Barack and Michelle Obama's neutral accent chair is the perfect living room focal point – you can recreate their serene style in any-sized home

This designer-approved essential fits into every modern living room – it's beautiful enough to stand alone, while pairing well with your favorite cushion

Michelle Obama
(Image credit: NAACP via Getty Images)

Despite often being scrutinized by designers, neutrals are a failsafe decorating tool, especially when it comes to accent chairs. If anybody makes a case, it's Michelle Obama, whose cozy living room exemplifies the power of a classic neutral chair—better described as the focal point of the entire space.

Michelle opted for a cream accent chair hue, and there's no denying that this color is a safe bet. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it's boring. The former First Lady reminds us just how impactful cream can be – both in anchoring a room, and creating a soft base perfect for layering.

In Michelle's case, she has paired her chair with an intricately patterned red rug, a deep wooden coffee table, and flowers, all contributing to a cozy living room aesthetic. The chair allows these colors room to breathe, while the silhouette serves as a focal point. It's the perfect look for any living space, even in the smallest of homes.

Shop the neutral accent chair edit

The versatility of a cream accent chair has made it a favorite among homeowners (like Barack and Michelle, evidently) for decades. However, its appeal is not set to waver, as design experts emphasize.

'A neutral accent chair is an ideal piece for any interior design due to its versatile hue that complements other color schemes,' comments Paulina Wojas, Interior Designer at Stunning Chairs. 'Its soft, simple tone can create a calming and inviting space; however, a neutral chair can be enhanced by layering textures and vibrant hues for a bolder statement.'

Since Michelle is pictured in the chair, we can't see how she's styled the piece, but as Paulina explains, it's hard to go wrong.

'Opt for textured cushions and throws with colours and patterns to add visual interest,' she says. 'Placing a rug underneath the chair [like Michelle Obama] is a great way to add warmth and texture. Use the chair’s surroundings to enhance it; for example, hang a wall art near it and place a side table and lamp beside it. This creates a stylish and cosy aesthetic, emphasising the accent chair as the focal piece of the room.'

One last styling tip? Decorate with cushions and throws that play with your favorite colors and align with your interior taste. 'This elevates the accent chair while creating a space that feels authentic to you.'


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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