I Wasn't Convinced on Pantone's Cloud Dancer, But Alicia Silverstone's Living Room Has Me Thinking that White is an Inventive Color Choice

Alicia's white sofa is an anchor for her living space, adding just the right amount of lightness and texture to keep it visually intriguing

Alicia Silverstone
(Image credit: Amy Sussman via Getty Images)

I'll be honest: when I found out Pantone's Color of the Year for 2026 was a pure white (Cloud Dancer), I wasn't really sure how to feel. I understand the appeal and versatility of a white wall as much as the next person, but I wondered how interesting this hue could get.

Alicia Silverstone's living room (as seen on her Instagram page) has made me reconsider my opinion. Her white, cloud couches create an airy, luxe feel in the space, complemented by patterned cushions and an ornate chandelier.

Shop the White Living Room Edit

While painting the walls white is a go-to for many of us, design insiders say that furnishings and accessories, like sofas, can be just as impactful.

'Accessories play a key role in weaving Cloud Dancer throughout the home without overwhelming the palette,' Josh Branigan, a furniture and home interiors expert at homeware retailer Cuckooland, explains. 'Tonal whites, creams and soft neutrals used in cushions, throws, ceramics and decorative pieces add gentle variation and visual interest.'

He continues, 'Textured storage, off-white lampshades, frosted glass lighting and tactile tableware enhance the depth of the palette, contributing to a space that feels warm, cohesive and effortlessly refined. Even something as simple as a ceramic lamp placed on a bedside table can subtly echo the shade, allowing Cloud Dancer to resonate throughout the home in a way that feels natural and beautifully considered.'

To achieve the look, start with a cloud couch, like this upholstered one from Wayfair. Adorn it with cushions, like this one from Amazon with some sweet fringe, or this linen one from Lulu and Georgia for a bit of contrast. When in doubt, look to Alicia's living room for the ultimate blueprint. We promise, this sofa hue will look just as stylish in a decade from now.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.