9 Bright and Colorful Couches Your Living Room Needs

On a recent visit, B+C's VP of Content, Ali Ives, and I wandered into Somme and were instantly smitten. Imagine cottagecore with depth, where antique treasures meet bold, layered styling that feels both timeless and unexpected.

Francesca is a master at crafting vintage-inspired spaces with a distinct, modern POV. Here, she shares insights on her design philosophy, her latest collaborations, and her stunning transformation of a $24 million estate now on the market.

B+C: How would you define your aesthetic?

Francesca: I’d define my aesthetic as eclectic, nostalgic, and unexpected. It’s about mixing eras, textures and patterns in a way that feels curated and collected over time — like stepping into a space with history and soul.

B+C: How do you make a space feel one-of-a-kind?

Francesca: I love designing spaces that have depth and a bit of tension, whether it’s a balance of feminine and masculine, vintage and modern, or soft and bold. To make a space personal, I lean into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces — antiques, art with a story, textiles that feel lived-in. I want it to feel like someone’s life has unfolded there, not like a staged set.

B+C: What's the strangest or most surprising source of inspiration you've ever drawn from?

Francesca:I love wandering through European flea markets, where every object has a history, or getting lost in an old city and noticing the way time has shaped its architecture. Even something as simple as the tilework in a tiny café or the way laundry hangs between buildings can spark an idea. LA still influences me in the way it blends so many cultures and eras, but traveling pushes me to see design through a different lens — less polished, more lived-in, always with a story to tell.

B+C: What is your design pet-peeve?

Francesca: Anything that feels too sterile or overly "designed" with no personality. I’m also so over the idea that everything has to be beige to be timeless — give me color, give me texture, give me something with character!

B+C: You recently staged and styled a 6-bed, 9-bath Spanish-Mediterranean Bel Air Estate that just hit the market for $24M. What were your design goals for this Bel Air project, which leans into the more neutral territory?

Francesca: Our goal was to use our furniture and décor to enhance the home’s Spanish-Mediterranean elegance while introducing a sense of modern livability. We wanted every piece to feel intentional — respecting the architecture while making the space feel fresh, inviting, and effortlessly luxurious.

Francesca: To achieve this, I partnered with home decor brand Olive Ateliers and leaned into organic textures and warm, neutral tones. Soft linen upholstery, sculptural wood accents, and vintage-inspired statement pieces brought depth and a sense of history, ensuring the interiors felt collected rather than staged.

Francesca: In spaces like the living and dining areas, we focused on balancing grandeur with intimacy — placing oversized, plush seating to emphasize comfort while layering in antique and contemporary elements to create visual intrigue. The use of ceramic vessels, textured textiles, and aged metals further complemented the home’s natural materials.

Francesca: For the bedrooms, we aimed for elevated serenity, incorporating soft, layered bedding and curated accent furniture to create a retreat-like atmosphere.

Francesca: Overall, the staging was designed to bridge the past and present, celebrating the home’s timeless craftsmanship while making it feel approachable and effortless for modern living.

B+C: You recently worked with designer Amr Samaha of Samaha Studio on his latest project, an eco-conscious ranchette in Beverly Hills. He said he pulled heavily from his Egyptian background, citing the mashrabiya-inspired front door as an example of the textures and tones of historic Cairo. "Every decision, from materials to layout, was made with the intention to tell a cohesive story," he said. How did you stage the home to complete the story?

Francesca: For the Beverly Hills project at 1300 Shadybrook Drive, our aim was to stage the home in a way that accentuated its contemporary architecture and designer fixtures while creating an inviting and aspirational atmosphere for potential buyers.

In the living room, we placed a plush, earth-toned seating arrangement to complement the home's incredible steel fireplace and built-in cabinetry. To add a little extra warmth and character to the living room I added these gorgeous Myrtle Accent Chairs from Arhaus that I felt really elevated the space.

Francesca: In the dining room I wanted it to feel really funky and eclectic so we added some really fun sculptural dining chairs from Neue Maison. We brought in some incredible art by CLEW and Kader Boly that really amplify the appeal of the home.

Francesca: For the bedrooms, we aimed to create serene retreats by using soft, layered bedding and understated decor while still infusing some pops of color. I wanted the bedrooms to provide a sense of luxury while still feeling like cozy and warm.

