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
The Police singer adopted a versatile base in his New York living room – following a designer method for successfully introducing daring hues


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.
A post shared by Evan Joseph (@evanjosephphoto)
A photo posted by on
'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.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Shop the Sting-inspired edit
We love the flared arms and tufted cushioning of this accent chair, but its mustard hues make this piece truly special. With its stylish silhouette and statement colorway, it's the perfect way to introduce just the right amount of vibrancy to your neutral living space.
Create a calming and sophisticated bedroom decor scheme with this textured cream pillow, complete with fringed edging for added interest.
This rectangular ottoman is just the right piece to help round out your living room arrangement. It has a solid and engineered wood frame that rests on four black-turned legs (for a more traditional twist against the bright colorway).
'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.'

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.
-
I've spent over 200 hours testing vacuums and swear by my two Dysons – this is how I properly clean a Dyson vacuum filter for longer-lasting appliances
Your Dyson vacuum will last much longer and clean at its best
By Dan Fauzi Published
-
Bethenny Frankel calls this $695 machine the 'Rolls-Royce Cullinan of coffee' – it's a must-have luxury buy for iced-coffee lovers this springtime
The Real Housewife swears by a luxurious machine that makes nitro cold brew, cold brew, and cold espresso at the touch of a button – here's why it's worth it
By Sophie Edwards Published