Forget chocolate, tan, and beige; for the latter half of 2026, we’re coveting cognac. The warm, amber tone has more orange than its counterparts, inviting in an even cozier feel. For evidence of how fabulous the spirit-inspired color can be, look no further than Keke Palmer’s living room.
The actress’s traditional California ranch house was recently updated by designers Michelle Booth of Rylston Road Interiors and Anna Viola of Anna Viola Interiors, who aimed to create a home that felt as dynamic and layered as Keke herself. They certainly delivered. Every room is full of soul, especially the cozy living room, which ditches cool white tones in favor of a cognac and cream palette full of natural materials. Rather than bathing every surface in amber, Keke’s designers use this deep tone carefully with the sofa and light contrasting a cream base.
To explore Keke’s warm palette, Homes & Gardens spoke with designers about how her color choices fit into current interior design trends. We also curated an edit of the best pieces for creating your own spin on her look. Let’s begin with a gorgeous glimpse into Keke’s Encino home.
Recreate Keke’s Look at Home
Olson Cognac Brown Velvet Accent Chair
Instead of a curved sofa like Keke’s, we’re investing in this rich brown armchair. With a smaller footprint, it’s a great way to try out the color without too much commitment.
Burlwood Round Coffee Table
Keke Palmer uses small wooden tables to store her books, and this burlwood version has an added ’70s flair. It looks far more expensive than it is, and would layer perfectly with a cream rug.
This ivory and tan rug feels incredible underfoot with its gorgeous nubby texture and bohemian look. It’s perfect for adding depth and lightness to a cognac color scheme.
Giving off a warm glow from the smoky amber glass, a hurricane candle holder like this will bring depth and coziness to a calm living space. It’s ideal for adding a touch of warm brown to your home without a huge commitment.
Layer beige with cognac or amber for a rich, deeply textured brown scheme. This boucle pillow cover is perfect for adding just the right amount of texture.
Light and airy but with a huge design impact, this gorgeous muslin throw is ideal for texurizing a sofa. It can be used year round for a effortlessly lived-in style.
So, how did Keke’s living room tone emerge as a major color trend for 2026? Designer Tyler Ellis explains how, when used right, burnt orange brown tones like cognac become a kind of ‘new neutral.’ She states: ‘A mid-century armchair upholstered in cognac-toned leather can anchor a room with quiet authority. A sculptural ceramic pot in a warm terracotta can bring life to a minimalist corner. A large-scale modern art piece in shades of orange can draw the eye instantly while adding a sense of energy and warmth.’
Tyler continues: ‘In the home, orange works best when it feels intentional, a carefully placed punctuation mark in a thoughtfully composed space.’ Keke Palmer’s carefully placed sofa and pendant light affirm this idea.
To style these tones, designers are turning to rich, complex schemes that incorporate multiple tones of tan, brown, and beige, as we see in Keke’s home. ‘Living rooms are becoming softer and more layered, with touches of nostalgic cottagecore and modern farmhouse influences set to become even more popular in 2026,’ explains Maria O’Brien, Vice President of Design at Ruggable.
She continues: ‘Rather than starting from scratch, people are warming up existing spaces. Swap stark whites for a warm, “Cotswold” palette of sandstone, clay and rust, creating depth by layering textures and colours – think a vintage-style rug, paired with natural linen and a chunky handknit throw.’
To emulate Keke’s look, focus on layering textiles, integrating warm orange tones, and being sure to integrate lots of natural materials.
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