Francesca Noel is a storyteller in every sense of the word. An actress, screenwriter, and musician, she brings a deep sense of creativity to everything she touches. Named one of Sundance’s Unforgettable Breakout Stars, she first captivated audiences as Juliet in R#J, a modern reimagining of Romeo and Juliet. Most recently, she’s been stealing scenes in Goosebumps: The Vanishing, starring opposite David Schwimmer. Beyond the screen, she’s a classically trained guitarist, pianist, and singer — but these days, her creative energy is focused on developing her first feature film.

A native New Yorker now based in Los Angeles, Francesca has crafted a home that feels like an extension of herself — warm, expressive, and effortlessly cool. We caught up with her to talk about life at home, the little things that bring her joy, and what makes a space truly feel like home.

We all wear a lot of hats these days. When someone asks what you do, how do you introduce yourself?

It’s funny, I usually introduce myself as a screenwriter. That’s what I spend most of my time and energy building these days. But then whoever I’m with will remind me that I’m also an actress starring in a Disney Plus show.

What’s the vibe of your current home, and what made you fall in love with it?

Currently, I live in Beachwood Canyon. I grew up in Woodstock, New York and they’re like sister villages. It’s very vibey here, really quiet once you get up into the hills. 

I love the crickets at night, and walking out in the morning to the smell of fresh jasmine. I chose this place on feeling alone. I’d never actually visited Beachwood before. I think I’d like to stay, but I also do love Pasadena and the West Hills.

Living on both coasts, would you say home is more of a place or a feeling for you?

I’m a huge homebody. Home is safety. It’s quiet, it’s peace, it’s nice smells and good warmth and a bathtub. White walls, pink pillows, bird sounds, greens, outside, and a cat.

Do you have a favorite spot in your house?

Right now, it’s either my couch (pink) or my bathroom. I took a lot of care to make it really soothing and quiet. 

I’m really looking forward one day to having a bespoke velvet couch that winds around a cathedral window facing a tree, and also a handmade wood bed, and a proper soaker tub.

Do you like hosting gatherings? Where’s the party spot in your home?

I love throwing a party, but I hate the politics of it. I don’t like sending invitations and I never want to hear why they can’t show up. I think I just need a bigger family? Because I really do just like having a full dinner table.

Cooking up anything special lately? Share a signature dish or go-to recipe? 

Ok, always, soup. And it has to have better than bouillon, no chicken base (not sponsored).

How do you set the mood at home – candles, music, or something else? 

Honestly, as soon as I walk in the door it’s ‘Hey Alexa, play Norah Jones or Bossa Nova. That calms me down instantly. 

I am a big candle fan. I really like the Roen ones. Then I throw on a big fuzzy robe with stars on it. Simplicity is key. 

What are you binge-watching currently?

I’m kind of switching between a batch of shows – The Pitt, Severance, Silo, and then just rewatching a lot of films. I’m talking like early 2000s-1990s. I love Steve Carrell.

Do you have any collections – art, books, vinyl, etc.?

Shall we go deep? I have a collection of 300 Japanese erasers that I collected from when I was a kid. They live in a hat box in my closet and are disintegrating.

Do you have any hobbies or habits that might surprise your fans?

I like to make stuff, I’m a big tinkerer. If I could have a workshop, I would make mugs, dresses, pants, marble statues, also probably furniture, dolls and lamps.

What’s the most underrated thing in your home that brings you joy or comfort?

My baby boy Pesto, he is highly rated in my eyes. Everything else can go, but he’s sticking with me.

Are there any quirky or unexpected items in your home that have special meaning to you?

Yeah, I have a couple of oil paintings that I made that I would be devastated to lose. Two are of me and the third is of my best friend. I think that’s my favorite piece. Art is really important to me, and I think it sets the tone of the life you’re living. 

I also have this amazing Nara piece, ‘Miss Margaret’, that I think captures my essence really well. I also love Nick Alm, Rae Perry, Alex Venezia… I could go on for days listing painters I love. I’m really attracted to bright natural colors and the female body. Mark Maggiori is another really special painter, but I’d need an original of his, not a print.

Do you own anything that you’re so excited to pass down to future generations?

My great-grandmother’s writing desk. It has a ton of tiny nooks to hold little stuff, but it’s probably going into storage at my next place.

What do you do for self-care?

I’m a big proponent of quiet time. We all need quiet time. I need quiet hours, and good smells, I’m sensitive to that. My favorite place to relax is the bath, I could live in there.

What’s one chore you’d delegate to an assistant?

Please don’t judge me but I can’t do the dishes to save my life.

What makes you happiest at home?

Safety, warmth, softness, fun things, laughter, pretty colors, and a fat mug of tea.

To keep up with Francesca, follow her on Instagram @francesca.noel. 

Credits:

Written by Carly Long | @bycarlylong

Photography by Nick Sparkman | @nick.sparkman