Check out the homes that everyone wanted from 1970 to 2020.
There are certain homes that, once we see them, stick with us. Whether they’re actual places owned by real people, like Ina Garten’s East Hamptons oasis, or fictional places from TV shows and movies, like Hannah Montana’s beach house, these iconic apartments, houses, mansions, and estates likely have some part in shaping our own homes.
Throughout the decades, there has been an iconic, cool home that’s popped up every year that everyone wants: the “cool girl” home, if you will. And to clarify: anyone can be a “cool girl” regardless of gender, because that label focuses on the vibe of the place and nothing else.
Below, find 50 of the coolest, enviable homes—both fictional and real—spanning from 1970 to 2020.
1970
Renaissance woman Gloria Vanderbilt’s apartment was the epitome of “cool girl” apartments in 1970. That quilt-like wallpaper and all the pattern mixing was to die for.
1971
If you looked inside former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s New York home in 1971, you’d find it filled with bold patterns and moody color schemes. She was a tastemaker, after all, and this apartment proves that her impeccable style extended into the home.
1972
In fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg’s Manhattan apartment, every surface tells a story. Similar in pattern to Gloria Vanderbilt’s home, Furstenberg’s is much more saturated and loud.
1973
Barbara Jakobsen was an American art collector, and her New York residence sure shows it. Perfectly midcentury minimal, this home is truly one of a kind.
1974
In actress and singer Barbra Streisand’s colorful home, fun wallpaper rules. Located in California and 50 years old at the time of photographing it, her home was filled with her personal treasures and enchanting decor.
1975
Is there anything more ‘70s than covering your furniture in clear plastic? Even Grammy-winning singer Gloria Gaynor protected her pieces this way, and she still managed to look effortlessly cool.
1976
Many interior designers we know and love today look to socialite and style icon Lee Radziwill for inspiration, and it’s clear as to why. Looking at her apartment, she was obviously not afraid of color and pattern.
1977
Ann Getty’s cobalt blue living room is any maximalist’s dream. The heavy drapery, the plush furniture, the gold accents—it’s such a fun home.
1978
French socialite Marie-Helene de Rothschild’s bedroom is a masterclass in matching furniture sets. Sure, it might seem dated now, but it’s also so playful.
1979
Helene Rochas, wife of French fashion designer Marcel Rochas and subsequently his muse, lived in a Manhattan apartment with arguably the best views in the city. We love how the light furniture keeps everything feeling airy and bright.
1980
Fashion designer Halston was known for his minimalist and sleek styles that helped define the ‘70s, so it makes sense that his New York townhouse would mirror that. While too much gray can feel monotonous, the varying textures and excess greenery give it some life.
1981
Filled with antiques and dripping in personal style, actress Farrah Fawcett’s California home is a pattern-packed retreat. Along with Los Angeles designer Steve Chase, the duo worked on one room at a time.
1982
A home library should be filled with found and collected items on top of rows and rows of books. Fashion designer Mary McFadden’s New York City home library meets these qualifications and ups the cozy levels with a fur rug.
1983
The epitome of midcentury modern design, Giorgio Armani’s Tuscan home featured beautiful wood paneling, a long lacquered table, and eye-catching table lamps with green pyramid-shaped shades. The stairs are also fit with a graduated set of drawers.
Related Story: How Late Designer Giorgio Armani's Iconic Style Influenced His Luxurious Homes
1984
In Valentino’s St. Moritz chalet, he captures a classic alpine aesthetic with a cocoon of wood. Warm lighting, layered wooden tones, natural materials, and gold accents make this a dream place to warm up after a day in the snow.
1985
In the movie St. Elmo’s Fire, the character Jules’s apartment is one for the books. Not only is it color drenched in a bubblegum pink, but she has a huge portrait of Billy Idol painted on one of her walls.
1986
We can’t confirm whether or not actress Sophia Loren chose to match the decor in her living room here, but we love it. It’s a great example of a home looking elegant and luxurious yet still lived-in.
1987
The home featured in The Golden Girls is regarded as iconic for many reasons, from the bamboo rattan furniture to the cerused cypress accents. The show came out in 1985 and ran until 1992, and the home has remained a source of coastal inspiration ever since.
Related Story: Alison Pickart and Katy Polsby Create a Home Fit For a Golden Girls Weekend
1988
Actress and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Los Angeles home almost looks like an eccentric art gallery, in all the best ways, of course. An entire wall opening up that leads towards the pool is cool, but the gilded horse standing guard is almost cooler.
Related Story: 5 Non-Tacky Ways to Pull Off the "Horse Decor" Trend, According to Designers
1989
Angela Maccapani, daughter of Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, was the creative director and president of Missoni for years, so it’s fair to say that she was born with a creative eye, and her Milan house shows that. The living room is an explosion of color and is only a glimpse into the playful home she shared with her family.
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