Gay Icons Who Collect Mid-Century Modern Furniture

The intersection of gay culture and mid-century modern design has created some of the most stunning interiors in the world. Many of these men have preserved architectural history by restoring classic homes or curating rare furniture collections. Their passion for clean lines and organic shapes reflects a deep appreciation for the modernist movement. This list highlights influential figures who have shaped the way we view design today.

Tom Ford

The fashion designer is one of the most prominent collectors of modernist architecture and furniture in the world. He notably owned and restored the Brown-Sidney House which was originally designed by Richard Neutra in 1955. His interiors often feature sleek lines and warm wood tones that define the mid-century aesthetic. Ford approaches his home design with the same rigorous perfectionism that he applies to his clothing collections.

Ryan Murphy

This prolific television producer is a serious devotee of mid-century architecture and design. He purchased the Brown-Sidney House from Tom Ford and continued its legacy of preservation. Murphy often fills his homes with rare furniture pieces that reflect the glamour of old Hollywood. His collection includes works by heavyweights like Jean Royère and Gio Ponti.

Jonathan Adler

No list of design icons would be complete without the man who brought modern American glamour back into the spotlight. Adler started as a potter but expanded his empire to include furniture that references mid-century pop culture. He lives his life immersed in a world of groovy patterns and tulip tables. His designs often pay homage to the optimism and brightness of the 1950s and 1960s.

Simon Doonan

The legendary window dresser and author shares a life and home with his husband Jonathan Adler. Doonan has a quirky and eclectic style that perfectly complements the mid-century modern ethos of their living spaces. He appreciates the wit and whimsy found in vintage design pieces. His influence helps keep their shared aesthetic grounded in fun rather than just museum-quality perfection.

Nate Berkus

This interior designer gained fame for his ability to mix vintage finds with modern staples. Berkus has a deep knowledge of French mid-century design and often incorporates it into his projects. He scours flea markets and auction houses for unique chairs and lighting fixtures. His own homes have featured stunning examples of 1940s and 1950s craftsmanship.

Jeremiah Brent

As a designer and the husband of Nate Berkus, Brent shares a profound love for the modernist era. His style leans towards the emotional and moody side of mid-century design. He often selects pieces with curved silhouettes and rich textures. Brent proves that modern furniture can feel incredibly warm and inviting when styled correctly.

Marc Jacobs

The fashion designer has lived in some of the most architecturally significant homes in the world. He once owned a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright which showcased his commitment to organic modernism. Jacobs fills his spaces with an eclectic mix of contemporary art and vintage furniture. His collection demonstrates how mid-century pieces can coexist with bold and avant-garde art.

Frank Ocean

The musician is known for his obsession with French modernist furniture. He notably collects pieces by Pierre Paulin and has featured them in his visual work. Ocean appreciates the sculptural quality of low-slung sofas and organic chairs. His taste leans towards the futuristic side of the mid-century movement.

Tyler, The Creator

This artist has been vocal about his love for Italian mid-century design. He specifically cites Gio Ponti as a major influence on his personal aesthetic. Tyler designs his own furniture and clothing with clear references to the pastel colors and geometries of the era. His home is a testament to the playful yet sophisticated side of modernist design.

RuPaul

The supermodel of the world has a taste for the theatrical side of design known as Hollywood Regency. This style overlaps significantly with mid-century modern through its use of bold colors and lacquer finishes. RuPaul loves decor that feels glamorous and larger than life. His Beverly Hills mansion is a masterclass in mixing vibrant patterns with classic modern shapes.

Brad Goreski

The celebrity stylist and television personality has a keen eye for visual balance. His home features a curated selection of mid-century classics mixed with colorful art. Goreski often showcases his vintage furniture finds on social media. He understands how to use a statement chair or a sleek console to anchor a room.

Bobby Berk

As the interior design expert on ‘Queer Eye’, Berk has introduced mid-century modern style to millions of viewers. He frequently uses furniture with tapered legs and clean silhouettes in his makeovers. His personal style relies heavily on the texture and warmth of the 1950s aesthetic. He believes that good design should be accessible and functional.

