A checkered rug is gorgeous for adding pattern into your home underfoot, and the fact that this rug is washable is an added benefit. It works well for the kitchen, or any other space where you want a bit of whimsy.
Target Elevated Aluminum Poster Frame Black
A gallery wall is the ultimate staple for a retro kitchen, and this stainless steel one offers durability at the right price. Available in a range of different sizes, this frame can fit a range of spaces.
Walmart MSI Whisper Ceramic White Subway Tile
Opt for the classic and clean look with these white ceramic subway tiles. With a glossy finish, these are perfect for a retro kitchen we think George would be proud of.
Flowers by Andy Warhol Poster
Pop art prints are a must-have for anyone who wants to create a charming'60s inspired energy in their space. This pink, yellow, green, and red flower after Andy Warhol could fit well in any room's design or color scheme. With a built-in frame, it looks elevated at an affordable price point.
When joy runs through your design decisions, it doesn't matter if you live in a multi-million dollar estate or a city apartment in your 20s. The sense of play gives the decor an endlessly charming edge.
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