At its best, interior design is a medium for telling our stories. It reveals secrets about our likes and dislikes, our experiences, and our strengths. By featuring a self-portrait as a major artwork in her home, Michelle Pfeiffer pushes this imperative to its limits.
The actress took to Instagram to share a selfie with the large black and white photograph of herself posed in a suit. Though it's unusual, Michelle's method of decorating with art is surprisingly effective.
'There’s something beautifully poetic about a self-portrait quietly inhabiting the rooms you live in,' states Nina Lichtenstein, Westchester-based interior designer.
She continues: 'Michelle Pfeiffer’s bold inclusion of her own likeness in her home is as much a design statement as it is an act of self-expression. Captured by the legendary photographer Herb Ritts, renowned for his sculptural, elegant black-and-white imagery, the photograph shows Pfeiffer poised on a white set of steps in a tuxedo, her hair slicked back and her gaze carrying humor and gravity alike. The image feels both intimate and iconic, a perfect balance of celebrity, artistry, and personality.'
Whether it's through the use of a gallery wall or a single standalone image, Michelle's technique is a bold and design-led power move.
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See more photographs from Herb Ritts, the legendary talent who took Michelle Pfeiffer's picture once upon a time. The striking black and white tome would be the perfect addition to a coffee table.
Featuring a slim metal frame, this piece is perfect for a sleek, modern gallery wall. Offered in multiple sizes, it adapts effortlessly to a variety of spaces.
Crafted with museum-grade acrylic and a white cotton conservation mat, this black frame may be understated, but it’s timeless.
So what works about this method of buying art? Nina explains: 'Placing a self-portrait in your interior does more than personalize a space. First, it centers identity & emotional resonance: A self-portrait becomes an emotional anchor, reminding you and inviting visitors to connect with who you are and the journey you’ve taken. It draws the eye and sparks dialogue in ways that generic artwork rarely does,' she says.
'Displaying your own image demonstrates confidence and openness, lending a lived-in, human warmth to your environment.'
If you hope to replicate Michelle's technique to choose art for your home, there are several considerations to keep it elevated and never tacky.
Nina advises: To embrace the practice without it feeling awkward or self-indulgent, it's important to elevate the presentation. Frame it as you would a gallery piece: quality matting, simple molding, and strategic lighting encourage reverence rather than attention-seeking.'
She continues: 'Choose a portrait tone that complements the space. Monochrome works beautifully in minimalist or neutral settings, allowing presence without disruption. Let the portrait breathe by pairing it with thoughtfully curated objects, such as books, sculptural pieces, or architectural niches, so it feels part of a larger story rather than the sole centerpiece.'
'Ultimately, embracing a self-portrait in your own home can feel both vulnerable and empowering,' concludes Nina.
'In Michelle Pfeiffer’s case, it transforms her surroundings into a living vignette, interweaving celebrity, artistry, and personal history while demonstrating that design can be deeply personal, emotionally resonant, and timeless.'
