She Broke Every Rule in the Black-Room Handbook, Yet Miley Cyrus’ Bold Velvet Sofa Makes Her Living Room Feel Both Cozy and Majestic

A bold pairing of colors that shouldn’t work somehow makes Miley’s living room feel warm and luxurious

Miley Cyrus
(Image credit: Arturo Holmes via Getty Images)

In the world of interiors and fashion, the list of 'shoulds' and 'shouldn'ts' regarding the color black is endless. Common rules suggest avoiding it in small spaces or never pairing it with brown or navy, yet Miley Cyrus has never been one to be bound by convention.

As the winter months settle in and we naturally gravitate toward cocooning interiors, the singer has tossed the rule book aside in her Los Angeles living room. By pairing a plush purple velvet sofa with matte black walls, she has created a space that feels both daring and incredibly cozy for the season.

The Purple Living Room Edit

To ensure the room remains balanced during shorter, darker days, Cyrus placed the majestic purple sofa beneath a large round window to capture the available natural light. She keeps these dark living room color combinations interesting by contrasting the raw texture of the walls with the luxurious softness of the velvet.

Though the choice is bold, choosing this couch color is nothing to fear. Westchester-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein explains: 'Incorporating boldly colored furniture into a neutral or minimalist space can be an exciting way to add personality and dimension without compromising the room’s overall sophistication. The key lies in finding the perfect balance – allowing the bold pieces to make a statement while maintaining the serene, uncluttered feel of the surrounding design.'

If you are hoping to recreate this look for a mid-winter home refresh, paring back is essential.

Lichtenstein advises: 'To maintain sophistication, stick to one or two bold colors and repeat them sparingly throughout the room. For instance, if your sofa is a vibrant emerald green, tie it in with smaller accents like throw pillows, a vase, or artwork in similar tones. Keeping a cohesive palette prevents the design from feeling chaotic.'

Attention to shapes and lines is also vital when working with high-contrast palettes. 'When working with bold colors, lean toward furniture with clean, timeless lines,' recommends Lichtenstein.

'Minimalist silhouettes prevent bright pieces from looking overly trendy and help them blend harmoniously into the space. A cobalt blue armchair with simple lines will feel modern and refined, while ornate or overly detailed designs might clash with the room’s simplicity.'

Ultimately, design rules were made to be broken. With a little forward thought and attention to detail, subverting convention is an excellent way to create a unique home that is full of character and warmth.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

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.