When Samira Wiley moved into Lauren Morelli’s Los Angeles home in 2016, the space had been recently decorated by designer Stefani Stein. The couple found happiness inside Morelli’s crisp and colorful bungalow, and yet, “it felt like [Samira] was living in my space, as opposed to something that was co-created,” the television producer and writer says. Three years later, recently married and ready to start a family, the couple decided to find a new home—one that reflected both of their design sensibilities.
But there was a catch: Wiley had no idea what her sensibilities were. “My previous places were pretty spare; I never really did anything with them,” says the Emmy-winning The Handmaid’s Tale and Orange Is the New Black actress, adding that she used to spend more time living in hotel rooms than in her former New York City apartment. “I don’t think I understood the importance of interior design, so a big part of the experience for me was trying to figure out what I liked.”
With the help of Stein, who the couple already knew and trusted, Wiley discovered she gravitated toward earthy hues, laid-back vibes, and certain elements of classic East Coast style. Morelli, on the other hand, was all about bright colors, bold patterns, and feminine motifs. “Having a space without color was not going to be an option, so I wanted to understand how to handle it without overwhelming Samira,” Stein says. “Ultimately the concept that evolved is something I’ve described as California meets the Cotswolds.”