She’s swapped Essex for LA, upping sticks and moving to America to film a reality show about the move, and it’s safe to say Chloe Sims’ life has changed dramatically. So, when Closer was invited to see the former TOWIE star’s swanky apartment with sweeping views over LA, we couldn’t say yes fast enough.
Chloe, 42 – who films House Of Sims with her three siblings, Frankie, Demi and Charlie – lives in a modern and minimalist apartment in the heart of Los Angeles. Here, the star takes us for a tour of her home...
How would you describe your style?
I just want things to look clean and simple. I like my apartment to look like no one lives in it and no one’s touched anything! Back in Essex, my style was contemporary, too, I had a really clean, sleek, boucle-style sofa. I just love when you walk into a room and there’s not a lot of colour. Madison [Chloe’s 18-year- old daughter] has spilt hot chocolate over the white surfaces before, but I’m really good at getting stains out.
How do you find LA homes different to those back in the UK?
Properties are more spacious here. When I go back to England, I feel like people’s houses have shrunk. Your quality of life is better when you have more space. When you watch property programmes – I’ve fallen in love with Selling Sunset – you can see their houses, the views, the outdoor space and you can’t get that in the UK. I like that there are big ceilings and big entrance halls, and you’re not trying to squeeze in and knocking your elbows on everything.
What do you love most about your new apartment?
The view at night is pretty epic – when you walk in after an evening out, everything is
all lit up and twinkly. The sunrise and sunset are just gorgeous. It’s a good job I’m OK with heights – you can see everything: Rodeo Drive, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills and even the Hollywood sign and Santa Monica. I can see the ocean, too. It’s all about the views!
What are your favourite interiors shops over in LA?
I like Crate & Barrel and Living Spaces. I haven’t ventured out too much, but there are lots of nice furniture shops.
Did you bring a lot over from the UK?
When I initially moved here, I brought six suitcases, and then when I knew I was staying for good, I went home and packed up my life. That was a further five cases, two of which were just beauty products and perfumes!
Did you bring any home comforts?
I brought my hot water bottle – for some reason they don’t have them here, which I thought was weird. I do have a heated blanket, believe it or not, even though I live in a hot place. It stays in my bed. Beauty products and essentials are so expensive over here, too, so whenever I go home, I hit the pound shop and buy loads of toothpaste, wet wipes and the like. I have a cupboard in my bathroom that’s fully stocked – it looks like Superdrug in there!
SHOP: Chloe Sims' home accessories
Nothing adds a touch of glam to your kitchen counters like a matching kettle and toaster from Smeg.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Chloe's very smug (and very gorge) Beverly Hills cushion is currently available to shop from Not On The Highstreet.
www.dunelm.com
This little nook in Chloe's crib is perfect for flicking through the latest issue of Closer Magazine. Luckily, you can shop the exact boucle chairs from Dunelm.