No. This room is actually all decoration. The key is layering — curtains, rugs, fabric, lighting, art and accessories. Without architectural changes, the exciting colors and prints help it feel special when big changes aren’t an option.
The Living Room That Went For It
Amanda Reynal
Interior Designer
Palm Beach-based Amanda Reynal is known for creating joyful spaces that pair a confident use of color with eye-catching detail. Her work adheres to historic aesthetic, using traditional forms with a fresh sensibility.
Palm Beach-based Amanda Reynal is known for creating joyful spaces that pair a confident u...
This room is full of joie de vivre—it’s a combination of wild and mild in the words of Lilly Pulitzer, who inspired the space. I wanted to make a Lilly room, but minus florals. I wanted to show that not every room with jubilant color and pattern leans feminine.
Here’s a formula: Start with your favorite, “main event” pattern for the wallcovering or curtains. Then, choose two other patterns in two other scales. If you have a big wallpaper, try a medium-scale print for the sofa and a small pattern for the throw cushions. Or, if it’s a medium-scale curtain pattern you love, you might pick a large-scale pattern for a chair pillow and a small-print sofa. This helps patterns complement each other, not compete!
Neutrals! Black and white are obvious, but they can be a little harsh. I find that a touch of chocolate brown or brown-black is perfect, like in the faux tortoise-shell art and table lamp. It’s a foil in a cheerful, bright room. It calms it all down.
Invest in a sofa, table or chairs—these are your core pieces, you might keep them forever, so make sure they’re comfortable, upholstered in a good fabric, and their profile can stand the test of time. Then, for side chairs, lighting, and art…have fun!
Interview by Sophie Donelson