Troye Sivan

The pop star opened the doors to his Melbourne home and revealed a stunning sanctuary of design. His house features a mix of Victorian architecture and mid-century Italian furniture. Sivan worked with a designer to source vintage lighting and sofas that feel both cool and comfortable. The space perfectly captures a youthful and artistic take on the era.

Ricky Martin

The singer owns a beautiful mid-century home in Beverly Hills that celebrates indoor-outdoor living. He worked with designers to preserve the original architectural integrity of the structure. His furniture choices often include natural wood and leather pieces that age beautifully. Martin uses the space to display his growing art collection.

Elton John

The music legend has been a collector of art and furniture for decades. While his taste is known for being eclectic, he possesses many significant pieces of modern design. He mixes different eras to create interiors that are uniquely his own. His appreciation for craftsmanship ensures that every mid-century piece he owns is of the highest quality.

Anderson Cooper

The news anchor lives in a converted firehouse that reflects a very masculine and modern sensibility. He prefers clean lines and uncluttered spaces which aligns with modernist principles. Cooper collects furniture that is functional and devoid of unnecessary ornamentation. His home is a quiet retreat from the chaos of the news cycle.

Halston

The late fashion designer was a defining figure of the 1970s but his home was a modernist masterpiece. He lived in a townhouse designed by Paul Rudolph which is an icon of brutalist and modern architecture. Halston filled the space with minimalist furniture and floating platforms. His home remains one of the most famous examples of gay influence on modern design.

Yves Saint Laurent

The French couturier was a voracious collector of art and design throughout his life. He and his partner Pierre Bergé amassed a collection that included Art Deco and modernist masterpieces. Their homes featured furniture by designers like Eileen Gray and Jean-Michel Frank. Saint Laurent understood the relationship between modern art and modern living better than anyone.

Pierre Cardin

This designer was not just a collector but a creator of Space Age furniture. His bubble houses and futuristic designs pushed the boundaries of what mid-century modern could be. Cardin lived in environments that looked like sets from a science fiction movie. His legacy includes some of the most experimental furniture forms of the 20th century.

Bryan Batt

The actor who played an art director on ‘Mad Men’ is also a real-life interior designer. He owns a home decor store and has a deep knowledge of mid-century styles. Batt appreciates the elegance and wit of the era he famously portrayed on television. His personal aesthetic mixes Southern charm with modernist rigor.

Robert Gant

The actor is known for his advocacy and his appreciation for vintage restoration. He has owned homes where he focused on bringing out the original mid-century character. Gant enjoys the hunt for period-correct fixtures and hardware. He sees the value in saving the history embedded in these structures.

Cheyenne Jackson

This performer has shared his love for his mid-century ranch home in interviews. He enjoys the openness and flow that is characteristic of 1950s architecture. Jackson fills his home with pieces that are family-friendly yet stylish. He proves that you can live comfortably with vintage design.

George Michael

The late singer was a major collector of Young British Artists but also appreciated modern design. His homes often featured sleek furniture that provided a neutral backdrop for his art. Michael worked with designers to create spaces that were private and sophisticated. His aesthetic was understated and luxurious.

Karl Lagerfeld

The fashion icon went through many intense collecting phases including a famous Memphis Group period. The Memphis movement was a reaction to mid-century modernism but is now collected by the same enthusiasts. Lagerfeld turned his apartment into a shrine to this post-modern style. He treated furniture as functional sculpture.

Andy Cohen

The television host lives in a West Village apartment that showcases his specific taste. He mixes disco-era glamour with classic mid-century pieces. Cohen loves gold accents and bold colors that pop against modern furniture shapes. His home is designed for entertaining and having fun.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

This top interior designer counts many celebrities among his clients. His own style is worldly and eclectic but relies on strong modern foundations. Bullard often uses mid-century Italian chairs to add sex appeal to a room. He is a master of mixing different periods to create a cohesive look.

Trixie Mattel

The drag superstar has a passion for the kitschy side of mid-century culture. She bought and renovated a motel in Palm Springs to be a pink paradise. Mattel collects retro furniture and decor that celebrates the fun of the 1960s. Her style is a campy love letter to the era.

