By Pocyline Karani

A recent trend has seen increased obsession with leather seats with some striking it right with their dÈcor while, unfortunately, many others have made a disaster of their living rooms.

True to itself, leather seats exude class, elegance and instant sophistication when their use is properly thought out. However, when used wrongly, it sends a wrong impression of the person. When you opt to replace your upholstered seats for leather, be prepared to use dÈcor to evoke the room’s feel.

Not to be stereotypical but dark leather sofas look a little masculine. Therefore, instead of getting a living room feeling all masculine, a simple tact of pairing would beat the manly feel. Let the leather sofa set the tone and become the backdrop for the living room style and theme you will opt for.

Family space

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But please, stay clear of filling the living room with dark pieces of bulky shiny sofas with black cabinet, coffee tables and carpet for this does not only put one off but the strong smell of excess leather is unpleasant.

Instead, counter the dark leather with a soft yet substantial colour on the wall and other surfaces. For instance, dark brown leather can be coupled with rich blue grey walls, a cream wall-to-wall carpet and a light brown shade of coffee table or those storage cubes in a light fabric.

From this point, incorporate other furniture pieces that complement the build of the sofa without matching it. Get a piece of furniture that has mass but does not look heavy and bulky. In this case a chair with dark feet will relate to the leather couch and a lighter fabric on the chair will add contrast.

Remember dark brown leather will work well with light woods, glass, marble, stone, painted furniture, antiques, modern pieces; the options are endless. On the other hand, white works great as a beautiful stark contrast, while espresso that is dark brown would be a more metropolitan monochromatic look.

With these brown shades, try incorporating items such as pillows of maple colours such as reddish or restrained orange undertones. Light-coloured throws would also lend a rich quality to the living room.

Even as you add non-leather couches, try adding a small dose leather in another corner of the space to give the main leather sofa something to relate to.

In the same room, experiment with light colourful fabrics in a range of patterns. Since the coaches are solid and bold, patterned pillows will auger well.

Touch of colour

What then should you do if your leather couch is a nice neutral colour? For light creams and even white coloured leather, there are some things you can do to make the couch look like it was made for the room.

Water down the excess white/lightness by adding throw pillows to infuse a touch of colour you are decorating the room in.

Similarly, have the throw pillows in different shades of the colour of your choice. Let them offer a continuity of a great paint hanging above your couch, using the paint as your inspiration point.

Place a vase on the floor on the side of your leather sofa to draw attention to it. If your leather sofa is black, a sleek silver vase filled with tall white flowers will add to the sophistication and modernity of the room.