Robbie Williams' curated use of bold furniture perfects this smart color psychology theory – experts say it has a 'profound' impact on a living room

When planning a minimalist living room, boldy-hued furnishings are not likely to top your agenda. However, Robbie Williams' home may have just made a case for this unexpected, almost contractionary design choice.

While the singer (in collaboration with Godrich Interiors) opted for a primarily neutral base for his minimalist living room, he has introduced bolder hues through his furniture. Most notably, the singer uses two statement tables, one in cobalt blue and the other in gold, to add instant visual interest to the otherwise neutral room.

Despite the majority of the other soft furnishings upholding a more muted palette, the tables bring just the right amount of color to the space. It feels curated yet daring – proving you can still play with vibrant furniture – even if you're trying to uphold an uber-minimalist aesthetic. However, there is more to this technique than its good looks. Tania Richardson, a design wellness expert from Tania Antoinette, explains that it's a clever way to tap into the dopamine decor trend – a fun design movement that stems from color psychology.

Get the look

'Incorporating colorful furniture into a neutral space is an exciting way to inject personality, intention, and mindful living into your home. This approach, known as dopamine décor, takes inspiration from color psychology, recognizing the profound impact hues have on our mood and mindset. For instance, sophisticated shades like emerald greens evoke a sense of renewal and balance; opulent jewel tones such as sapphire or amethyst infuse the space with elegance and intrigue, while earthy mochas and ochres ground the room with warmth and natural allure,' Richardson comments.

'These colors are more than mere decorative choices; they are tools for enhancing your emotional well-being. A boldly colored sofa or accent chair can anchor the room while infusing it with the energy you want to cultivate.'

Initially, it may seem simple to follow Williams' example. However, Richardson urges you to plan exactly how you want your living room to feel before introducing vibrant tones of any kind.

'Balancing bold colors in a neutral space is about achieving harmony while maintaining sophistication,' she says.

'Before introducing a vibrant piece of furniture, take a moment to reflect on your intentions for the space. Spend time in the room at different times of day, observing how natural light interacts with the existing design. Visualize the energy you want the bold color to bring and how it will align with your daily routines. This mindful approach ensures your space remains harmonious and reflects your lifestyle.'

It's also vital to ensure the other more colorful pieces in your room (for example, books and artwork) work in harmony with your larger colored furniture.

'Complement the bold hue with subtle touches throughout the room to create flow and continuity. Artwork, books, and accessories in similar or complementary tones can subtly echo your statement piece, pulling the entire look together. These details ensure that the space feels cohesive rather than chaotic, allowing the boldness to shine without overwhelming the serenity of the neutrals,' Richardson explains.

'At its heart, bringing bold colors into your space is an exercise in mindful living. It’s about curating a home that aligns with your personal values, aspirations, and intentions. By thoughtfully weaving vibrant hues, understanding their psychological impact, and integrating intention into your design process, you can create a space that is both uplifting and grounded, a celebration of individuality anchored by timeless design principles.'