Uniting sustainability, nature-inspired design, and modern decor is no easy feat, but Robert Downey Jr.'s home makes it look so simple. A futuristic architecture firm, Binishells, designed the actor's contemporary Malibu home, and it's truly unlike anything we've seen before. The stylishly unique design of the house is most apparent immediately upon entry.
Robert Downey Jr.'s entryway idea incorporates a green, rounded door, with a round skylight on the ceiling. A blue, yellow, gray, and black divider wall separates the room over. Light-colored, natural wood floors ground Downey's space. Brushed white walls and ceilings give the entryway a modern feel.
'Stepping into Robert Downey Jr.’s Binishells home is like entering a sanctuary that effortlessly marries the sophistication of modern architecture with the timeless allure of nature,' says Nina Lichtenstein, Westchester-based interior designer. She continues, 'The modern entryway of this unique residence, inspired by organic shapes reminiscent of a cave, is a masterclass in design that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the natural world.'
Lichtenstein goes on about the organic modern space: 'Downey’s home is a striking example of architecture “derived from nature and not imposed upon it.” The entryway, with its “sinuous shadows and delicate details,” encapsulates this philosophy perfectly. The white interior walls and oval skylight create a light-filled environment that feels both expansive and intimate. The skylight, along with the organically shaped front door, echos the natural curves of the entire structure, making the transition from outside to inside almost seamless.'
The white entryway color scheme helps Downey's space to strike this beautiful balance. Downey's white walls are the ultimate reflective surface for light and shadow. Lichtenstein says, 'Every element in this entryway is designed to enhance the sense of being part of the earth. The skylights allow natural light to cascade into the space, creating dynamic shadows and highlights that shift throughout the day. This interaction of light and shadow accentuates the organic shapes of the walls and fixtures, imbuing the space with a sense of life and movement.'
These effects are bolstered by the pops of green and blue in the space. Nina tells Homes & Gardens, 'The green front door, with its round window, is a welcoming portal that not only lets light flood into the entryway but also serves as a bold visual statement. It contrasts beautifully with the otherwise neutral palette, providing a vibrant focal point. Beyond the door, a divider made up of blue, gray/green, white, yellow, and black repeating organic shapes offers both privacy and openness, striking a delicate balance that defines the space.
She adds, 'This divider, with its wave-like undulating form, adds another splash of color and introduces a sense of organic motion into the room. It divides the space, giving each area its own unique feel while maintaining the airy, open atmosphere. The screen’s design ensures that the entryway feels expansive yet private, a harmonious blend that adds to the home’s overall aesthetic.'
The Neutral Entryway Edit
We love the pop of white in this rustic set of drawers, perfect for a front entryway.
This stylish and environmentally-friendly door mat is ideal for keeping the floors clean and dry.
The entryway is the space to make a first impression, and Robert Downey Jr.'s makes the strongest possible.
