Lucy Hale Embraced Her Good Witchy Style and Found Herself in Her Los Angeles Sanctuary

The transformation of actor Lucy Hale’s Los Angeles residence serves as a profound architectural manifestation of a personal journey toward self-discovery, sobriety, and emotional resilience. Purchased in 2019, shortly after the conclusion of her long-running tenure on the hit series Pretty Little Liars, the 1940s Spanish-style property initially functioned as a quiet, neutral, and minimalist retreat. However, as Hale navigated the complexities of her 30s—including the significant milestone of achieving sobriety in 2022—the home underwent an extensive redesign, evolving from a sterile farmhouse-style escape into a vibrant, deeply personal sanctuary that the actor describes as a reflection of her emerging womanhood.

The renovation project, helmed by designers Ashley Drost and Marie Trohman of the Los Angeles-based firm Proem, represents more than a mere aesthetic update. It is a calculated, three-year effort to harmonize the home’s historical architecture with a "moody femme" sensibility. This design philosophy, coined by Drost and Trohman, emphasizes the use of rich textures, bold color palettes reminiscent of high-end cosmetics, and a collection of eclectic, "witchy" artifacts that ground the space in both history and personal meaning.

A Chronology of Transformation

Hale’s relationship with her home began in 2019. Having spent the better part of her 20s under the intense scrutiny of television production and public life, she sought a environment that promised solitude. At that time, the interior design was defined by neutrality and a "farmhouse-y" aesthetic, which provided the necessary blank slate for her to decompress.

The turning point occurred in 2022. Following her decision to prioritize her mental health and embrace sobriety, Hale realized that her living environment no longer aligned with her internal evolution. She sought a space that would "meet her at her womanhood," characterized by boldness, complexity, and a lack of compromise. By partnering with Drost and Trohman—designers whose work on other prominent celebrity projects had already garnered significant industry attention—Hale embarked on a comprehensive overhaul. The design process was iterative, focusing on integrating architectural interest, such as the restoration of ceiling beams to honor the home’s Spanish roots, with custom furnishings that prioritize comfort and personality.

Design Philosophy and Aesthetic Choices

The resulting interiors are a masterclass in layered, intentional design. The home features unabashed splashes of aubergine and pink—an "eyeshadow palette" of hues that brings warmth and intimacy to the various living areas. In the living room, a custom sofa upholstered in a fabric by Kelly Wearstler anchors the space, balanced by a vintage modular sofa in the media room and an aluminum bookshelf from Haos.

Every element, from the hand-painted Tabarka tile in the foyer to the puffy linen wall covering by the French firm Élitis in the primary bedroom, was chosen to evoke a specific emotional response. For Hale, the design is not about adhering to a specific trend, but about creating a space where she feels entirely at home. As she noted during the project’s unveiling, the home possesses a distinct, feminine energy, acting as a supportive structure for her current and future self.

Integrating Personal Heritage and Memory

Central to the home’s redesign is the integration of personal history. Hale, who hails from Memphis, has woven her roots throughout the property. A vintage Elvis Presley lamp serves as a focal point in the bar area, paying homage to her upbringing and her grandmother’s own stories about the legendary musician. In the meditation room—a space strictly designated as a "no-phones" zone—Hale has created an altar that houses crystals, feathers, and various personal trinkets.

Perhaps most poignant is the way the home honors those who have passed. Photographs of her late grandmother, great-grandparents, and her father, Preston Hale, who died in July 2023, are prominently displayed. Hale describes a specific chair in the living room as "Dad’s chair," a site of comfort and reflection where she feels close to his memory. This curation of personal history within the design ensures that the home remains a vibrant, living memorial rather than a static display of high-end furniture.

Professional Impact and Market Significance

The project has drawn significant attention from the interior design community, not only for its aesthetic success but for the collaborative process between client and designer. By utilizing the AD PRO Directory, Hale ensured that she was working with professionals who could translate her abstract emotional needs into concrete, livable luxury.

The inclusion of custom work by local artisans, such as plaster artist Marli Arizona and glass artist Ben Tuna, underscores a growing trend in luxury residential design: the shift toward bespoke, locally sourced craftsmanship. The use of custom pomegranate-themed architectural details—symbolizing prosperity and abundance—highlights the intentionality behind the renovation. Such details are not merely decorative; they serve as structural affirmations of the homeowner’s values and goals.

The Role of Sanctuary in Modern Living

Hale’s experience reflects a broader trend among public figures and private citizens alike: the reclamation of the home as a site of healing. In an era where the boundary between public and private life is increasingly porous, the creation of a "sanctuary" has become an essential component of personal wellbeing. The fact that this project moved both the designers and the homeowner to tears is a testament to the emotional labor involved in such a transition.

Data from the interior design sector suggests that projects emphasizing "wellness-oriented design"—incorporating natural light, calming color palettes, and dedicated meditation or reflection spaces—have seen a marked increase in demand since 2020. Hale’s home serves as a prime example of this movement, effectively balancing the demands of a high-profile career with the necessity of a grounding, restorative home environment.

Conclusion: A Foundation for the Future

As Hale looks toward the future, her home stands as a physical anchor for her growth. While she acknowledges that she may not reside in this specific canyon house forever, she maintains a clear commitment to ownership. This, in itself, is a statement of stability—a declaration that she has built a space that supports her identity, regardless of where her professional career takes her.

The "good witchy" style that Drost and Trohman identified early in the process has proven to be the perfect lens through which to view the home. It is romantic, edgy, and profoundly personal. By allowing her home to evolve alongside her, Hale has demonstrated that interior design is not merely about the arrangement of objects, but about the curation of a life. As she continues to navigate her journey, her home remains a testament to the power of deliberate, thoughtful living, serving as a sanctuary that is as resilient and multifaceted as the woman who calls it home.