A Model House

From the Cindy Crawford line, a six-piece sectional, $2,299; and Cocktail Ottoman, $349, at Art Van. // Photograph courtesy of Art Van

Among notables at the Art Van 50th anniversary gala in October was former model Cindy Crawford, whose name is associated with a furniture line at the metro Detroit-based retailer. While a gaggle of admirers looked on, Crawford chatted about décor with Detroit Home.

You’ve often referred to your home as your sanctuary. What about your home provides you with that level of comfort?

I live on the beach [in Malibu], so that’s a big plus. [I use] colors that are soothing to me, things I’ve collected over the years, and photographs of family or wedding pictures — things that mean something to me. For me, being at home is not being the public image; I’m barefoot most of the time.

You’ve been fortunate to work with the most creative and artistic people in the world. Did anyone in particular influence your current style?

One of my first influences was [the late photographer] Herb Ritts. In terms of home décor, I worked a lot with Michael Smith [whose client list boasts Steven Spielberg and the Obama White House]. I worked with him on a couple of different houses over the years, and I’ve learned a lot from him. The thing I learned most was to trust my own taste.

You have two children. How did you decorate their rooms?

When we were moving, my kids were still really small, so I got to do it. I don’t like it when they are too theme-y or too kiddie. But at the same time, I want a child to feel comfortable there.

What’s your favorite room in your Malibu home?

What makes a home great is when you can’t answer that question. We live on the beach, so we spend a lot of time outside … our house is designed to live more indoor/ outdoor. You can open up all the sliding glass, and you can’t tell if you’re inside or outside. We have a kitchen-family room combination, and that’s really where life happens. And I have an awesome closet.

Tell me about your closet.

This was a house we built from scratch, so I got to design a closet. It feels like a room; I have a lot of windows in it. I don’t have a ton of clothes. I’m an editor; if I buy a pair of shoes, I get rid of a pair of shoes. I wanted really good daylight and an island in the middle.

Can you offer any design/décor advice?

I think sometimes it’s just about taking everything out. Like someone who has too many [fashion] accessories on, clutter takes away the specialness of the objects.