Get the Look of Lea Michele’s Casual Chic LA Home

When Lea Michele isn’t filming her spooky show Scream Queens, she’s escaping the Hollywood chaos in her own private sanctuary tucked away in West LA. The actress only recently bought the four-bedroom house, but she’s already transformed it into the perfect retreat to recover and recharge. Lea loves being in nature, and her home is an oasis for a busy actress, and pretty much anyone else who loves casual and calming design. Take a peek at Lea’s serene abode on InStyle, then scroll down to see how to get the same look in your home.

Lea’s home feels light and airy, thanks to a completely open floor plan that opens up right into the outdoor space. Multiple floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead out to the pool area and plenty of deck furniture, where Lea can host laid-back parties for her closest friends and family. Lea wanted a calming atmosphere, so she picked a neutral color palette for her living room and accented it with cozy throw pillows and house plants.

Copy the same casual look in your living room with faux fur and beachy blue throw pillows. Complement a neutral sofa with a stylish leather armchair and a fiddle leaf fig tree. Deck out a statement coffee table with gold vases, so you can always have fresh flowers in your home.

BEDROOM

According to InStyle, Lea designed the guest room with her parents in mind. She wanted them to have a relaxing space, so she chose layers of cool tones and textures to keep the guest room feeling clean and calm.

To get the same vibes in your bedroom or guest room, start off with a fresh white duvet and add visual interest with a leather throw pillow and tasseled throw blanket. Set up a mid-century nightstand with a green glass lamp and finish off the look with a Moroccan wedding pouf and a set of gold paperweights.

What’s your favorite part about Lea’s home? If you love getting home decor inspo from celebs, make sure to follow us on Pinterest for more ideas and hacks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Featured photo via David Becker/Getty)

Candles add an extra layer of coziness to the season. Whether you're curling up with a good book, hosting a fall gathering, or just looking to create a cozy vibe, the right fall candle can transform your space into a fall-scented haven. From the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove to the sweet scents of pumpkin, apple, and vanilla, these are our favorite candles for the season.

Fall Scented Candles

Nest

Nest Pumpkin Chai Classic Candle

Your favorite tea and this blend of wild pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon will warm you right up this season.

Nordstrom

Apotheke Pumpkin Ginger 3-Wick Candle

Brighten your fall days with fresh roasted pumpkin topped with a spicy blend of ginger, clove, and cinnamon.

Anthropologie

Voluspa Japonica Spiced Pumpkin Latte Glass Jar Candle

Pumpkin spice girls will love this Spiced Pumpkin Latte candle with a hint of vanilla.

Amazon

Calyan Wax Apples & Maple Bourbon

Your sweet tooth might be tempted by this brown sugar, maple syrup, baked apple and a drop or two of Kentucky's finest infused with cinnamon leaf, tangerine, mandarin, and orange essential oils.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Handpainted Pumpkin Glass Pumpkin Candle

For a more decorative vessel, check out this Anthro handpainted glass candle with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon bark, amber, and cedarwood.

Sweet Water Decor

Sweet Water Fall Leaves Candle

Light up your childhood memories with this fall leaves scented candle with notes of apple, orange, cinnamon, and cloves.

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation Harvest Pumpkin Linnea Candle

Handcrafted in small batches, this candle is autumn in a jar with pumpkin, thyme, and warm spices .

Nordstrom

Homesick Peak Foliage Candle

Imagine a cool fall day with hot apple cider and pumpkin spice and you have this candle. Top notes include nutmeg, lemon, and eucalyptus.

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Limited Edition Toasted Pumpkin

Toasted pumpkin seeds, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon notes are the scent of chill in the air and soup on the stove. Made in Brooklyn, these soy wax candles are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Candle

This beeswax and vegetable wax blend features a classic scent for the coziest fall days.

Amazon

FF Spiced Pumpkin Scented Candle

Relax with an aromatherapy of pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

Forvr Mood

Forvr Mood Spice of Life Candle

B+C editor Jasmine loves this fiery, bold fragrance that blends ginger, lemongrass, and clementine. Forvr Mood collabed with Claude Kameni, an African designer who uses traditional Nigerian patterns, to design each vessel with a custom Kameni print. It makes a great gift!

