Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos's Color-Drenched Lounge Is (Without a Doubt) the Bravest Space I've Seen This Year – It's a Study in Dark, Daring Tones

This lounge proves that when done with intention, drenching a room in a single bold color can create a drama that lingers long after you leave

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos
(Image credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Los Angeles LGBT Center)

Color drenching, the art of using a single hue (or closely related tone) to cover all surfaces and elements within a room, is one of the riskiest decorating techniques you can follow. However, when done well, it can leave an impression that resonates. An example of such is found in Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos's New York home, where their black lounge makes an utterly unforgettable statement.

The couple's media longe, designed by William Sofield and his team at Studio Sofield, is the finest example of the 'color drenching' method I've seen this year. As a celebrity style editor, I've seen countless twists on this technique, but Kelly and Mark's rich, black space is the most daring.

Shop the black lounge edit

Drenching your lounge in black, including your walls and large furnishings, is one of the bravest things you can do. However, if you love Kelly and Mark's look, but don't want to go as bold as they do, you can still draw inspiration from their palette. Top designers agree.

'While black can seem overwhelming to incorporate into an interior scheme, it can also perfectly tie a room together and make a unique design statement, especially when used on the walls,' comments Bo Hellberg, the CMO at String Furniture. If you don't want to paint your walls, incorporate smaller accessories (such as this stunning cushion, inspired by Kelly's sofa), or get creative with your shelving.

'Why not bring an element of drama to your living room with a dark feature wall or incorporate a subtle hint with your shelf? Either way, this elegant colourway is utterly timeless and promises to stand the test of time,' Bo recommends.

This color trend takes courage, but when styled correctly, you're left with a memorable room that will linger in all your guests' minds. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos's lounge is my new favorite blueprint.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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