The Darling 1920's Los Angeles Abode Of Alex Noiret

There’s so much history and character in Alex Noiret’s 1920’s LA home, due to its age and the treasured items found throughout (including the many things passed down to her from her grandmother). The Franco-American model, artist, blogger and self-proclaimed introvert lives in the beautiful home with her husband and cat, and is perfectly happy to while away the time indoors (and we can’t blame her!). Step inside Alex’s happy place and get ready to smile (and swoon!).

Tell us a little about yourself and your home.

I am a Franco-American model (and artist, blogger) in Los Angeles, where I live with my incredible husband, Scott, and our orange cat, Oliver. My home is a 1920’s light-filled homebody’s dream. It’s small, cute and cozy, and the energy is light and uplifting. It could be because I’m a total introvert, but I never tire of being home. It’s my sanctuary!

How does living in LA influence your interior decorating style?

LA’s interior decorating style is very much influenced by the California desert landscape—desert tones, minimalism and lots of light. I happen to love those three characteristics (especially light!) and try to incorporate them as much as I can into my home. I also love being able to support LA’s incredible artists; surrounding myself with their (often mid-century-influenced) pottery and designs make me happy—and proud!

Your home has the most lovely light. Is natural light important to you? How can someone with not a lot of windows get the most of natural light?

Natural light is incredibly important to me (and I’m so thankful we found a place that has a lot of it). It lifts my mood, giving me hope, inspiration and energy. While a windowed space can easily check the box when it comes to emitting a lighter mood, there are a few tricks that help lift a darker space. I’d keep the wall colors, furniture and woods, light. I’d incorporate mirrors (as they expand the space and bounce light) and use metals (as my grandma calls silver, “droplets of light”).

Where are your favorite places to shop for your home?

I like to gather little bits and pieces from all over, but General Store, West Elm, CB2, thrift shops (gems with stories!), Individual Medley, Merci (in Paris) and Block Shop Textiles, to name a few.

Brass Knobs // Soap Dispenser // Shower Curtain

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

Definitely our kitchen tiles and countertops. Bringing in a lighter marble and switching out the current tiles would tie our place together much more nicely! I love this home so much though, I feel bad critiquing it. It’s given us so much love!

Favorite item in your home?

Anything and everything that my grandma has passed down to me. Whether it be a piece of jewelry, salad tongs, napkins, picture frames, a book, a stuffed animal (for future babies), etc., seeing her sprinkled throughout my place makes me happy. It isn’t just one item, though. It’s her, living through these objects in my home, as a collective. Each piece represents love. Otherwise, a current favorite would be a framed photo of Scott and me, shot by Brigitte Sire, framed by Artifact Uprising. I love walking into our living room, first thing every morning, and seeing this photo of us.

Floral Framed Art // Natural Wood Frames // Bed Frame

Fav places to eat brunch in LA?

To be honest, I almost never have brunch! I love the ritual of waking up, making a delicious breakfast and reading a few pages of a book; I can’t picture starting my day off without some quiet time. However, I love Gingergrass, Pho Cafe and Kitchen Mouse for lunch and Bestia or Gjelina for dinner.

Tell us about your hair. How do you get those gorgeous natural waves? What products do you use?

I naturally have wavy hair, but there ARE a few steps to giving it the 70’s look that it has. First is the layered cut, done by my talented friend and artist, Dylan Chavles. I part my hair before or in the shower, and once I’m out, I don’t brush it again. I scrunch the hair with a towel to embrace the waves (and dry it a little), sleep on it (reduces frizziness as opposed to day-drying), and in the morning I fix the crazier waves with an iron. The trick is to only fix the waves that need it, leaving a more natural, untouched look (I have a YouTube video of this process coming out very soon!). As for products, I love Davines’s Nounou shampoo and conditioner (great especially for dry hair like mine) and Darphin’s Revitalizing Oil for dry ends and healthy shine.

What song is played most often in your home?

This question makes me laugh because when I like a song, I’ll listen to it NON-STOP. It drives my husband nuts. We do love listening to First Aid Kit, Tame Impala, Simon & Garfunkel and Sufjan Stevens albums on repeat.

What is your go-to uniform when lounging at home?

It changes day-to-day. On days that I like to feel more put-together, Jesse Kamm sailor pants and a Dôen top. On days that I like to feel comfy and cozy, anything Ace & Jig, a Sézane T-shirt and sailor pants (extra room for the legs!) or a Dôen jumpsuit.

Favorite quote?

“Ma chérie, Il faut se faire la vie belle,” is the soundtrack of my every day. It means, “My darling, you have to create a beautiful life (no one will do it for you).” Ever since I was a little girl, my grandmother always repeated this line to me. She’d recite this quote as she was watering her flowers, pondering life, decorating her house, baking a cake, setting a table, wrapping a present or recognizing beauty in the world. Her quote has taught me to take matters into my own hands. How can I make a situation more beautiful? Meaningful? Harmonious? How can I turn negativity into positivity? Indeed, so much of my life has flourished because of this way of thinking. It’s incredible how much our thoughts dictate the way we see and react to the world around us. Ma chérie, il faut se faire la vie belle!