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We've been helping a family member redecorate their living room and the first major purchase for the space was a new sofa--a new dark leather sofa. Our taste doesn't usually lean to leather so, initially, it threw us for a loop so far as picking furniture and finishes for the rest of the space.


Vote here then jump below to see what we've suggested pairing with this sofa...

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Not to be stereotypical but dark leather sofas look a little masculine to us. This is the pairing from the catalogue where the sofa was purchased--surrounded by greens and tans--but we've started our own sample board, trying to create a softer, more sophisticated family space that reflects the man and the woman who live there.


Step One: Counteract the dark leather with a soft yet substantial color on the walls and other surfaces. We chose a rich blue gray to saturate the room and compliment the dark brown leather as well as the cream, wall-to-wall carpet. The blue gray will also be brought in on the new tiled fireplace.
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Step Two: Choose other furniture that compliments the build of the sofa without matching it. We chose the Quinn Chair from Room & Board because it has a substantial mass but without looking too heavy or bulky. The dark feet relate to the sofa but a lighter fabric adds contrast.
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Step Three: Try adding a small dose of leather in another corner of the space to give the sofa something to relate to. Also, play with complimentary textures. This space has a home office so we suggested a slim leather dining chair in a poppy accent color to relate to the leather sofa in the living area. Also, instead of a coffee table, we're suggesting these little storage cubes in a light, nubby fabric from West Elm.
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Step Four: Have fun with light, colorful fabrics in a range of patterns. Because we chose a solid chair and ottoman, we're suggesting bold patterned pillows and throws to break up the solids in the space but really, it works both ways.
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We think this room should shape up nicely (and not too manly at all). How would you decorate around a dark leather sofa?

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