Miley Cyrus breaks a cardinal decorating rule with her velvet sofa color – but it's a surprisingly majestic complement to her black living room

In the world of interiors and fashion, there are hundreds of rules about what can go with black. From not using it in small spaces, to not pairing it with brown or navy, the list of 'shoulds' and 'shouldn'ts' is endless.

Luckily, Miley Cyrus has never appeared bound by convention. The singer tosses the rule book aside in her Los Angeles living room by pairing a purple velvet sofa with black walls, and it's stunning. Though the living room color idea seems too dark in theory, in practice, it's a masterclass in decorating with moody tones.

It's no surprise that Cyrus's space feels so personal when the design was created by her mother, Tish Cyrus. To ensure balance, Cyrus placed the majestic purple sofa underneath a large round window. She keeps dark color combinations interesting by mixing textured walls with the softness of the velvet couch.

The Purple Sofa Edit

Though the color choice is bold, choosing this couch color is not something to be afraid of. Westchester-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein explains: 'Incorporating boldly colored furniture into a neutral or minimalist space can be an exciting way to add personality and dimension without compromising the room’s overall sophistication. The key lies in finding the perfect balance—allowing the bold pieces to make a statement while maintaining the serene, uncluttered feel of the surrounding design.'

If you're hoping to recreate Cyrus's living room, paring back is key. Lichtenstein advises: 'To maintain sophistication, stick to one or two bold colors and repeat them sparingly throughout the room. For instance, if your sofa is a vibrant emerald green, tie it in with smaller accents like throw pillows, a vase, or artwork in similar tones. Keeping a cohesive palette prevents the design from feeling chaotic.'

Attention to shapes and lines is also essential. 'When working with bold colors, lean toward furniture with clean, timeless lines,' recommends Lichtenstein. 'Minimalist silhouettes prevent bright pieces from looking overly trendy and help them blend harmoniously into the space. A cobalt blue armchair with simple lines will feel modern and refined, while ornate or overly detailed designs might clash with the room’s simplicity.'

Design rules were made to be broken. With a little forward thought, balance, and attention to detail, subverting convention can be an amazing way to create a unique space that is full of character.