Sting's clever use of neutrals allows for certain furnishings to make a statement in his living room – his color trick makes bolder tones accessible

Where does the English Man in New York reside? Billionaire’s Row, bordering Central Park, naturally. The Police frontman and his wife, Trudie Styler, have since sold their Manhattan penthouse, but style lessons from their space (or, specifically, their living room) remain just as relevant today.

Sting’s penthouse has all the workings of a quintessentially luxurious New York home, starting with its neutral living room. The space is a masterclass in earthy neutrals, from the white base to the gray and cream soft furnishings that create the perfect canvas for experimenting with more daring colors. In Sting’s case, the latter came in the form of scarlet red ottomans and mustard leather accent chair — both of which demand attention in the room. Similarly, they feel more personal to the couple, especially when paired against the safer (but no less stylish neutral pieces).

Decorating with neutrals makes the perfect base for anyone who wants to incorporate a bolder furnishing in their home. It allows the statement piece to breathe — and enables the balance needed to create a focal point that feels curated (and, above all, unrivaled). It’s unsurprising, therefore, that designers love Sting’s technique.

'When incorporating bold furniture, think of the neutral backdrop as your canvas. A minimalist room often has clean lines, soft textures, and a restrained color palette, making it the perfect environment to showcase a statement piece. The bold furniture should complement the space, not compete with it,' advises Jodi Peterman, the CEO and owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs.

'For example, I like introducing a bright teal velvet sofa and pairing it with a soft beige area rug, light warm walls, and a neutral linen drape. This allows the bold piece to stand out without making the space feel busy.'

With its neutral walls, drapes, and carpet, Sting's living room perfects this teaching. However, Peterman says you can elevate this teaching further.

'One trick a designer will use in a space to create harmony is to echo the bold color in smaller accents around the room. Think throw pillows, a piece of art, or even a vase. This repetition of color ties the design together without feeling overly matchy-matchy,' she comments.

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'Try to limit yourself to one standout item, whether it’s a vibrant armchair, a deep emerald sofa, or a bright yellow ottoman,' Peterman adds.

'Too many bold elements can feel chaotic, so let one piece take center stage while the rest of the space supports it. Bold furniture often carries a lot of visual weight due to its color, so look for pieces with clean, simple silhouettes. This ensures they complement the minimalist aesthetic instead of it feeling overwhelmed.'