I Was Shocked to See Primary Colors in Zoe Kravitz's Chic Brooklyn Loft – But She She Make These Bold Shades Cool, Not Childish
Red and Yellow might be a hard sell if you like your interiors to feel sophisticated, but it is possible if you take a leaf from Zoe Kravitz's book
Zoe Kravitz is one of those actors who emanates cool sophistication. Her sartorial style is refined and understated (unlike her fashion chameleon beau, Harry Styles, and rockstar dad, Lenny Kravitz), but she often surprises us with boho twists, intriguing cuts or unexpected flashes of color. And, it seems, this aesthetic is reflected strongly in her Brooklyn loft apartment, too – it's subtly decorated in neutral hues and natural materials, but punctuated by accent pieces in two bold primary colors.
The combination of red and yellow in Zoe Kravitz's loft living room brings a sense of her expressive personality to her home, but in her signature understated way, through the addition of small decorative pieces. I've rounded up and created an edit of red and yellow accent pieces for you to shop the star's look, from her exact Raawii statement bowl to an under $20 retro-look IKEA lamp, which comes in red or yellow.
Article continues belowShop Zoe Kravitz's Yellow and Red Look
This is the exact match for Zoe's bright earthenware bowl. We also found this Raawii Omar bowl at Net a Porter) and while it's currently sold out, it's worth keeping an eye on in case it comes back.
From the same makers of the Omar bowl this piece is bold and vibrant, whilst the matte finish ensures a sense of sophistication and restraint. Fill with sculptural blooms like Cala lilies.
Your choice of coffee table book can not only reflect your personality but also play into your color scheme. Choose those with your selected accent shades to leave out on display for a design moment.
With it's boucle texture and vibrant marigold hue, this spherical throw pillow fulfils both form and function bringing a modern silhouette and a cozy feel to a cool loft apartment like Zoe Kravitz's.
Also available in bright yellow (the choice is yours) this simple retro-style table lamp will bring a timeless design quality and a splash of color to a neutral or pared-back living room like Zoe Kravitz's.
This piece by Christina Flowers is both organic and modern, reflecting the flowing shapes seen in Zoe Kravitz's living room wall art, whilst the varying yellow tones bring movement to the piece.
What we love about Zoe Kravitz's lost space is the unexpected additions of primary colors which are dotted in through art, ceramics, and other decorative accessories. Whilst it feels unusual to see them in a pared-back setting like the actor's neutral living space, the clever repetition of the shades makes it feel intentional and design-led.
'Primary colors are a great way to bring personality into a neutral living room without overwhelming it,' explains Amber Guyton, TV Personality, Founder and Principal Designer at Blessed Little Bungalow. 'I love introducing them through art, ceramics, or small decorative objects because they create impact while still letting the room breathe.'
Of all the primary color pairings, red and yellow feels like one of the bravest and when it comes to Zoe Kravitz's living room design there's also an emotional and considered reason behind her color choices. 'Yellow is such a happy, energetic color. It instantly brightens a space and brings a sense of optimism,' offers Amber. 'Red is where things get really fun. Because of the unexpected red theory, even a small pop of red can create a moment of surprise and make a space feel more dynamic.
From a design perspective, red and yellow act as visual punctuation. drawing the eye and creating contrast in a neutral space. Anthony Church, Interiors Consultant at Sports Art Direct, elaborates: 'Primary colors are instantly legible. They look confident, graphic, and direct, and they can cut through a sea of neutrals without relying on complicated pattern. They also work across styles, from minimal spaces where colour becomes the main visual punctuation, to more traditional rooms where a single clear colour moment can modernise the feel without changing everything else.'
Amber adds: 'The key is using these colors with intention, letting them show up as thoughtful accents that punctuate the room rather than compete with it.' In the case of Zoe Kravitz's living room, natural wood beams, exposed brickwork, and linen upholstery create the canvas for these accent colors to shine.
Michaele Simmering, Founder and Creative Director of Kalon Studios, explains: We often use saturated color in contrast with natural materials like wood, stone, or linen, where the brightness highlights the texture and warmth of the space rather than competing with it. When the proportions are right, there’s a beautiful tension between color and material that makes the room feel both grounded and alive.'
When it comes to accent color ideas, like Zoe Kravitz's use of red and yellow in her neutral loft, they are a wonderful way to bring character and personality into your home and enliven a minimal or pared-back space. Just remember to apply them with restraint to create balance rather than overwhelm.
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