Ellen DeGeneres adds interior design to her long list of passions and talents.
In her new book, 'Home,' she gives us a glimpse of the multiple properties she has acquired over the years, and shares some useful home decorating tips. According to her, these are what she has learned through the years from reading and studying about home design, an interest she says has long been present in her.
The host reveals in her book that when she was 13 years old, she wanted to be an interior designer. So when she finally had the means, she bought, renovated, and designed more than a dozen of homes.
In an interview with People, Ellen says, "I'm actually a little nervous about how much I'm sharing. But it's important for people to see that this really is a genuine passion of mine, not just a business venture. I think people were kind of really surprised, like 'Ellen's into design?!' But everyone who knows me and who is in my life has known that for a long time."
Ellen shares her love for home design with her wife of 7 years, Portia de Rossi. She tells People, "Portia's into art deco more than I am, but she loves everything that we're doing."
Her book includes practical home design tips that she says she learned when she and Portia lived in their 26-acre horse ranch just north of Los Angeles. One of which is the use of chalkboards as an added fun statement at home especially in the kitchen area. She also prefers neutral colors in interior mixed with stronger colors in art or pillows in the living room.
Apt lighting in every room is also essential. Ellen says, "Every room needs more than one light source. Lighting can be harsh or insufficient if you just rely on ceiling lighting. I like soft, even lighting, and I think floor and table lamps are essential to creating the right mood."
She also tells her readers that in organizing collections like rocks, glass artifacts, etc., the items should be grouped in a way that there is some free space around each collection, so they will not look cluttered.
Check out the photos of Ellen's multiple properties and their designs.