Francesca: Throughout the home, we utilized accessories such as ceramic vases, greenery, and area rugs to add depth and cohesion to the overall design. Our goal was to present a lifestyle that potential buyers could envision themselves enjoying, thereby enhancing the home's appeal.

Follow Francesca Grace Home for more design inspiration!

Not sure how to describe your home aesthetic? Take cues from these stunning spaces in Defining Style, which comes out on March 18, 2025. Plus add the book to your coffee book collection for more design style inspiration.

Here are all the trending interior design styles you need to know for 2025!

Biophilic

If your home feels like a tranquil, nature-infused retreat like this Richmond, VA home of artist and designer Audra Kiewiet de Jonge, you're leaning into biophilic design. This design style is filled with organic shapes, lush greenery, and natural materials to create a serene sanctuary. A natural indoor-outdoor flow is also something you'll covet in this design style.

Tailored

Like a tailored suit, these rooms pay attention to the finer details. Freund says its unfussy and clutter-free and incorporates luxury elements like stone and leather. Designer Natalia Miyar designed this tailored London penthouse that's featured in Defining Style.

Modernist

If you favor simplicity, functionality, and clean lines, this design style rooted in the early 20th century is your core aesthetic. Modernism emphasizes open spaces, minimal ornamentation, and the use of modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete. Form follows function, with a focus on practicality but also really great design. Here is an example in Defining Style from designer Naoki Terada's Tokyo, Japan home.

Coastal

Organic materials inspired by seaside living delivers an elevated coastal decor. This Sydney, Australia home designed by Greg Natale embraces the views of the sea with rich textures and neutral decor with splashes of organic elements.

Textured

I'm in love with this former Harlem rectory designed by GRT Architects. The layers of textures from leather to wool to wood and glossy surfaces defines this design style and delivers a truly sensory experience.

Monochrome

If there is a single hue you fully embrace in a room or your entire home, monochrome is the definition of your design style. It's bold and unapologetic. This family villa in Amsterdam was designed by Atelier ND Interior in the perfect pink hue.

Contemporary

Freund describes this aesthetic as a "melting pot" that blends elements from the past with trendy pieces, colors, and materials. Casa Muñoz, the Madrid-based apartment of Spanish supermodel Eugenia Silva, was designed by wife-and-husband team Mafalda Muñoz and Gonzalo Machado with this aesthetic in mind.

Tropical

Climate plays a crucial role in design, especially in tropical regions, where homes must be thoughtfully designed to adapt to and limit its effects. Covered porches, concrete and tile flooring, and an invisible line between indoors and out define this decor style. Anita Calero makes it look effortlessly elegant in this Colombia home.

Rustic

Rustic is about being ok with the imperfections and embracing natural beauty with raw, organic elements like weathered wood, stone, and earthy tones. It celebrates a cozy, lived-in feel, a place you can kick up your heels and just chill. It also has a Scandi vibe as in this Maja Dixdotter-designed Swedish country home.

Deco Inspired

You may have elements of the Art Deco aesthetic in your space as it has a timeless elegance to it with sleek lines, luxe materials, and geometric patterns. Freund describes it as the most glamorous design style of the 20th century that's also rooted in modern design principles. This quintessential Art Deco apartment in Chicago was designed by Steven Gambrel.

Mountain

This design style is all about woodsy charm with exposed wood beams, stone fireplaces, and cozy textures like sheepskin and wool. Surrounded by breathtaking views, mountain homes like this farmhouse in the U.K. designed by Aldridge & Supple feel like a total escape.

Neutral

If you prefer aQuiet Luxury aesthetic, this design style is your preferred taste. With neutral tones, everything from furniture form to luxe and textured materials become the stars of the show. This Milan palazzo designed by Vincenzo De Cotiis is neutral but not at all understated.

Maximal

Maximalist design celebrates creativity and individuality with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and layered textures. If you can't commit to a style this is a design style for you. It mixes eras with eclectic decor to create a visually dynamic space. This is the maximal São Paulo, Brazil home of designer Sig Bergamin.

Timeless

Stemming from a neoclassical style, timeless design styles look to "balance, symmetry, and proportion," says Freund. It's a refined look with decorative details, as illustrated in this family home in the U.K designed by VSP Interiors.

