An expensive dream came true.
Viola Davis and her spouse of nearly two decades, Julius Tennon, are savvy Hollywood hustlers. Davis is the first African-American woman to win the esteemed “Triple Crown” of acting with two Tony Awards, an Emmy Award, and an Academy Award.
She was nominated for a Grammy for the narration of her 2022 autobiography, “Finding Me” Davis also won a Grammy for this narration, achieving the coveted “EGOT,” which only 17 others have accomplished. “The Woman King” was produced by Davis and Tennon’s production company, JuVee Productions, which they co-manage.
This film was the impetus for the couple’s extensive home renovations. The couple worked to incorporate prints and hues reminiscent of those they adored during their time in South Africa, as well as touches that signify themselves and their family.
Davis and Tennon wed in 2003 and have a daughter, Genesis, who is 12 years old. Tennon also has two older children from a previous marriage who are married and have their own families. In 2016, they purchased a five-bedroom, 7,545-square-foot residence in the Toluca Lake neighborhood.
The residence was move-in ready but austere and relatively monochromatic. However, the family remained in the space for approximately five years before making any modifications. During that time, they collaborated with designer Michaela Cadiz to create a calming, colorful environment that displayed more of the family’s personality.
Cadiz once said to Architectural Digest, “Viola and Julius have such vibrant personalities, but their home was minimalistic—50 shades of gray. They requested something not too fussy or ostentatious, something comfortable, a place to unwind and regain strength. But they also desired something unique, an aesthetic and spiritual feast. Finding the ideal combination was crucial.”
Davis and Tennon already knew what they wanted to do with their property. Still, South Africa’s landscape helped solidify some of its ideas. “I always want to go big and bold, but not too bold or garish,” Davis narrated in the same source. “We were filming The Woman King in South Africa as the renovation took place, and the incredible color and culture there inspired us.”
Davis and Tennon even shared that they adore entertaining spaces: Their outdoor terrace features a large grill, an outdoor kitchen, and a television for watching football. They shared that their kitchen is where they dance during the holidays and sing while cooking. However, they also invested in developing respite areas.
One of these natural settings is the couple’s bedroom, in which Davis and Tennon chose a monochromatic color scheme. “It was crucial to have a neutral atmosphere for relaxation.” Davis said, “It’s a beautiful profession but a stressful lifestyle. You simply want to be able to return to your sleeping space and feel more meditative. The neutral colors facilitated this.”
It should also come as no surprise that Davis retreats to the movie room, which features luxurious leather seats that recline. “This is my preferred location. This is my daughter’s favorite spot,” Davis continued in the same interview. “This is a space that is soundproof when the doors are closed. When you dim the lights, you can suddenly lose yourself in a movie or television show, which is what we do.”
The family also finds refuge in the expansive outdoor patio and rear, which includes a pool, jacuzzi, and pergola covered with climbing vines. Davis was influenced by “The Secret Garden,” a book she read multiple times as a child and she desired something with an otherworldly atmosphere to retreat to. A water feature, fire grate, and luxuriant vegetation complete the area.