Although he was raised in Detroit, Big Sean was born in sunny Santa Monica. The hip-hop star tapped into that relaxed California aesthetic to inform virtually every aspect of the stylish Beverly Hills residence he now calls home.
Simple, clean interiors infuse much of the nearly 11,000-square-foot house with a kind of calm but confident character—principles that have influenced the rap artist’s decade-long music career. (Impressively, that career includes five top-selling albums, four of which have been certified platinum.)
Yet despite its famous inhabitant, the seven-bedroom Mediterranean estate is imbued with an understated beauty that belies a celebrity owner. “The idea was to modernize the entire property, [and] to accentuate more of its natural beauty,” says Britney Wior, creative director at JSN Studio, the L.A.-based decorating, staging, and product-design firm that handled the project. She oversaw the renovation of the home, which took roughly six months of construction. “It was also important to create something that was in line with the owner’s style and tastes,” she adds.
The two-story entryway, which sets an inviting atmosphere for the entirety of the home, leads to living and entertaining spaces lined with white oak flooring. Soaring ceilings mark much of the interior architecture along with arched doorways and expansive windows that allow natural light to pour over the living spaces. The main-floor interiors offer the kind of seamless open plan that highlights formal living and dining rooms and, not to mention, an elegant sitting room with a Taj Mahal slab fireplace.
As for the kitchen, it was completely remodeled with dual gray marble stone islands and custom cabinetry. A 10-foot-tall window was added where a wall once stood, in order to allow natural light to come into an open cooking and eating area. “The kitchen felt so heavy before the renovation with very traditional built-ins and dark colors,” adds Wior. “We wanted to open up the space to allow not just for cooking but also a space for living.” It also impressively features ample storage space and two refrigerators. (“One,” Big Sean notes, “specifically for the drinks.”)
The musician pictured at his piano. Currently, he’s taking lessons.
Outdoor living also plays an outsized role in the home’s aesthetic. The interiors seamlessly segue to a resort-style backyard outfitted with a limestone swimming pool, heated spa, and a fireplace, all encircled by manicured hedges. A dining patio in the rear of the home is covered by arched openings, wood beams, and chandeliers that add a stylish motif to outdoor entertaining. Perhaps most important, the outdoor area is a place in which Sean can mediate and reflect. “I definitely like to wake up and smell the flowers,” he says, while pointing out some particularly beautiful wild roses.