A chic flat in L.A.’s storied El Royale proves apartment living is tops
Film producer Chris Miller’s living room. PHOTO: David Khinda
In early 2010, Chris Miller traded his house in the Hollywood Hills, where he’d lived for 10 years, for an eighth-floor two-bedroom rental in L.A.’s iconic El Royale building, a skyline landmark where an eclectic bunch of celebrities, directors and industry execs have hung their hats since 1929. “That home had 360-degree views and a swimming pool,” he says. “I downsized in a way that makes me much happier.” (Besides, if the Flower Films co-president and Revolver bar co-owner is in the mood for a dip, he can head to his place in Palm Springs.)
Who would decorate his new abode? Ruthie Sommers, designer of East Coast-chic-meets-West Coast boho interiors, of course. The two have been good friends since Miller and Drew Barrymore (his production colleague) stumbled upon her now-shuttered store, Chapman Radcliff, a few years back. Sommers ended up designing their offices as well as Barrymore’s home.
Miller’s apartment was very much a collaboration. “Chris would text me about a chair while he was in a meeting,” she laughs. Before Miller moved in, he and Sommers made some changes, installing pristine marble countertops in the kitchen and painting the walls and cabinets a cool lime green. The floors were finished in black-and-white, peel-and-stick vinyl. In fact, this cheap-and-cheerful, high-low mix is representative of the whole dwelling. Sommers brought in a cozy sofa she already had and reupholstered it in luxe, orange French velvet; underfoot is a rug purchased at Sotheby’s Sunset auction for $250; there’s a Story & Clark baby grand piano—“a splurge after producing Whip It.” Views from the master bedroom, complete with a John Saladino bed, stretch north to the Hollywood sign and south to downtown. The result is swell; the place looks like Miller has lived there forever. Most important, he says, “It’s somewhere I can come home to at night and feel comfortable.” FLORENCE KANE [C Home, May 2012]
Tagged in: boho interiors, Chris Miller, Drew Barrymore, El Royale, Flower Films, Revolver, Ruthie Sommers
