For Hailee Steinfeld, the transition into motherhood was not just a personal milestone, but a design project rooted in emotional intention. The actor and singer, known for her versatility across film and music, recently shared the intimate process of how she prepared her home for her next “season of life” as a new mom, prioritizing the atmospheric sense of her living spaces over mere aesthetics.
Steinfeld and her husband, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, announced the birth of their daughter on April 2. In a heartfelt update shared via a Substack note, the couple expressed their gratitude, stating, “Our baby girl has arrived!! We’re feeling incredibly grateful and blessed and savoring these early moments. Thank you so much for the love and well wishes.”
The preparation for this new chapter involved a meticulous approach to their shared environments. Splitting their time between California and Western New York—where Allen trains and plays for the Bills—Steinfeld focused on creating a sanctuary that balances the demands of two high-profile careers with the stillness required for a newborn.
Central to this effort was the creation of a nursery, a project Steinfeld described as a joyful yet detailed endeavor. In the weeks leading up to the birth, she noted the excitement of navigating the specifics of the room, admitting she had been “going back and forth on so many details—more than I care to admit,” even as emphasizing that the process was a vital part of preparing for her new role as a parent.
The Philosophy of Feeling Over Form
Steinfeld’s approach to interior design is a familial legacy. She credits her mother, Cheri, who launched a career in interior design shortly after marrying Steinfeld’s father, Peter, in 1992. From this influence, Steinfeld adopted a core principle: the way a room makes a person feel is far more important than how it looks to an outside observer.
When designing for her daughter and her husband, Steinfeld sought an environment that felt “bright and airy and comfortable.” A critical component of this atmosphere was the use of lighting. Steinfeld emphasized a preference for “warm, soft lighting” to ensure the home remained inviting and soothing, rather than stark or overly curated.
This desire for an inviting atmosphere extends to the broader home. Steinfeld views her living spaces as retreats—places where one “could spend hours in and not obtain tired of.” This philosophy of comfort is a strategic choice to counter the fast-paced nature of her professional life, including her work on the upcoming film Sinners.
Embracing Risk and Creative Expression
While her home life is centered on comfort, Steinfeld continues to experiment with bold choices in her professional partnerships. She recently became the face of the Ashley Luxe collection from furniture giant Ashley. This partnership highlights a playful side of her personality, as seen in a recent promotional spot where she humorously dismantles a sofa to wear it as a bouclé gown.
This willingness to be unconventional is, according to Steinfeld, another lesson learned from her mother. She believes that while playing it safe is the easier path, taking a risk often leads to a deeper love for the end result. “It’s easier to play it safe,” she noted, “but it’s far more fun to take the risk and end up with something that you might fall in love with down the line.”
Establishing a Mindful Morning Routine
Beyond the physical furniture and lighting, Steinfeld has integrated behavioral changes into her home life to support her mental well-being. A key part of her current routine is the prioritization of natural light upon waking. This shift is designed to create a slower, more organic start to the day, particularly important during the unpredictable schedule of early parenthood.
Steinfeld explained that her previous habit involved immediately reaching for her phone, which often prolonged the time she spent lying in bed. By instead opening the curtains first, she aims to wake up in a more natural way, allowing her to transition into the day with more intention.
This commitment to mindfulness and the intentional design of her home reflects a broader effort to create a stable, nurturing environment for her daughter. By focusing on the sensory experience of her home—from the warmth of the lights to the brightness of the mornings—Steinfeld is building a foundation for her family’s new chapter.
As the couple navigates the challenges of splitting their time between the East and West Coasts, the consistency of these “inviting” spaces serves as a tether for the family. With the arrival of their daughter and Steinfeld’s ongoing projects in film and fashion, the home remains the primary site for her most important role: motherhood.
The couple is expected to continue sharing updates on their new journey via their official social channels and verified platforms as they balance their professional commitments with their expanding family.
Do you have thoughts on how intentional home design impacts parenthood? Share your perspective in the comments below.
