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Billy Cotton Crafts an Inspired Sitting Room Around a Classic Work by Henri Matisse

The designer is known for his unexpected palettes and ease with art

By Jacqueline Terrebonne
Collage of modern art and furniture, including abstract paintings, a cream sofa, a blue chaise lounge, and a floor lamp.

Working with art-world superstars such as Cindy Sherman and Lisa Yuskavage on their own homes, Billy Cotton is no stranger to incorporating powerful works into his interiors. In his first monograph, Billy Cotton: Interior & Design Work (Rizzoli), every page proves his gift for complex palettes and talent for making things livable.

Man with a beard wearing a light blue button-up shirt, looking at the camera against a neutral background.
Billy Cotton Photo: Noe Dewitt

For a sitting room, he fashions a space around a nude by Henri Matisse, pulling inspiration from “the artist’s incredible paintings of interiors and his use of colors.” The vibrant scheme that results reflects both the designer’s and the painter’s ability to use strong hues in a way that still feels exceptionally elegant. 

Painting of a reclining nude figure with abstract geometric patterns and vibrant colors in the background.
Henri Mattise, Large Reclining Nude, 1935. Photo: Courtesy of the Baltimore Museum of Art

“Matisse is always my touchstone when it comes to color theory. When I think of how art can inspire one’s design practice, I always think of him”

Billy Cotton

Modern floor lamp with a white shade and a red stand, set on a reflective base.
Haras floor lamp by Liaigre. Photo: Courtesy of Studio Liaigre
Colorful tapestry with geometric patterns, floral designs, and an orange border displayed on a white wall.
Cashmere throw by Loro Piana. Photo: Courtesy of Loro Piana
Red folding room divider with circular cutouts and small hooks on a white background.
Pippa folding screen by Hermès. Photo: Courtesy of Hermès
Black double door cabinet with red abstract squiggles forming legs and design on front, against a white background.
Auguste buffet by Elizabeth Garouste. Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Pucci
Modern curvy blue lounge chair with a minimalistic design on a white background.
Banquette Face a Face by Pierre Paulin. Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Pucci
Two wooden director's chairs with white canvas seats and backs, shown from front and side view against a white background
Dustin director’s chair by Armani/Casa. Photo: Courtesy of Armani/Casa
Silver metallic conch shell ornament with textured surface, showcasing intricate details and a shiny finish.
Bursa Bobo by Buccellati. Photo: Courtesy of Buccellati
Abstract floral design with green outline on a dark blue background, featuring leaves and a flower motif.
The Classicist Sketchbook wallpaper by Rinck for Fromental. Photo: Courtesy of Fromental
Green and white vertical striped fabric pattern with a textured appearance.
Ribbon striped fabric by Schumacher. Photo: Courtesy of Schumacher
Beige three-seater sofa with cushioned seats and wooden legs on a white background
Reedition Jean-Michel Frank sofa by Hermès. Photo: Courtesy of Hermès

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2022 Spring Issue under the headline “French Connection.” Subscribe to the magazine.