Photos: Louise Roe's Los Angeles Home

Kimberly Genevieve

There’s an impossible cool about Louise Roe, the English fashion writer and TV host whose wildly addicting Instagram and phenomenally inspiring blog, Front Roe—and recently published first book by the same name—epitomize effortless chic. It’s no surprise, seeing as Roe got her start at high-fashion British magazines, where her red-carpet coverage of the Oscars eventually led her to California full-time.

After seven years in Los Angeles and a string of rentals, she finally landed her dream home, which she now shares with her fiancé, TV producer Mackenzie Hunkin, in buzzy West Hollywood. Amid a jam-packed travel schedule, filming, and maintaining her blog, she recently revamped her pad, perfectly translating her signature well-dressed ease and elegance into every space. But despite her penchant for fashions in vivid hues, cheeky prints, and lots of layers, she favored a more serene decorating approach. “Doing that in my everyday life for fashion is great, but when I get home I want a break from all that activity and noise,” she says of the reigning neutral palette.

With its tailored furnishings, glamorous photographs, and treasured heirlooms and books—including a set of 150-year-old leather-bounds by her favorite author, Charles Dickens—Roe’s light-filled, high-ceiling hideaway is both polished and personal. “I liken it to those old gentleman’s clubs but with more of a bright and airy feel,” she says.

What’s your summer wardrobe looking like?
Floaty! Lots of linen, long dresses, and off-the-shoulder tops.

Summer trend you’re stoked about?
Pom-poms! A little Peruvian, I guess, but I love little bright pom-poms on my handbag, on the hem of my dress.

Trend you’re over?
Ripped-up tops and tees.

Pattern you’re loving?
Gingham, on cheesecloth fabric, worn with denim Bermuda shorts. It looks feminine but cool.

An accessory that’s underrated?
Hats. My favorites are by Yosuzi—she loves a pom-pom too!

What’s a work ensemble you can always count on?
A great jumpsuit with heels. It’s an easy one-piece and really makes a statement.

You never leave home without…
Anine Bing sunglasses, my Smythson planner, Samsung phone.

What’s your beauty routine?
I try to exfoliate and put on a face mask a couple of times a week, especially after a long flight. I use Clarins serum, Eve Lom cleanser, Caudalie facial oil, and SK-II eye cream.

Travel essentials?
Supergoop! mini face products (they all contain SPF), a cashmere blanket from Winser London, a green juice for the airport transfer, Aspinal of London case.

Surprising fact people might not know about you?
I’m pretty good at accents!

Any guilty pleasures?
Gin and tonics, Vanderpump Rules.

Who are your fashion muses?
Dree Hemingway, Ali McGraw, Lou Doillon.

Biggest fashion faux pas you ever made?
Loads! But I think fashion is about experimenting, having fun, and it’s okay to mess up.

A memorable Oscars red-carpet moment?
This year I went inside to watch the show and walked in behind Cate Blanchett and Charlize Theron, who were hugging and chatting away like old friends.

The most exciting thing about L.A. for you right now?
The whole city is buzzing and growing culturally. The restaurant scene, art scene, fashion scene are all just so much better than when I moved here seven years ago. Streets like Melrose Place, restaurants like Bestia, Butcher’s Daughter, Tasting Kitchen, and museums like the Broad make L.A. an amazing place to live right now.

What’s next on the horizon?
I’m very excited about a new potential TV show that will combine my work as a fashion blogger and as a TV host, so fingers crossed for that. And then I’m also planning my wedding, so that’s kind of the biggest project going on at the moment.

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The Palette

Kimberly Genevieve

While Roe isn’t one to shy away from bold colors and prints in her wardrobe, her home needed to be a comfy and calming counterpoint. Cue the furnishings in creams, dark woods, and rich leathers, which include white club chairs and a sofa found on One Kings Lane.

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The Happy Place

Kimberly Genevieve

Roe’s favorite way to unwind when she’s not on the go? Kicking back in her living room with magazines and a cup of PG Tips ($8/80 bags; jet.com), imported from her native England. Her first book, Front Roe ($20; amazon.com) is an empowering guide to embracing personal style and beauty with tips and lessons culled from her career as a fashion journalist and TV host.

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The Vibe

Kimberly Genevieve

"I wanted that fine balance between cozy and inviting—where you’re not scared to put your drink down or sit somewhere—but at the same time still very chic and elegant," Roe says.

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The Dining Room

Kimberly Genevieve

The dining area, which features a custom quartz-and-brass table and Danish chairs, is getting more use by Roe and her fiancé in a conscious effort to balance their hectic schedules. “We now do breakfast, lunch, and dinner most days,” she says. “And I think it’s important to have a place to regroup from the day and have a chat rather than collapse in front of the TV.”

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The Office

Kimberly Genevieve

In Roe's mezzanine office, where she does all her writing, sunny prints by Gray Malin and a large rosewood desk take center stage. “I like how sturdy and big it is,” she says. “It reminds me of my dad’s desk when I used to go and sit in his office when I was little.”

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The Seating Area

Kimberly Genevieve

Roe carved out a comfy seating area that’s perfect for business meetings as well as for friends who often drop in during the day. (“My work life is very not a routine,” she says.) Slim Aarons photographs, which Roe collects, were the jumping-off point for the office’s coastal theme.

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The Library

Kimberly Genevieve

Photographs by Natalie Obradovich depicting the Amalfi Coast (“Staring at those for a year has made me now book a trip there!”) punch up the office’s cream walls and the bookshelves filled with Roe's enormous book collection from her college days. “I studied English literature, so I’m a bit of a bookworm,” she laughs.

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The Work-Life Balance

Kimberly Genevieve

"I wanted my office to feel a little bit more girly than the rest of the house because it’s my personal space," Roe says.

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The Bedroom

Kimberly Genevieve

“I wanted a gigantic sleigh bed, and I think I got one,” laughs Roe, who went with moody taupe walls in the master bedroom for a rich, soothing vibe along with playful notes of coral. “I like to keep things neutral and then just add a little punch of color here and there.” A bedside console holds Louise’s beloved and current reads. “I like books by journalists, but I like to switch them between classic novels," she says.

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The Dresser

Kimberly Genevieve

Hanging above the dresser, where catchalls hold everyday and costume jewelry, is one of two sketches that belonged to Roe's grandmother. “They’re from Brazil and my granny owned them for 50, 60 years, and I brought them out from England and reframed them,” she explains.

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Peek Inside "It" Girl Louise Roe's L.A. Dream Home