Many people opt for a white sofa, not because they love the look, but because they are nervous to try something bolder. We certainly understand this impulse. When done wrong, a red, green, or blue sofa can completely overwhelm a space, crowding out any other shades one wants to bring in. However, the right styling turns a brightly colored couch into a stylish accent that transforms the living room.
Archival photos from Bernadette Peters' living room in 1994 offer the perfect example of how to style a red living room sofa for a chic effect. The actress's living room is a masterclass. First, she uses a patterned sofa to offset the feeling of a red block in her living room. Then, To offset the boldness of the couch color, she begins with a white wall, which keeps the look modern. Finally, she layers the sofa with multi-colored cushions to turn it into a fun statement piece that draws the eye. This counterintuitive mix perfectly balances the boldness of the sofa for a look that is just as stylish 30 years later.
If you are hoping to try out a bold sofa trend this year, her space is a wonderful blueprint for how to execute the look. Below, you will find a sneak peek into Bernadette's home, an edit of the pillows and throws you need to shop her style, and plenty of expert commentary on why it all works.
Recreate Bernadette's Look at Home
A stylish pattern instantly elevates a red sofa, taking it from busy to chic. Bernadette Peters chose a floral look, and this striped sofa is a wonderful modern alternative.
What's chicer than a floral scheme? A floral scheme in turquoise and burgundy. This Anthropologie cushion is the perfect way to add fun floral patterns to your sofa without overwhelming the room.
Styling a red sofa requires integrating a range of accents, and this throw blanket instantly adds a touch of heritage. The deep burgundy color would be the perfect complement to other red tones.
Warm stripes are the perfect pairing with florals, and bring an instantly modern feel. These cool coastal cushions are a great option to create contrast in your living room.
We love this traditional, ornate-style frame, which gives any artwork a vintage feel. Bernadette plays with a similar one in the photoshoot at her New York apartment, but it would look even better on the wall.
For a more traditional floral print, try this pale pink pillow. It's finished with a contrasting coral trim that adds a dash of whimsy.
So, how does Bernadette Peters make a red sofa look stylish? First, she incorporates a mix of floral patterns and stripes, which are completely timeless. New York-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein explains: 'Floral prints and flower motifs have long held a cherished place in interior design, captivating homeowners with their timeless charm and versatility. Their enduring appeal stems from the unique mood they evoke: a sense of freshness, warmth, and vitality that brings spaces to life. The natural beauty of flowers has the power to infuse a room with vibrant energy, making it feel more inviting and uplifting.'
In a red living room, these prints can be easily incorporated through textiles, as we see in Bernadette's space. Nina continues: 'Flowers have become a popular design accessory for several reasons. Their inherent beauty and diversity allow them to complement a wide range of styles, from classic to contemporary. Whether through delicate prints or bold patterns, flowers add nature’s elegance to interiors, forming an indoor-outdoor connection. They can evoke a tranquil ambiance, reminiscent of a blooming garden, or introduce a burst of color that enlivens a space. The ability of floral motifs to blend with various decor styles, from traditional to modern, ensures their continued relevance in the ever-evolving world of design.'
Furthermore, Bernadette's styling works by transforming her sofa into a bold statement, rather than the primary color scheme in her living room. Shelley Cochrane, design expert at Furniture Village advises: 'In the living room, cherry red works beautifully on statement pieces: think a glossy leather sofa, a high shine marble side table, or bold ceramic vases on open shelving. Sculptural shapes enhance the impact of cherry red, creating focal points that feel both artistic and inviting.'
The pink and cream hues of the decorative pillows Bernadette has used also contribute to the success of her styling. Shelley recommends: 'Don’t be afraid to go full color-block either—cherry red pairs surprisingly well with bubblegum pink, deep burgundy or even soft lilac for a contemporary twist.'
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