Laverne Cox’s Studio Apartment Is 634 Square Feet of Minimalist Luxury

The most drastic change was expanding the entry closet, which Cox hails as “genius.” It was Garneau’s idea to create cabinetry, and once he confirmed there were no pipes behind the drywall, he opened it up and added shelving for her wardrobe. (Cox insists that she’s “not an organized person by nature,” but now that’s hard to believe.) She didn’t alter the original layout of the apartment—she kept the mahogany floors, but slightly upgraded them to look and feel more modern.

Renovating isn’t for the faint of heart, and Cox had her moments of frustration throughout this process, which were caused by supply-chain delays, the struggle to find the right-sized mattress for her motorized Murphy bed with a tufted headboard, and behind-the-scenes technical issues, among other things. (Most people don’t want to talk about compromises that were made, but Cox doesn’t refrain from recounting every inconvenience—major or minor.)

Nonetheless, she is beyond proud of what she managed to accomplish within her budget. Based on this experience, Cox would love to see more conversations being had about avoiding overly lavish lifestyles. “I’m 50 years old, and I bought my first place four years ago, so there was a lot of catching up to do—and all of that is okay,” she says. “You can be a star, and you don’t have to ball out to live well. I’m all about living modestly but living well.”

As her taste in interiors continues to evolve, Cox is becoming an even more intentional curator. The vibe in this home is constantly shifting, but it remains a safe space where she can take a respite from the outside world. “My life is big and wonderful, but it’s chaotic,” she says. “It’s about surrounding yourself with whatever you feel is beautiful that makes you exhale.”

Now that Cox has been bit by the renovation bug, she’s already thinking about how to upgrade the guest bedroom and bathroom in her Los Angeles house to add a little more character. She adds, “I learned so much doing this that I’ll bring into the next renovation, but I’m going to need a break!”