It’s no secret that I’m a huge Bravohead. I’m a frequent flier to all of the Real Housewives cities and was hooked on Vanderpump Rules long before Scandoval. My reality TV consumption mostly stays within the confines of Andy Cohen’s kingdom, but when Paris in Love sparked a lively discussion in my Housewives-centric Facebook group, I had to see what the fuss was about. As a pop-culture-obsessed millennial, I’m familiar with the Paris Hilton that’s been in the public eye since the early aughts. The socialite could’ve lived in our collective memory as the 2000s version of herself, eternal in a pink Juicy Couture sweatsuit and bedazzled flip phone. Instead, she created a reality show that reaches peak levels of absurd camp and harrowing darkness.
The second season of the show follows Paris as she secretly has her son via surrogate and then introduces him to her shocked family on camera. She rides around her colossal new house on a scooter which she exclusively decorates with wide-eyed stuffed animals. She casually mentions to an aghast Nicky Hilton that she’s planning to clone her lost dog Diamond Baby. She deploys a wispy baby voice and then switches to a deep, monotone valley girl tone within the same sentence. She attempts to work through years of trauma with a rattled Kathy Hilton, who compulsively applies lip gloss in all of her scenes. There’s multiple occasions when Kathy refers to Paris as an “alien” or “unusual person”, and that’s when a lightbulb went off in my head. Paris Hilton isn’t weird, she’s just an Aquarius.
Aquarius swoops in as the 11th sign of the Zodiac to break all of the rules that conventional Capricorn recently established. The fact that many people mistake them for a water instead of an air sign is a good example of their ability to keep you guessing. Aquarians are champions of unconventional individuality but are also fierce believers in freedom and equality for all. They’re perpetually ahead of the curve (think of Paris’s signature Y2K style that’s still influential to this day) and are at their best when they’re fighting for what they believe in (such as Paris’s recent pivot to political advocacy).
Aquarius can get caught up in caring too much about what other people think about them, or caring too little, to the point that they’re unnecessarily contrarian. But most of the time, they’re shiny, unique stars that remind us all to be ourselves. You’re also going to find that their homes cover a wide range of ground—some are total minimalists, and others look like they’ve taken up residency in an antique store. Going back to Paris in Love, Kathy roasts her daughter for having an interior design style that she describes as “tag sale”-core. But she’s just being Paris! This Aquarius season, it’s all about following our own path, judgment be damned. Let these seven celebrities serve as inspiration to march to the beat of our own design drums.
Combine the unexpected
From the outside of Alicia Keys’s industrial La Jolla, San Diego, mansion, you would think that the interiors look like a scene from The Jetsons and that they are focused on a futuristic aesthetic. Instead, she and husband Swizz Beats filled their home with a mix of modern art, African sculptures, and quirky painted pottery that adds plenty of warmth to the colder stone architecture. Try mixing and matching items that seem like they might not go together—you could be surprised with the results.
Find a strangely specific statement piece
When Matty Matheson set out to design his first Toronto restaurant, he specifically requested a sink that looked like Lake Erie. He got his wish and now has the coolest bathroom sink in maybe any restaurant ever. Fellow Aquarius and Hamilton actor Daveed Diggs had a similar approach to one of the bathrooms in his breezy LA house. The tiny powder room is outfitted in toile-esque wallpaper that contains extremely specific references to famous Bay Area residents and locations. Apparently, Aquarians love a statement bathroom!
Ascend to the clouds
In an ideal world, an Aquarius would have the gift of flight because this brainy air sign loves to be airborne. That stereotype fits with Kerry Washington’s sky-high New York City apartment that looks as if it were floating in the clouds. Since we can’t all have floor-to-ceiling windows with an incredible view of the city, find a way to emphasize the windows you do have and give yourself the gift of natural light. Consider some cute sheer curtains or add mirrors to create the illusion of more light (like Kerry did in her home).
