Leslie Antonoff's Boho-Glam California Home

Leslie Antonoff wanted her home to feel welcoming to those who enter, and she accomplished just that with her beautiful style and cozy details. This businesswoman and face behind the Hautemommie blog has an eye for style, and we love how she decorated the rental home she shares with her family in Long Beach. Learn more about Leslie, her family and her life in this home tour below. Enjoy!

How would you describe your home’s style?

Similar to my fashion sense, I would describe my home as a mix of bohemian with glamorous personal touches. I also think that though I’ve been in my home nearly three years, I’ve only recently begun to “decorate” because like most people in California, I am currently renting. That said, while I know what I want my place to look like, it’s definitely a work in progress.

What is a favorite element in your home?

My kitchen shelves. Seeing the organization and having access to everything I need makes me feel good. I have a sense of accomplishment when it’s clean, neat and everything is displayed correctly.

What were some of your go-to décor resources?

DesignLoveFest, Glitter Guide (obvi.), my sister who is a designer by trade, Domino, Elle Decor, Pinterest.

Where did you get the inspiration for decorating your home?

I think I knew what I wanted my space to FEEL like. I wanted people to feel welcomed when they entered the space, but also to have a sense that my house is put together. When you have three kids, your home can easily turn into something reminiscent of a daycare center. I aim and work hard to not have that.

If you could change one thing in your home, what would it be?

Lighting. I wish it had more natural light, and the fixtures, for sure.

How did you know it was time to change your career?

I have always been a very focused person. I was the child who knew at 6 years old that she wanted to be an attorney and eventually a judge. I’ve also been an entrepreneur since I was 8 years old. Though it didn’t occur to me at the time that selling things I had made was a job. Fast-forward 15 years later in college when I realized that road to law wasn’t going to fulfill me, I changed my major to advertising/PR. It gave me the freedom to be creative, which led to chasing a goal of owning a sports media firm. Ultimately, I realized at the basis of everything I kept aiming for, entrepreneurship was at the core. So in 2011, I decided to leave my job (I use that loosely—it was an unpaid, grunt work internship, at a prominent firm). I was 26 at the time and had one daughter, when the CEO, a woman, told me no one would care that I had children in the corporate world. I vowed then that I would make it as a businesswoman on my own. I didn’t want anyone ever again to have the power to tell me that I would have to choose between my child and my wellbeing.

What advice would you give other women who are thinking of changing careers?

Don’t let fear be the only reason you never make a move.

If you had one extra hour in the day, how would you use it?

I should say something like rest or catch up on sleep, but the truth is I would probably work some more.

What is something you can’t live without on a daily basis?

Water. I aim to drink a liter a day—Essentia or SmartWater preferred.

What are some of your must-have beauty products?

I’m huge on skincare. There’s this saying, “Black don’t crack.” Meaning black people tend to age very well and look young for a long time. While that is true, you still should be mindful of taking care of your skin. I wear sunscreen, I wash and moisturize my face nightly. I use Kate Somerville’s product line fairly regularly, but I am always trying new washes or creams. Vitamin C serum is my secret weapon, wear it daily and you’ll notice how much more alive and even your skintone is. I also am loving all things Fenty Beauty (I want Rihanna to make an album, but sis is killing the beauty game so I can’t be too mad). Becca has the best bronzer for brown ladies. I can’t live without Blistex—there’s one in every bag I own—and a red lipstick. Lately, it’s been Pat McGrath LABS version.

What was the last thing you Googled?

How to write a book proposal. It’s cookbook time. And I want to sell my novel this year.