I have such a weakness for velvet, which is unfortunate because with a 30-room château, the budget is burlap. Somehow burlap furniture sounds delightfully rustic and arcadian, but there would be chafing, maybe blood. Velvet, on the other hand is refined. It screams “Lady of the Manor”, and there’s a reason why King Richard II had his body buried in the stuff. THAT is how you carry the “I’m noble” thing to the other side.

A bonafide grown-up room deserves one lovely piece of velvet furniture. I found this gentleman at Philippe Guegan (such an amazing place) and he fits in perfectly in the gray room. Like most things (Vicodin, the Bible), velvet furniture is best enjoyed in small doses, however, so don’t go crazy and decorate a whole room in it. One piece is enough.

If you can afford a couch, DO IT. Otherwise, find a beautiful side chair or chaise. If you’re really pinched, settle for an ottoman and be happy. Even if you’re the only one that ever sees it’s tiny, refined elegance, it will make you smile and is worth every penny.