Woodsy Fall Scents

Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Cedar Candle

Grab your cozy fall sweater and sit by a candle fire with romantic notes of rose, tobacco leaf, fir needle, and cedarwood.

HomeCourt

HomeCourt Cece Candle

This new brand from actress Courtney Cox uses eco-friendly and sustainably sourced ingredients. The Cece Candle has notes of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, cinnamon, and white leather.

(Malin + Goetz)

(Malin + Goetz) Leather Candle

The rustic smell of smooth leather combined with muted florals has a bit of a '70s vintage vibe.

Public Goods

Public Goods Cedar & Suede Soy Candle

This sandalwood, jasmine, Turkish rose, amber, and notes of leather bring you warm and woodsy spice at home.

Baobab Collection

Les Prestigieuses Encre De Chine Scented Candle

This is another one of Jasmine's favorites with hints of leather, sequoia, and amber.

Buck Mason

Buck Mason LP Candle

B+C editor Kayla loves this hand-poured ceramic candle inspired by Lone Pine, California with notes of atlas cedar, charred hickory, musk, and amber. "I use it every day, it's that good!," she says.

Anthropologie

Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle

B+C editor Haley loves this popular citrus scent for fall with sugared oranges, lemons, and limes. Plus, the pearl-esque jar goes with all of her home decor as she shifts from season to season!

Otherland Moonstruck Candle

B+C editor Meredith finds this one "not overtly fall-y, but I’ve been loving it for the woody/leathery smell! It honestly smells like incense." The Moonstruck variety has hints of sweet myrrh, white mahogany, and smoked birch.

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Sound the fashion alarms because the GAP x Cult Gaia collection is here! I haven't been this excited to shop since H&M dropped their sold-out fall collection — I'm still heartbroken over that TBH, but it's okay! So you don't end up missing out on all the hottest pieces, I picked my top 10 GAP x Cult Gaia items that are begging to be added to your wardrobe. But a little warning: don't wait too long because it looks like all the fashion girls are snatching this collection up without a second thought!

GAP

Asymmetrical Denim Maxi Skirt

There are only a few sizes left of this peek-a-book denim maxi skirt, and I can see why. It's an elevated take on the traditional maxi skirt that's sure to give your fall look a sexy, stylish edge. Pair it with a thin turtleneck sweater or a tailored white button-up shirt along with a pair of cute Steve Madden boots!

GAP

Cargo Barrel Pants

Anyone who knows me understands I have an affinity for wearing oversized cargo pants. This pair has the semi-grunge appeal I love because it can be dressed up or down depending on your preference. It goes without saying, but they deserve some boot action to truly set them off!

GAP

Wool Mini Dress

The GAP x Cult Gaia collection wouldn't be complete this fall without something wool, so they added this cute mini dress for good measure. You can wear it over a cream knit sweater and pair it with a pair of leopard print flats to create a look that feels trendy.

GAP

Leather Jacket

This spicy leather jacket is for the gal who isn't afraid of a little cold because they know the hotness factor of their fall outfit will make up for their bare belly. All jokes aside, I don't have much to say about this one except I need it ASAP.

GAP

Leather Pants

While I'm thinking about it, I should probably buy these sexy leather pants for a cute monochromatic moment! I think I have the perfect wool coat to go with them too!

GAP

Cutout Maxi Dress

This is the date night dress the GAP x Cult Gaia fall collection knows you've been waiting for. It's going to hug every curve you have while giving a little cutout action that will make your beau's breath get caught in their chest.

GAP

Vegan Fur Coat

Vegan fur coats are IN, according to GAP and Cult Gaia! I can't say that I blame them because this will make any casual outfit look cute.

GAP

Backless Classic Shirt

This is one of those "business in the front, party in the back" shirts, and I LOVE IT. Beautiful, give me 10 more!

GAP

Cropped Cardigan

This cropped red cardigan is sure to complete my "I'm turning into a sexy bibliophile" look and I'm not mad at it. I can see myself wearing this while curled up with a good book in my office, or while I'm out to grab lunch with a friend.

