We styled one modern neutral-coloured sofa for three different personality types. Which one is you?

Fun Loving & Feminine

You’re a free-spirit and love creativity. Joyful pastels and modern geometrics are so you.

Photography: Tango | LEFT TO RIGHT: Acrylic throw, 56" x 64", $92, Zone. Yellow cotton velour cushion, 16" x 19", $64, Buk & Nola. Cotton floral cushion, 18" x 18", $65, Palma. Blue rayon and cotton velvet down-filled cushion, 15" x 22", $100, Crate and Barrel. Multi-coloured cotton cushion, 12" x 20", $30, Zone. Pink cotton cushion cover with pompoms, 20'' x 20", $15, IKEA.

Pro Styling Tips

• A mix of colours and patterns express a joyful attitude. For an even greater sense of play, incorporate a lighthearted detail like the cloud-shape cushion here.
• There’s no limit to the number of colours. To ensure they harmonize well, draw colours from one of your patterned elements, like the throw in our setting.
• Cushions in a variety of shapes add to the loose boho, artistic feel.

Natural Beauty

Soft and cozy is crucial to you, and if something is handmade, all the better.

Photography: Tango | LEFT TO RIGHT: Acrylic throw, 40" x 70", $70, Crate and Barrel. Cotton pillow with pompoms, 18" x 18", $59, Must Société. Cushion cover in silk and cotton velour, 20" x 20", $90, Crate and Barrel. Faux sheepskin cushion, 13" x 20", $59, Must Société. Hares Pattern cotton cushion cover, 20" x 20", $99, H&M Home. Polyester velour cushion cover, 21" x 11", $42, Très Dion. Round cotton cushion, 18" d., $40, H&M Home. Mohair throw, 50" x 60", $132, VdeV. Linen down-filled cushion, 16" x 24", $59, VdeV.

Pro Styling Tips

• For a cocoon of comfort, choose fabrics like silk, velvet and mohair.
• When it comes to cushions, more is more. If the sofa is a shared space, two throws means no one’s toes get cold.
• While neutral colours evoke a serene scene, a few subtle colour accents and patterns will add just a touch of contrast to keep the look interesting.

Classic Black

You are a fashionista of the Anna Wintour variety. Sharp, smart, tailored.

Photography: Tango | LEFT TO RIGHT: Cotton cushion covers with geometric patterns (at both ends of the sofa), 20" x 20", $7 each, IKEA. Black velvet cushion, 13" x 24", $49, Must Société. Dark grey velvet down-filled cushion, 13" x 24", $99, Must Société. Cotton throw, 50" x 60", $80, EQ3.

Pro Styling Tips

• Symmetry underpins this formal look, with two pairs of cushions anchoring each end of the sofa. The fashionable black-and-white throw, impeccably folded, is like the fab necklace that finishes a little black dress. 
• Black, grey and cream are foundational neutrals in any wardrobe or decor.
• Stick to one type of pattern in a tailored setting, such as stripes, polka dots or, as here, geometrics in a strictly repeating pattern.

Featured in all images: Leather Sofa, Joan, $2,199, EQ3, eq3.com.