Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis's '50s living room featured the mid-century material designers are still obsessed with – it's utterly timeless
A beloved design hero made an appearance in the couple's living room in 1959 – 65 years later, it's still going strong


Some materials date a home, while others cannot be placed in time due to their constant popularity. Bouclé falls into the latter category.
For instance, apart from the fact that the image is in black and white, the following photograph of Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis's living room (featuring a cameo from baby Jamie Lee Curtis!) could have been taken in 2025.
The gallery wall and neutral curtains feel strikingly contemporary, but the couple's embrace of the boucle trend is what really sets it apart.
Boucle, translating to 'loop' or 'curl' in French, has been popular since the middle of the 20th century for the way it adds subtle texture to a home. Janet and Tony's living room sofa idea does just this. Its nubby material adds interest to the matte walls and differentiates itself from the shimmery curtains.
Shop the Bouclé Edit
This mid-century modern boucle sofa is perfect for bringing some curve and texture into your living room. Its large size is ideal for family and friends.
The ideal accent seat, in our opinion. Soft but sturdy, in a gorgeous, burnt-orange meets brown hue, the price is right on this piece of furniture. It's the most accessible way to tap into the retro trend and make a statement while doing so – and it's designed by Drew Barrymore, in case we need any more reason to make the investment.
If you aren't interested in buying new arm chairs but you want to integrate this look, a rounded cushion like this one from Wayfair is the perfect way to tap into the look without breaking the bank. I love how this one has the lines, just like the Paulin Paulin Paulin chair.
In 2026, Janet and Tony's sofa material is growing even more popular as an interior design trend. Erica Flynn, Executive Director of Creative Services at Graber explains: 'Homeowners are craving spaces that feel comfortable, purposeful, and grounded in heritage, but with clean lines and modern conveniences.'
Erica refers to this shift as the turn towards 'nostalgia meets timeless elegance.' She advises: 'Think heritage-inspired craftsmanship with a modern twist. Stained wood blinds and drapery in luxurious textiles like chenille, boucle, or corduroy paired with woven wood shades in earthy tones create warmth while honoring classic style.'
As the years go by, boucle remains at the top of designers' lists.
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Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.
In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.
Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
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