GAP

Sheer Wool Sweater

You and I can't go wrong with a wool sweater, especially if it's a little sheer. I'm in my spicy era, so I think a little see-through moment can't hurt anyone — especially when paired with some dark indigo jeans on a chilly night out.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The Pacific Palisades is an upscale neighborhood in LA that sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has a small town feel in the midst of a big city with its charming shops, restaurants, and hiking trails, plus a 22-mile beachfront bike path. When homeowners Julie and Kent reached out to Sierra Fox, designer and principal of Studio Mountain, they wanted to translate that feeling into their home, and create a space that felt elegant and elevated yet cozy enough for their three children, at the time all under 10 years of age.

BEFORE: LIVING ROOM

The MLs

The original space lacked charm and character, feeling a bit sterile and outdated.

THE AFTER

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

Sierra and her team breathed new life into every nook of the home to design a cozy modern space for a family of five, selecting locally sourced furnishings and handpicked pieces from Europe.

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

The entry needed a little love too. "We wanted a show stopper for the light fixture in the entry and Julie was adamant that the piece needed to feel like an element of nature brought into the home," says Sierra. They considered different conceptual ideas, including potentially having a massive bird cage and putting their pet birds in it!

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

They finally landed on a stunning 18-foot-long iron oak leaf chandelier, custom made by artisans at Cox London in England. The homeowners, avid Anglophiles who once lived in London, drew much of their design inspiration from their European travels.

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

"We had great alignment with on taste and budget, which helped us bring their home to life," says Sierra. "We incorporated the easy feeling of California living with a more old world English touch to make something that felt truly like only their home."

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

The overall aesthetic is "understated, romantic, transitional, organic, and refined," says Sierra. "It's truly a refined blend of east coast architecture and CA indoor/outdoor living, family home but still feels elevated and elegant with a European/English sensibility."

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

Cozy elements include a furry armchair, bouclé curved sofa, gorgeous fresh flowers, and flowing drapes.

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

The mix of textures and contrast of dark and light keep the neutral space from feeling too stark or snoozy. The elements together achieve the casual elegance that the homeowners were striving for.

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

"Their book collection reflects their diverse interests," says Sierra. Julie is a glaucoma surgeon as well as a major fashion enthusiast (note books dedicated to model Kate Moss and fashion designer Calvin Klein) while Kent, an engineer, runs their hair technology company, T3Micro, and leans into historical books.

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

The once-white lackluster basement is now a gorgeous chocolate brown speakeasy bar and library.

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

Cocktail and a book anyone?

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

Vintage pieces reflect a love of historical European design.

BEFORE: KITCHEN

The MLs

The all-white, all-marble kitchen had a generic, cookie-cutter design that lacked any personality.

AFTER: KITCHEN

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

The new kitchen has a moodier vibe with a warm aesthetic that feels cozy and inviting. The couple started collecting wine and the collection reflects their interests, making the space more personal. "We installed the home after they had moved in, so it was a bit terrifying when the workers were installing anywhere near the wine room glass!" adds Sierra.

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

A delicate bird wallpaper sourced from U.K. company Fromental hints to the nature-inspired decor reflected throughout the home.

BEFORE: DINING ROOM

The MLs

The white walls and chairs in the former dining room make the room feel cold and uninviting as well. The blues feel outdated too.

AFTER: DINING ROOM

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

The new dining room feel elegant and ready for conversation. Julie wanted a one-of-a-kind wall treatment in the dining room so she and Sierra scoured dozens of wallpaper options before they landed on a custom hand-painted mural.

"The dining room is truly jaw dropping in person," says Sierra. "Each panel reveals new small details every time I visit, and it transitions from day to night so beautifully."

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

The ER Butler candlesticks are just as beautiful as they are functional. They're basically art pieces!

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

The BDDW credenza is an American-made, heirloom-quality furniture designed exclusively by artist Tyler Hays.

