Katharine Hepburn’s living room champions lived-in luxury
For a few years, minimalism, clean lines, and the absence of patterns dominated interiors. Since 2022, people have been looking for bolder, more textured spaces. Rather than something new, this shift is a reversal towards older ideas, often deemed ‘nostalgia-core.’
To integrate nostalgia into your home, there’s no better place to find inspiration than the past. Katherine Hepburn’s living room idea is the perfect example.
An archival image shows that her space is a jewel box of lived-in luxury. From the wooden furniture to the plush sofa to the Persian-style rug to the goose sculpture hanging from the ceiling, each piece feels intentionally curated over time, rather than thrown together all at once.
It’s a glimpse into a different time, when decorating was guided by personal taste, rather than consumerism.
(Image credit: John Bryson via Getty Images)
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Katherine Hepburn’s living room features a patterned rug, and this stunning one from Matthew Williamson’s collaboration with Ruggable is ornate and storied. It has the added benefit of being durable and washable. Its orangey red shade feels like a sunset on your floor.
This lamp is perfect for grounding a colorful living room. Its gently tapered ceramic base is finished with a matte exterior that perfectly matches the conical linen shade, creating a accent piece that will completely change the atmosphere in your space.
Martha Stewart Philippe Accent Chair
This accent chair embodies both sophistication and practicality. It features a solid wood frame, plush upholstery, and exquisite turned-wood front legs for a spool-style aesthetic.
Luckily, more and more people are tapping into this ethos with their decorating, pushing the nostalgia-core interior design trend forward. ‘Championing cheerful colorways and playful patterns in all their glory, nostalgia-core captures the welcoming, lived-in aesthetic of a classic countryside retreat,’ explains design expert Shelley Cochrane.
She continues: ‘This trend isn’t just restricted to those who are lucky enough to live in cottages, however. Whether you live in a rural dwelling or a city apartment, this joyful style will introduce an abundance of charm to your home.’
Slow decorating is the key to tapping into Katherine’s timeless style, which feels at once rich and relaxed.
Shelley advises: ‘The spirit of this at-ease look lies in embracing a slower pace of life. Begin with cozy country style furniture – think a plump sofa with scrolled arms or upholstered, button-back dining chairs, which create the perfect cosy setting to host family and friends. Adorn surfaces with painted ceramics, patterned lamps, and decorative artwork to tell the story of your authentic style and personality.’
Though the archival photo of Katherine’s living room is in black and white, it’s easy to tell from the patterns that this room is awash with color. To replicate the look, it’s important to embrace a variety of shades.
‘Color-wise, combine blue, a hardy perennial, with an unexpected touch of red, used in moderation, to add a welcome dose of dopamine,’ recommends Shelley on the topic of living room colors. ‘For a final flourish, clash traditional patterns, from gingham and stripes to ditsy florals and polka dots for a whimsical look. What could be cosier?’
Trends change, but slow, purposeful design is always on trend. When you mix a variety of pieces over time, you can never go wrong.
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