Michael Kors

The fashion designer favors a clean and tailored look for his interiors. His homes often feature neutral palettes and classic modern furniture. Kors appreciates the simplicity and functionality of mid-century design. He creates spaces that feel like a luxurious escape from the city.

Jason Wu

Wu is known for his elegant fashion designs and his interiors are equally refined. He collects mid-century furniture that features strong silhouettes and high-quality materials. His apartment showcases a sophisticated mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. Wu has a curator’s eye for detail.

Christian Siriano

The designer has a bold and expressive sense of style that extends to his home. He loves furniture that makes a statement and often chooses modern shapes. Siriano mixes vintage finds with his own custom upholstery. His Connecticut home is a showcase of his creative vision.

Alexander Wang

Wang is known for his cool and edgy fashion aesthetic. His former New York apartment was a study in monochromatic modernism. He used black leather and velvet on vintage mid-century frames. The space felt moody and incredibly chic.

David Geffen

The media mogul is one of the most prolific art collectors in history. He has owned iconic properties including the Jack Warner estate. Geffen fills his homes with museum-quality furniture and art. His collection represents the pinnacle of high-end modern living.

Barry Diller

Diller is another media titan with an exceptional eye for design. He and his wife Diane von Furstenberg have homes filled with art and modern furniture. Diller appreciates the power of architecture to shape experience. His environments are curated with immense care.

Jann Wenner

The founder of Rolling Stone has lived in homes that reflect the cultural shifts of the last century. He collects art and furniture that capture the spirit of the times. Wenner appreciates the rebellion inherent in some modern design. His spaces are often filled with rock and roll history.

Tim Cook

The CEO of Apple lives in a home that reflects the minimalist ethos of his company. He favors unpretentious and functional modern design. Cook keeps his private life quiet and his surroundings simple. His taste aligns with the “less is more” philosophy of mid-century modernism.

Edward Albee

The late playwright was a passionate collector of abstract art and African sculpture. He lived in a Tribeca loft that allowed his collection to breathe. Albee arranged his space in a way that put different art forms in dialogue. His home was a reflection of his complex intellectual life.

Truman Capote

The writer was a fixture of the social scene and lived in stylish environments. He famously hosted the Black and White Ball which influenced design aesthetics for years. Capote appreciated the glamour of the mid-century jet set. His homes were always ready for a party.

Gore Vidal

Vidal lived in an Italian villa that was perched on a cliffside. He filled his home with books and comfortable furniture that allowed for long days of writing. Vidal appreciated the endurance of classical forms within a modern context. His style was intellectual and collected.

Tennessee Williams

The playwright spent much of his time in Key West in a modest home. He lived simply but surrounded himself with the tropical modernism of the area. Williams wrote some of his greatest works in these relaxed settings. His environment was about comfort and escape.

Christopher Isherwood

The author lived in Santa Monica with his partner Don Bachardy. Their home was a gathering place for artists and featured a relaxed California modern style. Isherwood appreciated the light and airiness of the West Coast. Their lifestyle embodied the freedom of the mid-century artist.

Don Bachardy

As a portrait artist and partner to Isherwood, Bachardy helped shape their shared aesthetic. He continues to live in their Santa Monica home which is preserved in time. The house is filled with art and simple furniture. It stands as a monument to their creative partnership.

Cecil Beaton

The photographer and designer had an impeccable eye for beauty. He moved easily between the worlds of fashion and interior design. Beaton appreciated the theatricality of certain modern trends. His work documented the stylish interiors of his famous friends.

Horst P. Horst

This legendary photographer captured the essence of mid-century elegance. His photos of interiors helped define the look of the era. Horst lived with the same style and grace that he photographed. He understood the power of lighting and composition in a room.

Robert Mapplethorpe

The photographer lived in a loft that was stark and industrial. He collected arts and crafts pottery and mission furniture which are precursors to modernism. Mapplethorpe arranged his space with rigorous precision. His home was as composed as his photographs.

Adam Lambert

The performer has a home in the Hollywood Hills that embraces the modern vibe of Los Angeles. He uses bold colors and contemporary furniture to create a rock star edge. Lambert enjoys the party aspect of the mid-century open floor plan. His home is designed for music and entertaining.

Tell us which of these style icons has the best taste in the comments!