Diana Ross at Home: Iconic Moments in Her Private Residences
A look at the legendary pop diva's personal style and domestic life off-duty.
1The Diva's Domestic Sanctuary
Diana Ross, the legendary Motown star, curated her residences with a distinct, singular aesthetic. Her homes featured bold elements like purple sofas, shag-lined conversation pits, and mirrored pianos. These spaces served as a private retreat from her high-profile career, balancing the demands of stardom with the intimacy of a family home.
2Transitioning to Solo Stardom
In 1970, Ross launched her solo career following her departure from The Supremes. During a nine-day residency at Miami’s Eden Roc hotel, she navigated the pressures of performing alone. Journalists noted that she required significant downtime after shows, often screening movies in her suite to unwind from the intense public scrutiny.
3Motherhood and Career Balance
While filming her debut role as Billie Holiday in 1972, a pregnant Ross balanced professional acclaim with family life. She earned an Oscar nomination for her performance, yet remained focused on her children. Daughter Tracee Ellis Ross has described her upbringing as surprisingly regular, despite her mother's status as a global icon.
4The Beverly Hills Estate
The Ross family residence in Beverly Hills was a sprawling 6,833-square-foot property built in 1964. Originally designed for art collector Donald Factor, the home was famously known as the house with no windows to maximize wall space for paintings. It featured 30-foot ceilings, a swimming pool, and a private tennis court.
5Family Dynamics and Evolution
Ross raised her children, including Rhonda, Tracee, and Chudney, within the walls of her Beverly Hills home. Her personal life saw shifts, including her marriage to Robert Ellis Silberstein and later to Arne Naess Jr. Throughout these transitions, the home remained a central hub for family gatherings and significant personal milestones.
6Design Choices and Changes
The interior design of the Beverly Hills home was highly fluid, reflecting the singer's evolving tastes. In a 1978 interview with Barbara Walters, it was noted that Ross had completely refurnished her living room within 24 hours. The space featured a navy sofa and dark maroon carpeting, highlighting her penchant for dramatic updates.
7Celebrating Milestones at Home
In March 1982, Ross hosted a glamorous 38th birthday party at her residence, surrounded by family and friends. This period marked a busy time for the artist, as she released her 13th studio album, Silk Electric, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her status in music history.
8Legacy and Current Life
Ross eventually sold the Beverly Hills property in 1985 for $1.75 million. Today, the 82-year-old icon resides at Quarry Farm in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her career continues to span decades, with her 25th studio album, Thank You, released in 2021, proving her enduring influence on the music industry and her fans worldwide.