Serena Williams's Red, Pink, and Green Statement Sofa Was a Declaration of Flamboyant Palm Beach Style in the Early 2000s – Now, The Bold Look is Trending Again

An archival image from 2005 reveals an unexpectedly bright couch in the tennis great's Florida home – it sheds light on 2026 sofa trends and how to recreate them

serena williams and her dogs on her striped sofa
(Image credit:  Animal Fair Media via Getty Images)

As the '20 Year Rule' dictates, trends tend to resurface about two decades after their initial rise to popularity. Thus, as we enter 2026, we're keeping an eye on the early 2000s. The oughties were a time of maximalism with gallery walls, metallics, and statement lighting ruling the roost.

However, out of all the returning 2000s trends, the accent sofa is our absolute favorite, and Serena Williams's pink, red, and green couch is the perfect example.

serena williams on a striped sofa with her dogs

(Image credit:  Animal Fair Media via Getty Images)

As we look forward to 2026 interior design trends, designers say that Serena Williams's look is right in line with what's popular, predicting 'pattern play' as an upcoming style. Whether you integrate this look with an accent sofa as seen in Serena Williams's home or through more subtle accents, the point is embracing a touch of maximalism in every space.

Magdalena Gierasinska, design expert at Barker & Stonehouse advises: 'Don’t be afraid to play with pattern and personality in your décor. Mix bold prints with subtle textures, or layer stripes, florals, and geometric patterns to create depth and character.'

Recreate Serena's Look at Home With The Striped Edit

As the stripes edit demonstrates, there are dozens of options for pulling in a touch of Serena's 2005 look into your home. Magdalena explains: 'Whether it’s a statement wall, patterned upholstery, or accessories with flair, experimenting with pattern can transform any space. Whether you start small with a fun lamp, or decorative cushion, or go all out, pattern is the easiest way to bring creativity and charm into your home.'


Stripes and bold colors will always be a simple option for brightening and uplifting a room. However you decide to tap into the look, examining the styles of the early 2000s gives insight into how to make maximalist décor chic.


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.