As an interior design writer, I’m rarely at a loss for inspiration. And yet, when it comes to living room storage, I often find myself uninspired. For me, the issue comes down to predictability. Wooden bookcases, media unit, and Shaker-style cabinets combined with shelving – every living room always seems to feature one of the three. To turn storage into a truly personal design feature, bespoke is the way forward, and after catching a glimpse of Ellen Pompeo’s setup, I’m determined to do just that.
Her character Meredith Grey may have inspired generations of aspiring doctors, but Ellen’s design style is equally influential. Her Malibu beach-house was brought to life by renowned designer Martyn Bullard, who describes the space as ‘laid back luxury’. A sophisticated vintage de Sede sofa grounds the space, while the opposing alcove walls are wrapped in rare Black Agatha marble. I’m not normally one for contemporary spaces, but this one may have converted me.
Get Ellen’s Look
Önnestad Armchair – Katorp Beige
To offset the dark tones, Ellen has punctuated her living room with a red accent, used in the frame of her arm chairs. This so-called ‘unexpected red’ theory is a great way to elevate a room using a punchy dose of color.
Black marble looks so striking. If you decide to borrow Ellen’s stone shelving idea, commit to the bit and add some matching bookends like these ones, from Target.
Ellen’s living room features a large scale asymmetrical coffee table for convenient relaxation. The organic shape and natural finish pairs beautifully with the mass of black marble found in the shelving.
Ellen’s design style is a tale of two halves. Part contemporary, part cozy, it strikes the perfect contrastive balance. The moody tones are the most visually arresting element, however. Her sculptural marble shelves mirror the soft leather of the sofa, and the same tone is also carried through a reflected beam that runs along her ceiling. It makes for a truly cohesive space where storage is the star of the show.
Despite the choice of bold, book-matched marble, Ellen’s alcove shelf avoids looking too incongruous. As a built-in storage solution, it feels like part of the architecture of her home, something Philipp Nagel, director of bespoke storage designers Neatsmith, says makes it sit more naturally within the room. ‘It doesn’t feel like something that’s been added later on, it feels intentional, which helps keep the space calm and uncluttered,’ he says.
He also remarks on how consistent the storage feels, thanks to the marble being carried throughout the space. ‘The stone is used confidently to create two zones within the room, but nothing feels broken up or forced,’ Philipp says. ‘That sense of continuity keeps the room grounded and means the furniture, art, and accessories can sit comfortably without fighting for attention. It’s a good example of how thoughtful material choices, especially in built-in storage, can quietly pull a space together.’
Personally, I’m no minimalist. Unlike Ellen, however, I usually opt for closed storage options in a living room – a built-in cabinet below some bookshelves, perhaps, or some stylish woven baskets. Instead, Ellen has thoughtfully curated her display, inviting the eye back to the shelves to peruse her collection of objects.
This confident approach to open shelving is also a trend Philipp has noticed in recent years. ‘Rather than feeling the need to hide everything away, clients are using open shelving in a deliberate way to introduce personality to a room,’ he explains.
It’s this unique personality, combined with the drama of the marble shelving, that has drawn me to Ellen’s shelving. It’s the living room storage inspo I’ve been needing.
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