Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward spent nearly five decades in a converted 18th-century mill in Westport, Connecticut, making a home that reflected them in every nook and corner. In an era when Hollywood often relied on acclaimed decorators to design their estates, the couple found perfection in imperfection. They assembled their living room over the years, with little concern for convention.
By 2004, as seen below, nothing quite matched. From the framed motorsport photographs documenting Paul’s racing career to the handmade needlepoint cushions on cream slipcovered sofas.
In their traditonal living room, a hearth held brass candlesticks, small framed artworks, and terracotta accessories, while the couple used soft textures (like this ottoman from Cozey) to give their room its character. Like all the greatest living rooms I come across in this job, it had a story.
22 years later, this arrangement feels even more relevant. Paul and Joanne’s home makes a case for taking your time, collecting things you love, and letting a room come together on its own terms.
Like the ottoman in Paul’s living room, this piece puts comfort first. The sunset beige upholstery keeps the look so warm and relaxed, especially alongside a brick fireplace and textured cushions, just like his.
This plush armchair with a wooden base is made for sinking into when you return to your living room. Its soft fabric brings warmth to the room, while the curved shape makes it feel as comfortable as it looks.
That Dutch Girl Linen Floral Pillow
Floral cushions are an easy way to make a living room feel vintage without going overboard. With its watercolor-style pattern on a white base, this one brings in a touch of color while keeping the overall look relaxed.
With its botanical print, this cushion cover brings the garden indoors without feeling too fussy. The delicate pattern adds color and Paul-approved time-honored charm, especially when mixed with plain cushions in complementary shades.
12 Pack 10" White Candlesticks
Tapered candles are one of those small details that make a room feel finished. These add a classic touch to a mantel (just like Paul and Joanne's), but look just as good on the dining table when friends come over for dinner.
This gold candlestick takes inspiration from Paul’s look, with a slightly more modern finish. Pair it with white tapered candles, as seen in his home, for a mix of warm metallics and classic details.
‘The interior of your home is the exterior of you,’ says Sherry Schmidt, president and lead designer at Form and Function Interior Design. ‘I have always told my clients this, and I love this quote because it allows them permission to have a little fun and be quirky with their space.’
In a move that would surely make Paul and Joanna proud, Sherry encourages her clients to resist the urge to finish decorating as soon as they move in. ‘I encourage them to live in their home for a while before selecting artwork and some accessories, so while they are out shopping at an antique store or on vacation they can find something that moves them and will be loved for years to come,’ she explains.
Her own home reflects that same approach. ‘My personal home has a collection of artwork and antiques, and I love telling guests the story of where items have been collected and curated from. It has become an extension of who my family is and shows in the different collected layers throughout.’
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Whether you're decorating with antiques or something you found on vacation, it's important to leave room for the unexpected. These are the details that make a home personal, and they are difficult to replicate by buying everything at once.
‘Not everything has to match anymore,’ Sherry adds. ‘We no longer walk into a furniture store and buy a whole living room with all matching tables and lamps and an ill-fitting rug that is too small. A well-curated home should be a space with character, a living home that welcomes your guests and family for entertainment.’
Finding the right pieces can take time, and Sherry says she has even had clients get in touch while traveling to ask whether a piece of artwork would work in their home. Color and scale are important considerations, she explains, particularly when investing in something special.
Paul and Joanne’s living room almost feels as though it will never really be finished, and that's its finest quality. Often, the best decorating decision is simply to wait until you find something you love.
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