Few homes emit the sheer splendour of Cher's Malibu mansion. Created by celebrity-favored designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the estate is a celebration of Moorish design, featuring imported elements from India, Morocco, Venice, and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, as well as an antique collection that rivals that of a museum. However, arguably, nowhere does she showcase her ideology quite like in her dining room.
In her entertaining space, Cher has taken antique decorating to new heights. Her pieces, acquired from across the world, feel utterly unique to her. Though if I had an unlimited budget, I'd do my best to recreate their gradeur (albeit on a smaller scale).
'The arches in Cher’s Malibu estate are pure poetry … hand-carved and sculptural, they frame the Pacific like a series of living paintings. This home remains one of the most magical I’ve had the joy of designing: a true reflection of her spirit and style,' Martyn comments.
'Inspired by Venetian palazzos and Moorish architecture, it’s a world unto itself … layered with carved stone, dark woods, and antique lanterns sourced from Morocco and Syria to bring a sense of grounded elegance. Even years later, it still feels timeless, soulful, and filled with that unmistakable Cher energy.'
Shop the look
A vintage Moroccan Moorish pendant from Marrakech, this lantern features softly sandblasted, milky-white glass framed in a rich dark bronze metal finish. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, this piece exhibits traditional Moroccan design and features a small side door for easy bulb replacement.
This exquisite arched mirror is framed in brushed gold with intricate carved detailing, blending elegance with timeless design, just as Cher exhibits in her dining room. Its antique finish lends a touch of old-world charm, making it a versatile statement piece to spark conversation over dinner.
The Hussam jug features a beautiful hand-shaped handle and spout, with a rounded body. The natural texture enhances the old-world beauty of this piece. Place it in the centre of your table (just like Cher) for a rustic yet chic dining room that will look just as stunning in a decade.
Through the curation of Cher's dining room, Martyn Lawrence Bullard makes a case for decorating with vintage and antique pieces. However, he's (unsurprisingly) not alone in recognizing the power of such furniture and accessories. Interior designer, Rebecca Hughes, mirrors his technique, saying: 'Mixing furniture from a range of periods is a brilliant way to create a layered look, making a home feel like it has organically evolved over time.'
As Cher's dining room emphasizes, antiques bring time-honored pieces to the contemporary day, bringing them to life in a way that continues to evolve with time.
'Designing with antiques and vintage pieces is about creating a dialogue between past and present,' Rebecca says.
An antique mirror [like Cher's] with its unique patina adds depth and history, opening up a space with subtle elegance. A well-chosen bedside table, with a rich wood grain and organic character, sets the tone for the entire home. And vintage art prints add unexpected pops of colour, injecting personality into a space. Incorporating these treasures elevates design from decoration to legacy.'
We can't all have a Malibu mansion on the scale of Cher's, but just one antique mirror, light, or vase can help bring its historied luxury to your home. I've bookmarked her space as a reminder of just how stunning these pieces will always be.
