When you’re the mind behind some of TV’s biggest shows past and present (Bridgerton, Grey’s Anatomy, Inventing Anna, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder and more), it makes sense that you live in a luxurious home. But instead of having gigantic, grandiose furniture and the accoutrements believed to be in many celeb homes, Shonda Rhimes, TV writer and producer shared with Architectural Digest, just wanted a peaceful, pretty place to do her best work — writing.
“This place is really about my work life,” she told the magazine of her cozy apartment in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “But I came into it thinking, If I had no kids, no responsibilities, what kind of a space would I create? Obviously, we did incorporate things that were necessary for the kids—moms never get to think selfishly—but this was really exciting for me.”
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What she set out to create with celebrated designer Michael S. Smith is a home filled with eclectic, detailed furniture (from damask couches, ornate vases, “whimsical” chandeliers and intricate, colorful wallpaper). The end result is a home that feels, without being gaudy, luxurious. The unique touches bring shine (like the gilded mirrors), texture (lamps, rugs and couches/chaises) and even a taste of nature (there are plants everywhere, including an orange tree). It’s certainly a one-of-a-kind space.
While we can’t all afford the fine furniture and pieces in Rhimes’s home, we are inspired by them. We sought out alternatives that are a little lighter on the pockets while still being stylish. See nine pieces we think fit the aesthetic of this queen of the screen.
Collia Writing Desk With Drawers
Must Have: Writing TableWhether you’re writing scripts or grocery lists, do it in style with this gorgeous, textured writing desk. Available at
Oceanfront Resort’s Indienne Paisley Quilt Set in Navy/White
Must-Have: Paisley BeddingIn the room shared by Rhimes’s daughters, the TV producer adorned the bed with rich paisley bedding. Get your own with this affordable option from Target. Available at Target
Must Have: See-Through StorageThere are plenty of large closets in Rhimes’s Upper East Side apartment, and this one, which allows you a peek at the goods inside, reminds us of one spotted in the star’s pad. Available at
Must Have: Whimsical Light Fixtures The pad is filled with stunning chandeliers, not large in size but in personality. This colorful pendant light chandelier brings plenty of personality to any room. Available at
Must Have: Fruitful PlantsFor burgeoning plant lovers, get like Rhimes and add an actual low-light indoor fruit plant to your space. This orange plant is sure to bring lots of color (and some delicious treats) to your home. Available at
Must Have: Colorful Wallpaper Each room in the apartment has beautiful wallpaper — wallpaper she was inspired by to help furnish her home. This colorful option could make rooms, whether your bathroom or living room, pop! Available at
Must Have: Ornate ChestsWe can’t find you something as fancy as the chest Rhimes has in her living room, but ornate can also be in design, like the carvings of this beautiful chest from Anthropologie. Available at