Shade Degges for Studio Mountain

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We've been truly blessed with the amount of Taylor Swift sightings we've gotten as of late — and we can certainly thank Travis Kelce and all his Kansas City Chiefs games for that! In the past year, Swift pulled out so many iconic looks for each game, scoring fashion touchdown after touchdown.

Since I cannot get enough of her game day style, I thought I'd rate some of Taylor Swift's best Chiefs outfits from the past year! Plus, I've added how you can shop the look for less (since not all of us can be decked out in Vivienne Westwood head-to-toe). You're welcome! 😘

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. New Orleans Saints

Everyone say, "Thank you Travis," because I'm so grateful to see this relationship-glow and get blessed with this incredible look all at once! This is Taylor's most recent outfit she pulled out in Kansas City, and it's honestly everything. Taylor sported glitter freckles that are the cutest thing ever, along with an all Vivienne Westwood fit — CHIC.

Vivienne has been her go-to designer for events lately, but she also sneaks in some daily wear looks, too. I'm loving this fashion match — I think the silhouettes were made for Taylor, and totally fits in with her new Reputation vibe she's been in, with leaving more grunge-y than normal. If you want to achieve this look then you can consider shopping these pieces:

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens

Next up, we have this absolutely jaw-dropping denim on denim look — truly one of her most flattering outfits. When I saw this, my jaw literally dropped! It's that good, from the ultimately sexy thigh high red boots to the denim corset and Louis Vuitton bag. Shop the look for less here:

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

3. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens (AFC Championship Version)

How could we ever forget this iconic red sweater when Taylor met Travis on the field after the Chiefs' AFC Championship win? This is my favorite pic of her of ALL time. She's giving happy, elated, loved, and just all-around amazing vibes. The exact red sweater is $700 and from Guest in Residence (her BFF Gigi Hadid's brand). This red looks amazing on her, so I had to link a few of my favorites that are pretty similar:

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

4. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Green Bay Packers

Winter is quickly approaching, and it's time to stock up on some heavy duty coats — especially if you're in colder climates. This look of Taylor's is one of my favorites from last year! This shade of red is so chic on her, and the matching WAGS make it even better! Here are some similars to the coat:

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

5. Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets

Taylor's really leaned into a '90s grunge aesthetic as a football WAG, and it suits her so well. This casual denim and leather look was another top contender that I loved from her, styled to perfection with her signature red lip. Check out these items for a similar look:

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

6. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Santa's coming to town, and he's bringing his sister T-Swift. Here we have Taylor dressed in the most Red look ever with her brother at the Chiefs vs. Raiders game last year. This is a top contender for me because of how indie and tumblr-esque it is. With the plaid skirt and shearling jacket, it is the quintessential fall and winter look that I will be replicating with these items:

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

7. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals

I love when Taylor does a theme, and boy does she do it well! Her thematic dressing has really come out with her WAG era, which has to be in my top three eras of hers in general. This oversized shirt with the thigh high boots are giving everything. Not to mention another stunning choice of bag with the Louis Vuitton, once again! Here's some similar outfit options for your next game day fit:

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

8. Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl Version)

And lastly, her ever-iconic Super Bowl 2024 look that we could never forget. We got so much Tayvis content — and so much love between their friends and family! I just remember obsessively stalking Tiktok for updates instead of watching the game... but don't tell my husband!

This corset look is so good, because not only does she look amazing, but also because she paired it with these insane bedazzled jeans that are to die for. While the original jeans are $700, you can get the look for less here:

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations

How is your day going? We bet a bit of chocolate cake would make it better — like, way better. And if a bit makes it better, then for good measure, let’s up the stakes to 24 different and divine chocolate cakes and just have a ball. From classic layered numbers to waffle cake masterpieces, we’ve got all your chocolate cake dreams covered. Tie back your hair, and let’s get to baking!

