Ryan Murphy has publicly declared his lifelong love of bright colors and bold interior design choices. According to his admission, the Joy The creator eventually decided to decorate his child’s bedroom with a brown shag carpet and a gold disco ball. But when the famous TV writer and his husband, photographer David Miller, bought a “dilapidated house” in 2012, they made the surprising decision to go for an overarching aesthetic of “minimalist luxury.”
The couple’s LA home, which they share with their two children, is decorated in a very simple style, deliberately avoiding saturated colors. Under the expert guidance of designer Stephen Shadley, the creative couple achieved this minimalist decorating style throughout the home through the clever use of repeated materials in muted tones and plenty of calming, natural hues.
This minimalist aesthetic is perhaps most evident in the unique white-on-white washroomthat Shadley shared on his Instagram page.
The bright white laundry room, clad in subway tiles, is a reflection of the white kitchen, The building is fitted with the same tiles and a bespoke light fitting designed by Shadley and manufactured by Santa Barbara Lighting Co.
“We tend to shy away from white on white in interior design these days,” says Greg Roth, senior designer at Home Front Build. “This is likely a reaction to the abundance of white interiors, particularly kitchens and bathrooms, that have dominated our social media feeds and magazines for so long.”
According to Roth, white and neutral tones have become “a bit boring and predictable,” which is why so many of us crave bold interiors these days. Examples include colorful spaces and the resurgence of maximalism. However, white interiors definitely still have an appeal.
Roth points out that using white for interior design is often “easier to grasp” than dealing with the complexities of a bold color. Additionally, white kitchens and bathrooms convey cleanliness in spaces where cleanliness and ease of maintenance should be top priorities.
“That brings us to Ryan Murphy and David Miller’s all-white space. This space is complex, interesting and very clean at the same time,” says Roth. “Clean lines, clean surfaces, clear and unambiguous intentions. It’s not meant to be a warm, inviting space – it’s a utilitarian laundry room, after all. And yet its composition and its mix of grids and lines, of bright white with a few jet black accents, has a very special appeal.”
Why does Ryan Murphy and David Miller’s white-on-white space work?
“This is by no means an ordinary laundry room,” explains Roth. “It’s a carefully thought out and planned space that offers high functionality (so many storage ideas) as well as a beautifully framed green view that brings nature into an otherwise tightly controlled environment. You may not be enticed to linger here, but the appeal and simple beauty of the execution is undeniable.”
Philip Vanderford, founder of Studio Thomas James, agrees, adding that this space “exudes a very special charm despite its monochromatic white palette.” He explains: “The secret lies in the thoughtful layering of textures and subtle details. The crisp white cabinetry contrasts with the heavily textured tiles to create a visual rhythm that captivates the eye. In addition, the use of high-quality materials and craftsmanship, such as the hardware and custom lighting, adds an element of sophistication.”
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This natural marble slab would complement an all-white design scheme and is the perfect decorative piece to break up otherwise plain and minimalist countertops.
Amber glass soap dispenser
By pouring your favorite liquid soap into a stylish amber dispenser, you can create a consistent aesthetic throughout your laundry room.
This modern ceramic table lamp features a unique ribbed base, not unlike the pair of bespoke geometric lamps by Ryan Murphy and David Miller.
To recreate the look, practicality is just as important as aesthetics. Vanderford advises, “The space also cleverly incorporates practical yet stylish elements, such as a variety of different storage cabinets and strategically placed lighting,” Vanderford continues. “These elements not only enhance the functionality of the spaces, but also add to their overall aesthetic appeal. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that even a color-drenched white space feels anything but ordinary, embodying a timeless elegance with a contemporary twist.” Organizing your laundry room will take you one step closer to Ryan Murphy’s style.
