2026 is the year to go bold. No shade is too audacious, no pattern too busy, and no furniture shape too wild. That's why we're turning to George Clooney's Lake Como estate for inspiration.
The home, Villa Oleandra, is an 18th-century historic estate located in the town of Laglio, Italy, on the shores of the storied lake. Clooney purchased it in 2002 for $10 million, determined to renovate the estate for modern living, while maintaining its historical character - and he certainly achieved his goal.
A 2003 photograph taken by the legendary Annie Leibovitz captured the actor in his living room for Vanity Fair, showcasing the villa's old-world charm and classic Italian elegance. The space features turquoise damask wallpaper and a mustard sofa, highlighted by a gold chandelier and woodwork. It's absolutely gorgeous.
The bold glamour of George and his wife Amal's Baroque Neapolitan-style villa demonstrates how an unexpected color combination instantly brings bold whimsy into a living room. Furthermore, the shades haven't lost their luster over the last 23 years: turquoise and gold pairings are back for 2026.
To dive into this emerging interior design trend, here's a glimpse into George Clooney's Italian estate. Homes & Gardens has also curated an edit of the best teal and mustard accents to bring the combination to your own home, and spoke with experts on styling the look. Let's begin on the shores of Lake Como.
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Shop The Turquoise and Gold Edit
You don't have to lean into full Rococo design to decorate with turquoise and gold. Here are a few of our editors' favorite pieces for bringing George's look into a contemporary home.
This set of two tasselled throw pillows is an easy way to integrate a touch of turquoise with some sophistication. They would look very stylish over a tan or mustard sofa, for a stylish contrast.
This uniquely shaped flush mount will fill your home with light and bring a metallic charm to any room. It would look fabulous mounted on a living room wall atop turquoise wallpaper, as we see in George Clooney's house.
A sculptural vase is a great way to add a pop of color to your home this summer and beyond. This one is the perfect piece to play with the tone before painting.
Boost the coziness of your living room sofa with this dark yellow throw. It's also great for taking outside while dining al fresco this spring and summer.
We love this teal paint that doesn't feel too saturated but instead calming and full of depth, pairing excellently with brass. It would be the perfect complement to yellow furnishings for something unexpected.
Ruggable's affordable and washable (yet ultra-stylish) rugs are a staple in my home, and this pretty inkdrop one from the iconic designer Johnathan Adler is so gorgeous. The geometric lines would help add a cool, modern feel to any space.
Turquoise is one of the most popular color trends of 2026. Though the color was reviled as 'millenial cringe' throughout the early 2020s, this year, we're ready to accept the bold color back into our lives with open arms.
For instance, Etsy named 'Patina Blue' (a brilliant shade of turquoise) their 2026 color of the year based on their observation that searches for 'blue copper' were up 300% year on year. The shade also gels with the 'relaxing yet bold' movement we're seeing this year, where homeowners are seeking out stronger shades as the new neutrals of their homes.
As George Clooney's living room demonstrates, turquoise goes hand in hand with gold; when one is trending so is the other. The color opposites make one another appear brighter, making them the perfect choice for someone who wants to whimsify their home.
So, what's the best way to style these bold tones together? You can go more statement, or more understated. Nina Lichtenstein, a New York-based interior designer, advises: 'Turquoise and gold create a luxurious, exotic pairing reminiscent of far-off destinations. Small touches of gold, such as in light fixtures, picture frames, or accent decor, can elevate a turquoise space into something truly extraordinary.'
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