I Wasn't Sold on Green Furniture, but Valentino's '70s Living Room Sofas Have Me Convinced: The Shade is Timeless
Valentino's '70s living room uses green strategically, from the ornate sofas to the gorgeous houseplants, for a space that feels fresh as ever
The late Valentino Garavani was known for his impeccable sense of fashion, first and foremost, but it turns out his home followed suit. The late, great designer's living space, as documented in 1974, is ornate and unmistakably green – both in its use of plants and its colorful furniture.
The ornate room features white-painted walls, which contrast with the green sofas and gorgeous, potted plants, while a chartreuse, framed Picasso complements the color scheme perfectly.
Decorating with green is widely practiced for good reason: the color blurs the line between neutral and vibrant, bringing just the right amount of playful energy to a room.
Shop the Green Sofa Edit
Experience ultimate comfort and relaxation with this generously sized sofa, inspired by Valentino's piece. Featuring plush cushioning and a supportive ergonomic backrest. Crafted with premium polyester linen and high-density foam, it offers easy maintenance for everyday living.
Scatter pillows will always dial up the comfort factor. Start with a few green lumbar pillows, then layer in patterned accent pillows for added interest and depth.
Complement your sofa with a stylish ottoman like this one from Wayfair. It features a hidden storage compartment, making it easy to keep your space neat, organized, and clutter-free.
You don’t need a new sofa to take a page from Valentino's playbook in your living room. Try using this pillow to experiment with the look. Its deep green hue pops beautifully against a neutral couch, and the velvet-like texture adds a cozy, inviting touch.
A refreshing yet cozy shade, this moss green throw pillow complements any sofa, from cream linen to rich chocolate brown. Pair it with a moss green sofa for a harmonious mix of green tones.
Set on a wooden base, this upholstered futon sofa features a padded design with accent pillows to provide ample comfort as you lie back and unwind. Perfect to seat up to three people, it makes an elegant addition to any living room.
While incorporating plants into your living room is a great way to introduce the shade without opening a paint can, we are partial to the bold, green furniture that Valentino's space has on full display, and design experts agree that this is a strong design move.
'A plush green sofa can transform your living space, making it feel like a serene retreat where you’re enveloped by the comforts of nature,' designer Nina Lichtenstein explains. 'By carefully selecting complementary colors and thoughtfully styling your space, you can create a living room that is both beautiful and inviting.'
Valentino's space is undeniably one-of-a-kind, covered in lavish antiques and ornate soft furnishings. While its character is evident, to make the striking look feel liveable, introduce subtle pops of green amongst more luxurious decor. This muted, upholstered sofa from Wayfair is a fantastic find, while the Helene velvet storage ottoman would give any living space a luxe, Valentino-esque feel.
Balancing luxury with liveability, the green sofas are a timeless addition to Valentino's living room that balance out the more luxurious details. If you're looking to freshen up your living room, green furniture, accessories, or paintings are clearly the way to go without leaning too colorful or neutral.
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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.