Give the blue a pale neighbour
The broad sofa and white window surround break up the cobalt. Those larger light areas matter more than scattering small white accessories around the room.
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ROOM 02 · Living Room
The cobalt sitting room
Updated
Cobalt walls, orange velvet and an olive-green abstract
There is very little hesitation in these cobalt walls or the orange velvet chair. The broad cream sofa makes that confidence easier to live with: it gives the eye a substantial pale area before the olive-green painting complicates the colour again.
See the product sourcesTHE DESIGN
The cream Menton sofa gives this room its pause. Against it, the Manhattan chair can be properly orange and the walls properly blue. Neither needs to be diluted into a safer shade.
Only the Mango is Awake in the Living Room adds an unexpected olive field above the fireplace. Its small orange shape answers the chair, while the Lowry sideboard and dark-oak table introduce warm wood at a lower level. The result feels collected because the pieces do different jobs.
WHY THE ROOM WORKS
Strong colour works better when it has somewhere to rest.
Colour palette
- Cobalt
- Cream
- Rust
- Warm timber
- Brass
- Olive green
Art can complicate the palette
The olive artwork prevents a strict two-colour scheme. Its open composition also gives the eye a calmer surface beside the rug’s pattern.
Repeat the finer lines
Black steel beneath the table relates to the fireplace. Brass details on the chair and lamp add smaller warm highlights without becoming a second theme.
WHAT TO BORROW
Choose one substantial pale piece before painting the walls a strong colour. Then let an artwork introduce a third colour you would not otherwise have considered.
THE PIECES BEHIND THE DESIGN
Shop this room
The design began with these pieces from our Shop. Open each product for its exact size, finish and retailer details.
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Menton Cream Linen 3 Seater Sofa
Living With Luxury
£1,249.95
Manhattan Orange Velvet Cocoon Chair
Living With Luxury
£909.95
Lowry Small Sideboard
Living With Luxury
£374.99
Aqil Jute & Cotton Rug: 200 x 300 cm
Natural · 200 x 300 cm
Nkuku
£650.00
Digha Wood & Metal Table Lamp
Dark Stain & Antique Brass
Nkuku
£150.00
Sanja Cotton Stripe Lampshade: Medium, Off White & Grey
Shades · Medium · Off White & Grey
Nkuku
£65.00
Only the Mango is Awake in the Living Room
ArtFab · Black (5/8″ Depth) · 24"x36"
Big Wall Decor
Example option: US$165.00
Check availability at retailer