Tour a Model's Sunny, Feminine Los Angeles Home

Activist, writer and model, Nikia Phoenix is famous for all the right reasons. Once known mostly for her dazzling collection of freckles, the star of 23andMe’s standout commercial, whose personal genetic background includes Africa, Asia and Scandinavia, is fast becoming an icon of black identity, world travel and global heritage. The classic 1920s style bungalow where she lives in L.A. still has many iconic architectural features even if some, like the fireplace, are no longer operational. The single shelf above is perfect for displaying a few of Phoenix’s favorite works of art including a painting that bears a striking resemblance to a member of the family. Nearby, a banana leaf palm throws in a spot of natural color and a subtle homage to classic L.A. style.

Everything about Phoenix’s style is effortless — a casual elegance that Aphrochic worked hard to translate into her home. Small touches, like the evolving layers of geometric pattern that go from the table legs to the lamp base to the lamp shade create a subtle but palpable mix of simplicity and sophistication. On the couch sits “M” — a lucky black cat named for the letter formed by the shape of his head and ears.

The architecture of this L.A. home reflects Hollywood’s golden age. The arches that form the passages between rooms are one of Phoenix's favorite features. This arch between the living and dining room offers a gorgeous view of the various textures and cultural influences that make up the living room — from the pouf to the rug to the Bamileke-inspired stools from World Market. “I love a combination of clean mid-century Scandinavian with more intricate pieces from India and Africa,” Phoenix confesses. “Mixing and matching design elements from different cultures reflects the world I live in and makes me feel at home.” To create the unique sense of calm needed for someone who spends most of her time on the road, the Aphrochic designers crafted her living room using a neutral color palette — with a twist. Here, significant pops of pale pink stand out against the white walls while complementing the gray sofa. An unabashed fan of color, Phoenix isn’t shy about pointing our her favorite pieces. “Hands down the pink accent chairs,” she offers. “They are gorgeous.”

In addition to modeling, Phoenix is the owner of the blog Model Liberation and Black Girl Beautiful, a skin and hair care site and shopping event designed to celebrate the hair, skin and lives of women of African descent. To ensure that her home in sunny Los Angeles is a celebration all its own, the model and entrepreneur turned to the design team at AphroChic to create a space that was equal parts, serenity, self-care and magic.