White Sofas Are Fine, but Novak and Jelena Djokovic Prove This Misunderstood Neutral Is a Smarter Investment – It's So Forgiving
Far from uninspired, this flexible shade serves as a chic canvas for endless styling choices
Few design decisions are as divisive as a sofa color, especially when navigating the controversial world of neutrals. Gray, cream, white, or stone have a habit of splitting opinions – but the latter has a particular habit of impressing designers and a certain tennis star.
In Novak and Jelena Djokovic's living room – located inside their mansion in the Sierra Blanca hills of Marbella, Spain – this often-misunderstood neutral has never felt quite so powerful. Jelena reportedly aligned the estate with mindful Feng Shui principles, meaning it's a masterclass in quiet luxury that feels as good as it looks. This begins with their living room sofa.
Instead of opting for a classic white (or more vibrant color trend), the couple anchored their minimalist space with a soft, stone-colored couch. It’s a deliberate design choice that perfectly bridges the gap between elevated Mediterranean style and the realities of their family life.
It's also easy to follow their example. The Emilio Gray Recessed Arm Sofa at Wayfair is my favorite piece inspired by the couple. It exhibits that same stony hue, while the low-profile base is almost as inviting as the one in their space.
This is the ultimate chameleon sofa. With its low-profile silhouette, chunky block feet, and deep, generously proportioned seat, it has the same relaxed appeal as the one in Djokovic's home. The loose, reversible cushions make it as practical as it is comfortable.
A light gray sofa really comes to life when it's layered with rich, tactile textures rather than bold color. This hand-loomed throw is exactly the kind of finishing touch designers reach for, with its beautifully soft baby alpaca blend and subtle heathered weave. It's the perfect sofa accompaniment.
The Axis is one of those sofas designers return to again and again for a reason. Its clean track arms and low-slung back cushions create a relaxed, understated silhouette that feels quietly luxurious. Much like Djokovic's couch, it acts as a beautifully made foundation piece.
If you're not ready to commit to a stone gray sofa, these throw pillow covers are an easy place to start. Sold as a set of four, they subtly introduce color, while the invisible zipper gives each cushion a tailored finish. It's one of the simplest ways to refresh a living room without a major investment.
I'm always drawn to sheer curtains for the way they soften a room without ever feeling heavy, as shown in Djokovic's living room. These airy panels gently diffuse natural light, making a space feel brighter, calmer, and instantly more expansive.
If you love more vintage-inspired interiors, these lace curtains are a beautiful way to soften a living room, similar to Djokovic. The delicate sheer fabric gently filters natural light, creating a bright, airy feel while adding just the right amount of romantic charm.
To understand why this specific palette has such immense staying power beyond the Djokovic household, look no further than the enduring flexibility of a true gray foundation.
'If you're in the market for a sofa, going with gray upholstery will always be a timeless choice,' says Leah Garczynski, the owner and principal designer of 13th Avenue Interiors, a South Minneapolis-based interior design studio. 'Gray is not a trend; it's a neutral color, making it a flexible option that can be layered with any pillows, rugs, or decor over the lifespan of the sofa.'
For those worried that a stone or gray sofa palette might feel cold or limited, Leah points out that the sheer variety of tones allows it to morph into any aesthetic.
'Gray is available in many shades, both light and dark, cool and warm, making it a winning choice to fit with all types of design style from modern to traditional,' she explains.
Crucially for busy living rooms (like Djokovic's), it also bridges the gap between high design and daily life – hidden paws, spills, and all.
'Nothing beats grey for hiding inevitable wear and tear; it's a forgiving color that neutralizes imperfections better than white or tan,' Leah adds. 'A sofa is a large investment in a home. Most homeowners want something that they'll still love a decade from now, and gray is one of those colors.'
Whether you lean towards a lighter stone gray like Novak and Jelena Djokovic, or go for something slightly darker, this hue is the perfect base for enjoying what's left of Wimbledon. Pair with strawberries and cream, naturally.
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