We're always inclined to be rule followers when it comes to interior design in our homes, and while that certainly helps to create a coherent scheme, it can also hold us back from complete freedom of expression. Colman Domingo has chosen to adopt his own, very personal sense of style in his mid-century living space through a mix of bold artwork, contrasting materials, and a mix of furniture styles and silhouettes.
While mid-century modern ideas are usually rooted in a more minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and muted colors, Colman Domingo's space leans into a distinctly playful feel, thanks to graffiti-inspired art, sumptuous textures, and crafted details.
Marcia Sherrill, Interior Designer and former Brand Manager at 1stDibs, says: 'There is a tendency to go all in on Mid-Century Modern furniture, and that does give a room a bit of a chill. Leave the cold outside and bring in lush fabrics like printed velvets and Ikats. Try to have a piece of art that is large, bold and brazen, with colours that enliven your room.'
I've sourced some colorful and characterful buys to try Colman Domingo's expressive take on Mid-century, from iconic furniture like the Jonathan Adler cocktail table to easy decor updates (such as this Wayfair sheepskin pillow), whilst the experts offer their take on his interpretation of the trend.
Shop the Look of Colman Domingo's Rule-Breaking Living Room
This looks like the exact table from Colman Domingo's living room, which combines a sleek marble top with the organic form of the wavy legs in a contrasting gold, that really pops against the natural wood on the walls and ceiling.
Colman Domingo brings in heavily textured sheepskin pillows in tonal hues to contrast with the silver-gray velvet sofa and bolster cushion. This adds an extra layer and depth to the space.
This hand-crafted Indonesian rattan chair is such an iconic style and brings in soft curves to contrast the hard lines of the wooden ceiling and mid-century pieces that punctuate Colman Domingo's space.
This triptych of artworks picks out the colors in Colman Domingo's graffiti-inspired art, with a nod to Basquiat's bold style. Hang them in a row or in different parts of the room to create an artistic synergy.
In a typically mid-century style, this floor lamp is a real feature piece which is a close match for Colman Domingo's and creates an eye-catching moment of a quiet corner of his living space.
This boneless couch features an iconic pleated design that has a similar look to Colman Domingo's Togo-style sofa and comes in an equally vibrant shade of velvet to rival the actor's deep magenta version.
Colman Domingo's graffiti-inspired artwork in bold blues clashes with the sleek lines of mid-century silhouettes to keep the space feeling fresh and modern. 'Don't feel like you have to be doing mid-century like you are recreating a time capsule,' adds Marcia.
And when it comes to what colors go together, he's thrown the rulebook out of the window – strong matte blues are mixed in with shimmering ambers, flashes of primary yellow and gold, while natural wood tones create the backdrop for this unexpected palette. The addition of texture, from shearling pillows to velvet sofas and polished marble surfaces, adds a further layer to this eclectic room
Patti Wilbourne, Founder of PWD Studio, based in Charleston, says: 'The key to warming up a mid-century interior is embracing contrast – using a tonal palette that evokes quiet sophistication while layering textures and bold finishes that invite touch and create depth. The result is a space that feels both refined and lived-in.'
And creating that homely environment, even in a design-forward space is key. As Colman Domingo demonstrates, there's no end to the ways to soften the clean lines and muted palette of a minimal mid-century canvas.
Maksim Sauchanka, Owner of Belmax Remodeling adds: 'It’s less about adding more, and more about balancing structure with softness – think richer wood tones like walnut, textured upholstery, area rugs, and thoughtful art. Even small colorful accents, can soften the geometry of a mid-century scheme without sacrificing style.'
In order to curate a mid-century space that feels modern, yet homely and eclectic, like Colman Domingo's, the key is to combine color, texture, and collected pieces that you love. As long as you achieve a sense of balance, this is your opportunity to be brave and consider many of the other decorating rules worth breaking if your goal is to create a unique and personal scheme.
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