Currently, I’m working on two living/family rooms that include two or more pieces of dark leather furniture. I have nothing against brown leather, but I prefer it when it is broken up with upholstered pieces whether in a neutral shade or a brighter hue. An abundance of dark leather tends to make a room feel more like a cave than a family room, unless of course ‘cave’ is the look you are going for. Most times it isn’t. Clients tend to describe these rooms as dark, dull, boring, flat, lackluster, the list goes on. There are easy cures for this design dilemma. Take note of these examples below and see how you can lighten your furniture load.

Why this room works: The visual weight of this leather sectional is instantly balanced with the presence of a cream colored rug and patterned accent pillows in lighter hues. The bean bags provide a casual feel to the room, while the commissioned artwork and mirrored trunk maintain the room’s sophistication. What I love most:The sconces. Get the look…

Why this room works: The presence of bold, arresting color grabs hold of you the moment you walk into this room. The vibrant peacock hue not only makes a great color statement, it also helps to delineate the living area from the kitchen. Accent pillows bring a kaleidoscope of colors to the leather sofa and pulls the wall color onto the furnishings. The leather sofa creates a hallway of sorts when backed by the console table and grounds the entire space. A pair of handsome, modern wing back chairs balance the presence of the sofa and provides a nice graphic contrast against the wall color. What I love most:The modern wing chairs, paint color, and accent pillows. Get the look…

Why this room works: Though this sofa is espresso velvet, not leather, the advice given for leather furnishings still applies. The sofa anchors this otherwise light and airy space. Organic shapes and forms are the true highlights of this space from the geometric wall divider to the hide rug and vintage coffee table. Pairing light and dark doesn’t not always equal a stark, modern space. If it’s warmth you desire, pair your dark sofa with lighter accessories with textural interest. What I love most: The play on texture using accessories. Get the Look…

Why this room works: The various shades of brown found in this room create an atmosphere that reads cozy, not cramped. The geometric zig zag pillows add a surprise element and provides a dose of youth to the space. What I love most: The accent rug provides an array of color options should the homeowner decide to switch out the neutral pillows for something more lively. —————————– These examples illustrate the most common recommendation I give to my clients; break up the set! Initially, I’m met with resistance because as a deal, they bought the leather sofa, loveseat, and sometimes the chair from their favorite furniture store. It isn’t until I share with them images like these that they understand how to reach their room’s fullest potential. The next question is usually, “What do I do with the chairs?” Move them to another space and pair them with furniture in a lighter hue. Get the idea? What has been your experience with leather furniture? Do you feel any of these examples will make a difference in your home’s decor?

image courtesy: Sean Michael Design/ Melissa Lenox Design / Angie Hranowsky / DecorPad / DecorPad