DECORATING IN TECHNICOLOR

“My recipe is test, test, test, try, try, try...then take a flying leap,” says Merrill, who grounded this Altadena living room in a warmly exuberant berry shade (custom rug, Stark) that deepens in the trim. “There has to be a moment when you try it. Otherwise everyone ends up with the same, safe thing. There’s a lot of hard work that comes before it, but ultimately, you have to take that leap.” The sofa is by Nickey Kehoe, and a custom chaise is covered in a golden yellow linen floral by Rose Cumming.