{"id":347983,"date":"2026-09-03T12:34:35","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T16:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sothebysrealty.com\/?p=347983"},"modified":"2026-09-03T15:52:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T19:52:36","slug":"color-chart-the-joys-of-a-burgundy-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/color-chart-the-joys-of-a-burgundy-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Color Chart: The Joys of a Burgundy Home\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? Burgundy adds warmth and glamour, writes Jill Krasny<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"bedroom<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Knightsbridge, London<\/a> | United Kingdom Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some homes make a lasting impression while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design and color scheme is a factor. Navy<\/a> is elegant, versatile and timeless, while terracotta<\/a>, a hue that\u2019s been used domestically for centuries, suits traditional and contemporary spaces alike.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burgundy\u2014which our series on color in luxury design turns to next\u2014brings comforting warmth to any interior while injecting a little old-fashioned \u201cdecadence and glamour,\u201d says Patrick O\u2019Donnell<\/a>, an interior designer and brand ambassador for British paint maker Farrow & Ball. The color reigned supreme in the Victorian era, says O\u2019Donnell, when \u201cdark, sumptuous and textural interiors\u201d were in vogue, along with layered damasks, busy prints and plush velvets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ornate<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lenox Hill, New York<\/a> | Sotheby\u2019s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burgundy was also used in ancient times, he notes, as evidenced by the Roman city of Pompeii in Italy, where many frescoes feature the color. Meanwhile, the interior walls of the Pantheon in the grounds of Stourhead<\/a>, a grand estate in Wiltshire, England, show traces of purple-red porphyry stone. It was inspired by the original Pantheon in Rome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, shades of both burgundy and maroon (with its brown rather than purple undertone) have surged in popularity, says O\u2019Donnell, as homeowners grow tired of muted palettes and opt for bolder, more expressive colors. Burgundy enlivens any neutral room, he says, and especially pops in \u201csmall or poorly lit spaces,\u201d where \u201cits red overtones add a cozy, inviting vibe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"kitchen<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Knightsbridge, London<\/a> | United Kingdom Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A newly refurbished apartment in London\u2019s Knightsbridge<\/a> proves O\u2019Donnell right. \u201cIt creates something rather masculine and cocooning,\u201d he says of the deep burgundy bedroom walls paired with floor-skimming charcoal curtains. The L-shaped galley kitchen, with European-style cabinetry in a vampy red, feels similarly off-kilter\u2014in the best way possible\u2014thanks to its wavy glass window set over the sink.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the traditional living room of a Lenox Hill townhouse<\/a> in New York, the richly patterned carpet highlights the wood-paneled walls and chintz-covered seats without detracting from the historic art. The grand foyer\u2019s light burgundy wallpaper, O\u2019Donnell notes, \u201cserves as a clever foil for the extensive collection of black-and-white photography.\u201d Additionally, it draws out the sweeping spiral staircase and checkerboard tile floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"sitting<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bridgehampton, New York<\/a> | Sotheby\u2019s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a striking home in Bridgehampton, New York<\/a>, burgundy walls provide a bold backdrop for art and collectables in a vestibule space connecting the main reception area and a paved terrace. The color pairs well with both the adjacent white and greenery outside, while an unusual blue and gold starred ceiling provides a pleasing contrast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes sense, says O\u2019Donnell. Strong colors such as burgundy aren\u2019t suited to light-filled spaces; they tend to work best in smaller areas as accents. And this applies to furniture and soft furnishings as much as a wall, which explains the popularity of burgundy velvet sofas and rugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"farmhouse-style<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Germantown, New York<\/a> | Four Seasons Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, a modern farmhouse<\/a> in New York\u2019s Hudson Valley offers a subtler take on decorating with burgundy. \u201cThe dresser gently draws the eye to the objects on display,\u201d says O\u2019Donnell, noting the tonal backing. \u201cEven the color has been \u2018washed\u2019 to create a sense of softness,\u201d he adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also helpful: the eclectic-patterned rug spread across the wide plank floors. Further burgundy rugs line the living room and an impeccably decorated bedroom that complements the owner\u2019s eclectic mix of art, curios and wooden four-poster bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore our Color Chart series, from<\/em> bold red<\/a>,<\/em> joyful pink<\/a>,<\/em> zingy orange<\/a>,<\/em> versatile turquoise<\/a><\/em> and<\/em> uplifting yellow<\/a><\/em> to<\/em> natural lilac<\/a>,<\/em> historic terracotta,<\/a><\/em> classic green<\/a>,<\/em> calming white<\/a><\/em> and<\/em> sophisticated navy<\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? Burgundy adds warmth and glamour, writes Jill Krasny Knightsbridge, London | United Kingdom Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Some homes make a lasting impression while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design and color scheme is a factor. Navy is elegant, versatile […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232770377,"featured_media":347991,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1399,1565],"tags":[1472,1505],"class_list":["post-347983","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-and-design","category-home-style-ideas","tag-new-york","tag-united-kingdom"],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1swD","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":342939,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/collecting-focus-wine\/","url_meta":{"origin":347983,"position":0},"title":"Collecting Focus: Wine","author":"SIR Admin","date":"November 11, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Wine collectors may be buying up Bordeaux and Burgundy, but they\u2019re also seeking out suitable spaces to store their liquid investments, writes Nina Caplan Wines from the cellar of William I. Koch, offered at Sotheby\u2019s in 2016 There aren\u2019t many collectibles that are as delightful to consume as they are\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Art and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Art and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/art-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/N09485_-Koch.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/N09485_-Koch.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/N09485_-Koch.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/N09485_-Koch.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":344758,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/what-is-the-perfect-cozy-interior-for-fall\/","url_meta":{"origin":347983,"position":1},"title":"What Is The Perfect Cozy Interior For Fall?","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"October 16, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Layering textiles and lighting, plus the rich use of color and pattern, can enhance a sense of autumnal comfort, writes Francesca Perry Stratton, Vermont | Four Seasons Sotheby\u2019s International Realty It\u2019s not just the natural landscape that transforms in fall. The changing of the seasons outside our windows is often\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Fall_Vermont.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Fall_Vermont.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Fall_Vermont.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Fall_Vermont.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":347917,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/high-shine-the-supreme-luxury-of-lacquer\/","url_meta":{"origin":347983,"position":2},"title":"High Shine: The Supreme Luxury of Lacquer","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"August 26, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Whether used to saturate or merely accent, this spectacularly versatile\u2014and surprisingly ancient\u2014finish is always polished, discovers Kate Youde Gloss-finish coffee table by Peter Mikic. Photograph: The Lacquer Company With its high-gloss sheen, lacquer is an eye-catching finish. And it has caught the attention of contemporary designers, who appreciate the freedom\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Front view of a burgundy chair with a curved backrest, upholstered seat cushion, and geometric wood frame against a white background.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05_PS_TACCHINI_PIGRECO%C2%A9-Giuseppe-Dinnella-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05_PS_TACCHINI_PIGRECO%C2%A9-Giuseppe-Dinnella-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, 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Country","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"July 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"This contemporary jewel in the desirable destination of Sonoma Valley includes a light- and view-flooded residence, a guest casita, a pool house, and 65-foot saltwater swimming pool and spa accompanied by numerous verandas, a sun-washed terrace, an outdoor kitchen, and a wisteria-draped pergola At the picturesque northern end of the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pool.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pool.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, 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