Find more design styles, from Collected to Floral, in Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design by Joan Barzilay Freund (Phaidon).

The Battle of the Darcy's: Matthew Macfadyen VS. Colin Firth

In this week's episode of Yap City, we're talking all things Pride & Prejudice, Mr. Darcy, and historical romance. The 2005 adaptation starring Keira Knightley as Lizzy Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy (which turns 20 on November 11) is returning to select theaters April 20.

"I've grown to love the 2005 version with Keira Knightley more just because it makes me feel so deeply and I just always feel so many butterflies in my stomach by the end," I say in the latest episode. "I feel like it's more a more emotional depiction of the story."

"I'm definitely team 2005," Kayla agrees. "I just think the cast of 2005 is better in my opinion, and it does a good job of being like ethereal and just fully immersing you into what I imagine Jane Austen's world was or what she wanted it to be when she was writing."

Both the 2005 and the 1995 Pride & Prejudice give us some seriously swoon-worthy moments from Mr. Darcy like Colin Firth diving into a lake or Matthew Macfadyen walking through the fog. "Every single time, no matter how many times I watch it, I always think the camera is going to pan or it's gonna cut to Elizabeth," I say. "Something about it just makes me feel at peace."

But there's nothing as immortal as Mr. Darcy's hand flex.

What does Mr. Darcy's hand flex mean?

One of the most enduring moments from the movie (if not in 21st century cinema) is when Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth into a carriage, and then flexes his hand as he walks back into the house. But what does the hand flex mean?

"He was so affected by touching her hand, because men and women didn't really touch unless it was moments like you were helping them into the carriage or escorting them somewhere," Kayla points out. But that's not the only reason she loves Matthew's version of Mr. Darcy over Colin Firth's.

"I just think he fully captured [the] gentleness that he had towards her while also maintaining that straightforward bluntness that kind of has you wonder if he's rude or if that's just how he is," she continues.

"Matthew has really grown on me because I feel like he has a sweetness that some of the other adaptations didn't give me as a viewer or I didn't pick up on them in the same way," I agree. "When you reach the end of the 2005 Pride & Prejudice, and even when you rewatch, you can identify that he really is just uncomfortable and anxious instead of just straight mean."

Where can I watch Pride & Prejudice 2005?

Pride & Prejudice is re-releasing in theaters for a limited time starting April 20, 2025. You can also stream it on Netflix right now.

Who's in the Pride & Prejudice cast?

The Pride & Prejudice cast makes this one of the best movies of the 2000s. Here's who you'll see in the movie:

• Keira Knightley as Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bennet: an intelligent, headstrong woman determined to marry for love.
• Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy: the new wealthy bachelor in town who appears to have a chip on his shoulder.
• Rosamund Pike as Jane Bennet: Lizzy's romantic and gentle older sister who falls for Mr. Bingley.
• Simon Woods as Charles Bingley: Mr. Darcy's friendly and kind best friend who falls for Jane.
• Rupert Friend as George Wickham: a mysterious figure from Darcy's past who turns Lizzy's head.
• Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet: Lizzy's dramatic mother who wants to see all five of her daughters married.
• Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennet: Lizzy's quiet father who loves to sit and read in his study.
• Jena Malone as Lydia Bennet: Lizzy's youngest sister whose behavior borders on scandalous.
• Carey Mulligan as Catherine "Kitty" Bennet: Lizzy's second-youngest sister who feels overshadowed by Lydia.
• Talulah Riley as Mary Bennet: The studious middle Bennet sister who plays the piano.
• Tom Hollander as Mr. Collins: a Bennet cousin who's next in line to inherit their home.
• Judi Dench as Lady Catherine de Bourgh: Mr. Darcy's wealthy and esteemed aunt.
• Kelly Reilly as Caroline Bingley: Mr. Bingley's sister.
• Tamzin Merchant as Georgiana Darcy: Mr. Darcy's younger sister.
• Claudie Blakley as Charlotte Lucas: Lizzy's best friend.
• Cornelius Booth as Colonel Fitzwilliam: Mr. Darcy's cousin.
• Penelope Wilton as Mrs. Gardiner: Lizzy's aunt.
• Peter Wight as Mr. Gardiner: Lizzy's uncle.