'Blue and green should never be seen without a color in between,' goes the adage. However, as any design aficionado knows, the rules are made to be broken. Never one to bother with tradition, Cher's '60s living room committed the cardinal sin of combining blue and green to great effect.
A 1960 portrait of Cher and Sonny Bono at home shows the couple posed on a baby blue living room sofa with a swirling green pattern. Contrary to so-called color rules, it looks fabulous. Although one might assume the analogous colors would look too similar next to each other, they create the perfect contrast to complement the orange accents on the coffee table and paintings on the wall in the living room.
It's proof that even the color rules most interior designers swear by can be broken with a beautiful effect. Though it may be taboo, designers explain that the pairing of blue and green works in many spaces. It may even increase in popularity in 2026.
Recreate Sonny and Cher's Look at Home
This pretty green and blue sofa presents a modern take on Cher's design. I love the pleated detail on the bottom, which gives it a stylish and feminine flair.
What's better than a blue and green throw pillow? A blue and green throw pillow that feels exceptionally soft. This gorgeously plush cushion is the ideal addition.
Stay warm this winter with a classic pairing of navy and forest green. This fleecey blanket could be draped on a sofa for instant warmth or laid across the end of the bed.
Of the unexpected color combination, Anne Dubbs, Design Director at Blithfield, tells Homes & Gardens: 'There’s a timeless harmony between blue and green - it’s a combination that feels both classic and fresh. We often look to the natural world for inspiration, and this pairing echoes everything from spring foliage to coastal landscapes. In interiors, it brings a sense of balance: blue’s cool clarity is perfectly grounded by green’s calm depth. Whether you’re layering jewel tones or soft sages and sky blues, it’s a palette that always works.'
As we can see in Cher's living room, the key to the pairing of blue and green is careful attention to contrasts. For instance, Cher's sofa puts pastel blue next to pastel green for a combination that feels instantly natural. Similarly, dark blues will look best next to green. However, as Cher's house shows, even these rules can be broken.
When you pair colors that are rarely seen together, it creates some of the most stunning and visually interesting interiors. Rather than being bound by convention, decorating based on personal style and inspiration will yield better results.
