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

Valentino Garavani
(Image credit: Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic via Getty Images)

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.

Valentino Garavani's living room

(Image credit: Horst P. Horst/Conde Nast via Getty Images)

Shop the Green Sofa Edit

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.

Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

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.