Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have chosen to live in a home that is far from the flashy Hollywood mansions you might expect. The couple spent several years designing a house that truly reflects their values of simplicity, sustainability, and family. They aimed to create a welcoming and functional space, even incorporating an unexpected feature from their previous residence.
Their home is situated on a scenic six-acre hilltop, designed to mimic an old barn that’s been transformed into a family residence. This idea blends both rustic charm and modern sensibilities, resulting in a unique living space.
Kutcher and Kunis collaborated with an architect and interior designer over five years to bring their dream home to life. They were not looking for grandeur but rather a cozy space that would serve as a happy home for their family.
A Barn-Style Home with a Modern Twist
The Los Angeles farmhouse takes the barn inspiration further, being much more than just a simple structure. From the outset, Kunis and Kutcher expressed their desire for a home, not a grand estate. As Kunis put it, “We wanted the house to look like an old barn, something that had been here for decades, converted into a home, but also modern and relevant.”
The property includes several structures: a main house, a guesthouse that doubles as an entertainment barn, and a barbecue pavilion. These are arranged to take full advantage of the scenic views around the property.
The architect, Howard Backen, designed the home to marry traditional and contemporary elements. The use of reclaimed wood, board-form concrete, and large glass windows gives the home both a rustic and modern appearance. The couple played an active role in every aspect of their home, from choosing the size of the beams to the texture of materials used.
While the house is ostensibly built to be barn-like, its interior defies rustic simplicity. Vicky Charles, their interior designer, added touches that lean into the contemporary, ensuring the space is sophisticated yet comfortable.
One unique aspect of their home comes from a chandelier from their old house. Kunis confessed to disliking it intensely, even calling it obnoxious. Yet, instead of discarding it, they designed their new home around it. Now, it hangs prominently, offering a striking contrast to the home’s otherwise understated design. “How do we make the chandelier less obnoxious? Let’s put a barn around it,” she joked.
Instead of adhering to conventional design principles, they took pleasure in weaving together old elements into their new space. Their home was not only designed for beauty but also sustainability.
A Home Built for Their Growing Family
Energy efficiency and self-sufficiency were at the heart of their home’s design. The entire property operates on solar power, generating more energy than it consumes. In addition, they have a well to provide water for crop irrigation, helping to minimize external dependencies further. Sustainability has influenced not just construction materials but also how the home interacts with its surroundings.
For Kutcher and Kunis, their house is more than just a shelter; it is a haven for their growing family. When construction started, Kunis was expecting their first child, shaping many of their design decisions.
The couple wanted a space where their children could play freely, not a formal, stiff-built mansion. Every detail was planned with family life at the forefront, ensuring that their home was both functional and inviting.
Kutcher once reflected on how their home gives them a sense of balance, remarking, “If the world around you isn’t in order, it’s hard to get your brain in order. When we’re in our home, the world just makes sense.”
This dedication to family extends further, as Kunis embarked on another heartfelt project even before completing their dream home.
Kunis’ Dedication to Family
In 2016, Kunis took on a very personal project—she renovated her parents’ condo. Knowing they wouldn’t ask for it, she convinced them to let her make the much-needed updates.
The outdated condo kitchen and living areas were disconnected, so Kunis removed walls to create an open, functional space that encouraged family interactions.
The project was about more than aesthetics; it was about creating a space where her parents could enjoy the time they had worked so hard to create for their family. Her mother was moved to tears at the transformation, a moment Kunis shared on “My Houzz,” with Kutcher proudly by her side.
Kunis’ upbringing has taught her the importance of family and home. Coming from an immigrant background, she understood the sacrifices her parents made to give her a better life. Improving their home was her way of giving back.
While the couple has shared some parts of their life with the public, they keep their children’s lives private.
Keeping Their Family Life Private
Kutcher and Kunis are very discreet regarding their children, Wyatt and Dimitri. They’ve chosen not to share their photos online, allowing the children to decide on their public presence when they’re ready. Although they occasionally attend public events as a family, they maintain a low profile.
The couple strongly emphasizes the importance of family, and Kutcher describes fatherhood as “the most important role” he holds. He even opted for a pay cut to move closer to home while working on a film, ensuring he stays involved in his children’s lives.
Teaching Their Children About Their Heritage
Kutcher and Kunis work to instill a sense of their cultural heritage in their children. Recently, Kunis emphasized the importance of their Ukrainian roots to Wyatt and Dimitri amid global events. Together, they are eager to teach their children about the richness of having multiple cultural identities.
“You are half Ukrainian, half American,” Kunis told her kids, highlighting a newfound appreciation for their diverse backgrounds.
The language and cultural lessons connect their children to their family history, ensuring they grow up understanding their roots.
As parents, they aim to provide their children with a sense of identity and values that prioritize understanding and hard work.
Their story illustrates a profound commitment to family, sustainability, and cultural appreciation, making their ‘barn’ style house much more than just a home.