Super-modern art
The massive, grayscale abstract art in Kerry’s New York apartment might look like a typical painting, but there’s more than meets the eye. The piece is from General Public, the 3D-printing company of fellow Scandal actress (and Aquarius) Portia de Rossi. (The brand works with artists to create 3D instead of 1D reproductions of their art.) As an Aquarius, Kerry would be excited by Portia’s innovative artistic venture and proudly rep it in her own home. We’re only going to see more breakthroughs in art as Pluto begins its long journey through Aquarius, so get in on the 3D (or AI) art trend now.
Collect and display oddities
There’s not a single Aquarius celebrity who doesn’t have something offbeat or unusual in their home, but Sheryl Crow takes the cake. Her rustic and romantic Nashville home is filled with some of the most delightfully bizarre items. There’s vintage coin-operated horses, a papier-mâché elephant head, and a chapel filled with creepy religious figurines. Have something you’re worried will freak people out if they come over? Put it on display! It’ll be a great conversation starter.
Aging gracefully
Aquarius is commonly associated with disruptive Uranus, but in traditional astrology it’s ruled by stalwart Saturn. Aquarius seems at odds with Saturn’s somber, old-school ways, but there’s plenty about the Water Bearer that fits in with the ringed planet. Aquarius might be forward-thinking, but they want to build sustainable structures that will stand the test of time. Sheryl had that mindset when purchasing her leather West Elm couch that will only get better as it gets broken in. If you want to switch up your furnishings, look for pieces that will develop character and beauty with age, such as a copper bar cart with patina or a sturdy wooden butcher block.
Support a good cause
Aquarians aren’t necessarily driven by personal success; they recognize the greater value of supporting and uplifting the collective. Actor Rainn Wilson clearly had this in mind while decorating his sprawling Spanish-style estate (and pig farm) on the California coast. He and his wife started a non-profit in Haiti that led him to amassing a collection of beautiful Haitian art. For your next piece of furniture or painting, look for sellers and artists who are representing themselves or donate a portion of their proceeds.
Look for homes with quirks
It’s hard to separate Rainn from his iconic role as The Office’s Dwight Schrute, so naturally the character makes a special appearance in Rainn’s home tour. Why did he bring him up? Because the previous homeowners built a panic room in the middle of the first floor. Rainn claims that, while Dwight would’ve loved the dystopian bunker, he and his wife decided to turn it into a butler’s pantry. Even though they didn’t keep the bunker, Aquarians are always going to be drawn to something that makes their home different from everyone else’s. Look for these quirky, strange details if you’re on the hunt for a new house.
Zig when they zag
Matty provides many layers of twists and turns with his 2022 restaurant venture. He knew it would be obvious to create an over-the-top sports bar, so he went with refined, high-end seafood. He intentionally picked an architect who designs homes instead of restaurants so it wouldn’t look like anything else and found a storefront that betrays no evidence of the intricate woodwork inside. Aquarians are always going to zig when everyone else zags—they want to keep you on your toes with their choices! Always been into antiquing? Try a modern, zen-like vibe. Are you anal about organization? Try messing things up!
Team work makes the dream work
Many celebrities work with one trusted interior designer who helps bring their vision to life. Though there’s nothing wrong with that, it can also be helpful to confer with a larger group to get different perspectives and ideas. Aquarius is a big believer in the idea of team work making the dream work, so Jennifer Aniston worked with a crew of designers to put together her sleek yet comfortable Bel Air home. Hit up your stylish friends for their POV on how to decorate your living room or ask your hawkeyed family members to scan Facebook Marketplace for the best hidden gems.
Foster community within your space
In almost every episode of Open Door, celebrities will emphasize their cozy living room or massive kitchen island that everyone likes to gather around when they have company. But having a place where their loved ones can come together is extra important for Aquarians—their sign rules friendship and community! Musician Maluma keeps it simple in his modern Colombian glass mansion with a pile of oversized pillows on a shaggy rug to create the perfect nesting ground for his guests to relax and gab.
Update to the latest tech
If you know someone who lines up for the latest Apple drop, they probably have strong Aquarius placements. Aquarians are always zooming into the future, which requires having the most up-to-date technology. Maluma’s modern mansion in Medellin boasts an at-home gym that has some of the fanciest exercise gadgets on the market. If you’ve been contemplating getting a new smart home or Dyson product, Aquarius season is the perfect time to make the leap further into the digital age.
