A Look Inside Vanessa Hudgens' Stunning Home

This gorgeous Georgian colonial home was originally built by the legendary director Cecil B. DeMille for his mistress, which is why it is nicknamed "The Little DeMille." As reported by Yahoo!, DeMille's mistress, silent film actress Julia Faye, called this mansion home while DeMille lived close by in Laughlin Park. According to Biography, DeMille is one of the most successful directors, producers, and filmmakers of all time, and helped mold the Hollywood film industry into what it is today. Some of his most memorable films include "The Ten Commandments," "The Greatest Show on Earth," and "The King of Kings."

DeMille isn't the only famous name attached to this home, though. Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman owned the property before Hudgens, who bought it in 2018 in a secret sale for just under $5 million. Hudgens keeps the home's star-studded history alive with framed vintage film posters of DeMille's work and a nameplate at the front door with the inscription, "The Little DeMille."

Like many of us, Hudgens decided to give her living space a facelift during the pandemic. According to Architectural Digest, she embarked on a kitchen remodel project that included installing new marble and brass drawer pulls, painting the cabinets, and adding black tile work. She even got some design advice from former "High School Musical" co-star Ashley Tisdale about the best places to shop for stylish kitchen finds. Before the remodel, the kitchen was a completely different space with white walls and red knobs on the cabinets.

If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, it's definitely a good idea to give the project some thought. Kitchens are typically the most expensive room in a home to remodel, per This Old House. There are many different appliances and aspects to consider, from the lighting to the backsplash. Installing new cabinets is often one of the most costly parts of a kitchen upgrade, so if you are content with their size and placement, it's better to give them a fresh coat of paint (like Hudgens did) rather them replacing them entirely. Alternatively, you can remove some cabinet doors to convert them to a chic open shelving look.

Hudgens' living space is bursting with majestic plants and lush, green bouquets. According to Architectural Digest, the beautiful bouquet arrangements throughout her house are made by her friend, designer Chad Wood. Big-leaf houseplants, like the towering monstera in the corner, breathe life into the living room and generate plenty of plant envy for those of us who lack a green thumb. 

The good news is there are plenty of houseplants out there that even beginners can grow, per Curbed. The monstera, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a resilient and beautiful houseplant with which newbies tend to have a lot of luck. You have probably seen this trendy plant around Instagram, recognizable for its wild, tropical leaves. The hardy monstera is easy to keep healthy (even if you forget to water it for two weeks), and the species is capable of adapting to a wide range of light and temperature conditions. It will grow quickly with a bit of light, love, and water.

Simple and sweet, Hudgens' dining room is an ideal place for enjoying an evening meal with company. Hudgens wanted to create a romantic atmosphere with ornate mirrors and pretty artwork. A 1950s Italian chandelier hangs above the table, which plays against the pattern of the wood floors. Wood furnishings and white walls help the space feel organic and neutral, while French doors, which open out to the olive trees in the backyard, literally breathe air into the room. Hudgens is a huge fan of French doors. According to MyDomaine, her previous Mediterranean mansion had doors opening the living room into the backyard.

When it comes to creating a beautiful dining area, white walls are a classic for a reason, per Good Housekeeping. Not only do they enhance natural light and make a room feel more spacious, but they also look clean and allow other decorations to pop. Wall paintings, a bold tablecloth, and fresh flowers are all simple ways to transform white walls and add personality to the dining room.

It's not hard to see why the dark and cave-like spa bathroom is Hudgens' favorite place in the whole house. Hudgens loves soaking in the cavernous ceramic bathtub while watching candles flicker and listening to the soft music of Edith Piaf. After being on the road for long periods of time, this black bathroom is the best place to return to for quality relaxation. According to Apartment Therapy, it's chic enough to make us all want goth bathrooms. The magical oasis was designed by Jake Arnold and features black walls, dark tile floors, brass faucets, and marble countertops. The brass shower faucet is accented with wood for an earthy and grounded feeling.

If you want to bring your relaxation time to the next level, you can easily turn your bathroom into a little spa with a few simple steps. If you have a smaller space, install open shelving on the walls to display your favorite soaps, plants, and towels, or add a bathtub caddy to make a spa-worthy splash (via The Spruce). All-white walls and framed artwork on the walls will also help capture the feeling of a spa vacation in your own bathroom.

Out in the backyard, Hudgens transformed the former carriage house into a chill TV room to relax and hang out with friends, per Architectural Digest. The actor decorated the space with a comfortable white couch, a guitar, and hung her Teen Choice Awards on the wall. The built-in black shelves display books and items Hudgens collected during her travels, including a signed book from surfer Kelly Slater and an Annie Leibowitz book, which the famed photographer gave Hudgens after the two worked together. The shelves also hold a vintage Polaroid camera and some small plants.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, the best way to decorate a bookshelf is to use accessories that you already have lying around the house. Look for pieces with special meaning to you, like souvenirs from travels or framed family pictures. Small decorative items like potted plants and vintage vases are easy on the eyes and make good bookends. Stacking books in horizontal piles can also help add visual interest to your shelves. When decorating, keep playing around with items until shelves feel balanced and you like what you see.

From lemons and limes to grapefruits and avocados, Hudgens' backyard is like a mini fruit orchard. But she has always loved to have fruit trees in her backyard. For example, in 2009, Zac Efron planted citrus trees in her backyard for her 21st birthday, per Digital Spy. Past the kumquat and tangerine tree is a large green space where Hudgens and her friends often have water balloon fights and run around. From here, a leafy arched entryway leads to the most magical place on the property: the little secret garden. The area features the perfect essentials for a romantic evening, including a magnificent grapefruit tree that lights up at night, a pizza oven, and a stately fireplace. 

Want to grow your own little fruit orchard in the backyard? Take inspiration from Hudgens! According to Homes & Gardens, having your own fruit grown right at home is rewarding (and super tasty). When selecting fruit trees for your backyard, you'll want to choose a tree for your specific environment and hardiness zone. Apple, fig, and lemon trees are among the most versatile and best suited for beginners.