"The goal in both spaces was never perfection; it was all about bringing character and warmth to the two rooms at the heart of my home. Each space has a look all its own, but they also play beautifully off of each other."
As I was designing, I imagined a home that feels collected over time—layered with stories, shaped by travel, and quietly rooted in old-world European elegance. Florence was very much on my mind throughout the design process: the warmth of sun-washed stone, the richness of patina, the way history and artistry coexist effortlessly in everyday life. Today, join me on a tour of my living room and each of the elements that make this space feel like magic.
A New York Living Room That Feels Like a Warm Welcome
This project kicked off with an update to the room’s canvas. I chose a beautifully grounded green for the wainscoting, Lichen by Farrow & Ball. It has a dry, flat finish that pairs beautifully with the earthy limewash paint on the walls and ceiling, Bistrot by Portola Paints. Limewash is such an amazing way to bring visual texture and dimension to a space, something I definitely wanted in this room!Designer Tip: If you’re using limewash in your home, don't stop at the walls—carry the limewash all the way up onto the ceiling. It was something I went back and forth on, but I’m so glad I went with my gut. It absolutely makes the room. Wrapping that organic texture overhead creates a fully immersive, cocoon-like feel that you just can't achieve when the ceiling is left plain. Trust me on this one!
[gallery columns="2" link="none" size="large" ids="34507,34506"]
Shop Kathy Kuo's Apartment Living Room
Juliette Bergere Chair
Leyla Drink Table
Isolde Faux Olive Tree
Solene Floor Lamp
Dean Bar Cart
Arlo Jute Rug
From there, I added colors like terracotta, olive, ochre, and warm neutrals to infuse the interior with an intimate, sun-washed glow. Parquet floors and carved details ground the space in its prewar heritage, while one-of-a-kind decorative objects and artwork create layers of discovery. Globally sourced antique sculptures add patina, soul, and a sense of storied provenance, inviting the eye to linger and wander.
Our Iconic Velvet Sofa Anchors the Room
The living room centers around the iconic Amelie sofa—an instantly recognizable silhouette I absolutely adore. The slipcovered version of Amelie has lived in my home since we first introduced it at Kathy Kuo Home. For this redesign, I added the fully upholstered Amelie, which sits on top of turned wood legs and is covered in a terracotta velvet that carries so much warmth and depth. Around it, I layered textures and materials that feel worldly and tactile. I chose two woven rattan lamps for their exaggerated scale, gorgeous textural surface, and sculptural silhouettes; at over six feet tall, they make such a statement! Other core elements include travertine coffee tables with soft architectural forms, and vintage-inspired textiles that look like they’ve been collected over time.
Shop Kathy Kuo's Apartment Living Room
Archibald End Table
Amelie Sofa
Verra Desk
Jemma Throw Pillow
Amerigo Coffee Table Set
Zayden End Table
Across the room, the fireplace vignette offers a moment of calm. I imagined it as a place to sit with a book or a glass of wine in the late afternoon light. The curved chaise lounge feels almost sculptural, while the marble pedestal table and brass reading lamp bring in a sense of subtle elegance. It’s a quiet corner that feels intimate and restorative.
[gallery columns="2" link="none" size="large" ids="34502,34508"]
The Timeless Beauty of a Collected Home
"Layering is everything to me. A room should feel as though it evolved naturally rather than appearing perfectly matched."
That’s why you’ll see a mix of styles and patterns mingling freely—a Bergère chair that reads as an antique, tapestry pillows, and a beautifully woven ottoman that feels almost heirloom in spirit. These layers create warmth and depth, making the space feel lived-in and personal rather than “designed.”
[gallery columns="2" link="none" size="large" ids="34500,34499"]
Shop Kathy Kuo's Apartment Living Room
Salma Armchair
Sola Ottoman
Dorith Side Table
Marlowe Throw Pillow
Visual Comfort Floor Lamp
Paolo Chaise Lounge
Natural elements were equally important. I love the way greenery softens a room and brings movement into a still composition. The large olive trees quietly echo the Mediterranean landscape—they introduce height, organic shape, and a sense of serenity. Paired with earthy ceramics, aged woods, and marble surfaces, they help ground the space in nature.
"To me, this room tells a story of travel, craftsmanship, comfort, and luxury. It feels collected rather than decorated, timeless rather than trendy. Most importantly, it invites people in—to sit, to gather, to stay a little longer."
And that, to me, is always the goal: creating a home that feels storied and soulful, even when it’s newly imagined.
Kathy Kuo Studio
Need design help? Kathy Kuo Studio is a full-service design firm working with clients in the United States and abroad. From warm, timeless interiors to serene outdoor retreats, our talented team of accredited designers creates spaces that feel like home, designed around how you live and what you love.
Juliette Bergere Chair
Leyla Drink Table
Isolde Faux Olive Tree
Solene Floor Lamp
Dean Bar Cart
Arlo Jute Rug
Archibald End Table
Amelie Sofa
Verra Desk
Jemma Throw Pillow
Amerigo Coffee Table Set
Zayden End Table
Salma Armchair
Sola Ottoman
Dorith Side Table
Marlowe Throw Pillow
Visual Comfort Floor Lamp
Paolo Chaise Lounge
