One of the most striking elements of Barbara's Paris apartment is the classic armchair covered in on-trend purple velvet that sits in the window.

The purple is both classic enough to last beyond the current obsession with the color, and looks fresh in an otherwise neutral-toned apartment. It's more of a commitment than colored pillows, but it's a nice example of how upholstering an armchair in a stand-out color can make a big impact in a small space.

- Kristin Hohenadel blogging from rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, France. She can be reached at kristinh @ apartmenttherapy . com