Graphically Glam Living Room

I love velvet for a sofa—anything that makes upholstery soft, comfortable, and plush is wonderful. Mixing upholstered pieces with more upright wood furniture adds variety and interest, while pillows provide back support and introduce another layer of texture.

Not at all! You just have to be more thoughtful with your choices when you have fewer of them. My own tiny home office features floral wallpaper, a grand pink-and-blue painted Italian mirror, and a blue Louis XVI French chair upholstered in yellow, white, and black.

There are two key variables to consider: color balance and pattern scale. Aim for one dominant color, a secondary hue, and a smaller accent color that repeat throughout the room. Vary your patterns in scale—large, medium, and small—essentially applying the rule of thirds to both color and pattern.

Lean into color and glamour instead of playing it safe. Many people struggle to visualize how materials will work together, which can lead to fear—and a fallback to neutrals.

The walls are actually white—my favorites are Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace and Simply White—which provide a crisp counterpoint to all the purple and jewel tones.

We generally stick to one, but we’re not afraid to break the rules. The goal is to create a ‘wow’ rooted in beauty and harmony—not one that overwhelms the senses.

Interview by Kerstin Czarra