Sarah Anderson

Red Wine Pear Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This chocolate cake has a tinge of red wine to really complement all the flavors. It's the perfect delicacy for dinner parties or even a lil' Valentine's celebration! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Miso Chocolate Cake

The umami notes of miso work surprisingly well with chocolate. Bake up the power duo in this delicious (and easy!) sheet cake. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pretzel Cake

When you get a bite of both the creamy ice cream and fudgy chocolate layers in this cake, you will experience absolute heaven. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Star-Studded Dark Chocolate Cake Bites

You need to make these festive chocolate-covered cake bites adorned with adorable star sprinkles. Since no slicing is involved, this is a great dessert to serve at parties or picnics. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Black & White Tuxedo Cake

Get pumped for Halloween with our beautiful, bugged out chocolate cake recipe! (via Brit + Co)

A Virtual Vegan

Vegan Chocolate Guinness Cake

Guinness cake?! Oh, we're so in. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Sour Cream Cake

This chocolate cake is made with sour cream, which transforms each bite to be super tender and soft. (via Completely Delicious)

No Eggs Or Ham

Personal Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes

These single-serve chocolate cakes are topped with cinnamon-espresso whipped cream and cayenne dust to create an otherworldly tasting experience. You'll be surprised at just how well the spice works with this recipe's sweetness. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

Earthly Provisions

Single Layer Blueberry Chocolate Cake

Just look at that beautiful blueberry icing! (via Earthly Provisions)

Vikalinka

Chocolate Cake Truffles

Once a chocolate cake recipe turns bite-sized, our cravings run wild. These truffles are easy to make and even easier to customize with toppings of your choice depending on the occasion! (via Vikalinka)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Peppermint Flourless Chocolate Cake

Your next Christmas dessert awaits! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Mug Cake

We are absolute fiends for mug cakes! This one is nothing but chocolatey, thanks to the easy chocolate batter dotted with many more chocolate chips. (via Feel Good Foodie)

The First Mess

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cakes

These rich mini cakes combine orange juice and orange zest to provide a little bit of a lighter end note to the dark chocolate glaze. (via The First Mess)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Midnight Dark Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

This chocolate cake slathered in peanut butter frosting earns its "midnight" nickname from the rich black cocoa powder that's worked into the decadent batter. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

The Original Dish

Molten Chocolate Cakes with Coffee & Rose

Coffee and rose are a match made in heaven when you add in a bit of chocolate. (via The Original Dish)

Foolproof Living

Dark Chocolate Waffle Cake

The perfect excuse to break out that waffle maker — and eat cake for breakfast. This pick layers dark chocolate waffles with a mascarpone filling for a unique twist on layer cake. (via Foolproof Living)

How Sweet Eats

Chocolate Frosted Cake Donuts

Homemade cake donuts – chocolate-frosted and sprinkled to perfection – are what we dream about before that alarm goes off in the AM. (via How Sweet Eats)

The Healthy Foodie

Paleo Zucchini Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe is packed with healthy goodness, but trust: you won’t miss any of the decadence. Zucchini, coconut oil and avocado stand in for unhealthy fats to give this recipe its richness. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Averie Cooks

Chocolate Cake Batter Milkshake

Sometimes a girl just needs a giant bowl of cake batter all to herself. This batter-inspired smoothie recipe has all the chocolate flavor you crave. (via Averie Cooks)

Sweetapolita

Six-Layer Malted Chocolate Toasted Marshmallow Cake

Stacks of rich chocolate cake layered between malted Belgian-chocolate frosting and toasted marshmallow filling, this sky-scraping piece of campfire-inspired heaven is truly a masterpiece. (via Sweetapolita)

Style Me Pretty

Chocolate Pansy Cake

With beauty and braun, this pansy-covered chocolate layer cake would be absolutely precious at a tea party or ladies’ lunch. (via Style Me Pretty)

Smitten Kitchen

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Since it has “banana bread” in the title, you have full permission to have this one for breakfast. (via Smitten Kitchen)

Green Kitchen Stories

Banana Almond Chocolate Cake

This simple, wholesome bundt cake has less than 10 ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, with no refined sugar or dairy. (via Green Kitchen Stories)

My Baking Addiction

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This pick shares the secret to a perfectly pink, fluffy raspberry buttercream to slather on your cake (and eat by the spoonful). (via My Baking Addiction)

Which chocolate cake recipes will you be making? Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more delicious desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.