
The iconic apartment of Monica Geller in the popular TV show Friends has been the subject of much intrigue, especially regarding its unusual colour palette. The set designer, John Shaffner, revealed that the decision to paint the walls a daring shade of purple was a strategic one, as he believed it would help establish the show's identity and grab viewers' attention. Shaffner's unique choice of lilac or violet hues for the walls and doors, complemented by a raw, unpainted brick finish in the kitchen and other colourful accents, has left a lasting impression on fans, with many seeking to replicate the look in their own homes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wall colour | Purple (lilac/violet) |
| Kitchen wall | Raw, unpainted brick |
| Closet door and adjacent wall | Pine green |
| Kitchen shelves and counter | Light blue |
| Topmost closet | Bright yellow |
| Floor | Repeating-pattern, wooden floor |
| Door frame | Gold |
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What You'll Learn

The apartment's purple walls
The apartments' purple walls are one of the most iconic features of Monica's apartment in the popular TV show 'Friends'. The unique lilac shade was chosen by production designer John Shaffner, who revealed that he had to convince the producers that purple was the right choice for the New York City set. Shaffner explained that he chose purple because he knew the attention-grabbing hue would draw viewers into the sitcom. He also pointed out the correlation people made between Monica's purple apartment and the fact that they were about to laugh at the sitcom. In other words, the colour helped to establish the show's identity.
Not all the walls in Monica's apartment are painted purple, however. The wall behind the kitchen has a raw, unpainted brick finish for a rustic touch, and the closet door and adjacent wall are painted a shade of pine green. The kitchen is also painted with many colours, with the shelves and counter being a light blue shade, and the topmost closet being bright yellow. The floor of the apartment is a simple, repeating-pattern wooden floor.
The exact shade of purple used in Monica's apartment has been a topic of discussion among fans of the show. Some have used technology to try to identify the colour, with one person using the Firefox rainbow add-on to determine that the colour is "#7B6FB1". Others have suggested using websites where you can upload a picture and it will tell you the closest matching paint colours.
If you want to paint your door the same shade of purple as Monica's apartment, you can use a paintbrush to go over the moulding, panels, and vertical sections. Then, wait for it to dry before giving the door a second coat, going over it with a mini roller to smooth the finish. Finally, add a gold frame to truly recreate the look from the show.
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Pine green closet door
The iconic purple walls of Monica's apartment from the popular TV show Friends are well-known. However, not all the walls in Monica's apartment were painted purple. The wall behind the kitchen had a raw, unpainted brick finish, adding a rustic touch. The closet door and the adjacent wall were painted a shade of pine green, and all the other walls and doors were purple. The kitchen was also painted in multiple colours, with the shelves and counters in a light blue shade and the topmost closet in bright yellow. The floor of the apartment was simple, with a repeating pattern of wooden flooring.
The apartment had five rooms in total: the main room or living room, the bathroom, the closet, and two bedrooms. The living room was the most important room, with both the kitchen and the lounge located within it. The bathroom was in a slight space jutting out from the living room, and the closet was at the end of that space. The two bedrooms were at the end of the living room and were adjacent to each other. The apartment also had a balcony, which could be accessed through a small window in the area jutting out from the living room. The gang often hung out on the balcony, watching Ugly Naked Guy, and romantic scenes often took place there.
The door of the secret closet was used by the production crew to enter and exit the set. During the first season, the closet door opened inward to the right, but from the second season onwards, it opened to the left. The large bay window looking out onto the balcony was added after the set was initially designed with regular windows. Due to budget restrictions, there were no drapes across the window until the second season.
The gold frame around Monica's peephole was originally a mirror until a crew member broke it. They hung it on the door, and it remained there for the rest of the series. The round, golden object in the middle of the door was an old-fashioned doorbell, operated like a bicycle bell. The vintage French poster advertising a rocking horse above the television area was another distinctive feature of the apartment. This poster was designed by Jules Cheret for a Paris department store called "Aux Buttes Chaumont." It was an expensive and highly desired toy during that time and helped conceal another camera used for filming.
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Blue kitchen shelves
Colour Combinations and Contrasts
When designing a kitchen with blue shelves, it's essential to consider the colour combinations and contrasts that will complement the space. Blue is a versatile colour that can be paired with various shades to create different moods and aesthetics. For a classic and elegant look, pair your blue shelves with white elements such as countertops, backsplashes, or cabinets. This combination, as seen in some design ideas, creates a crisp and fresh atmosphere.
On the other hand, if you're feeling adventurous, you can explore bolder colour combinations. Blue and orange are known to be complementary colours, so consider pairing blue shelves with tangerine or orange accents for a vibrant and energetic kitchen. Alternatively, you can create a striking contrast by incorporating black countertops and plywood cabinet doors with your blue shelves for a modern and stylish flair.
Different Shades of Blue
The right shade of blue for your kitchen shelves can make all the difference. Light shades of blue, such as robin's egg blue, can be perfect for a seaside-inspired or Shaker-style kitchen, evoking a sense of calm and tranquility. On the other hand, darker shades like navy blue or electric blue can make a bold statement, especially when paired with modern or historic design elements. Consider the unique light, style, and size of your kitchen to choose the most flattering shade of blue.
Natural Materials and Textures
Functional and Aesthetic Considerations
When designing blue kitchen shelves, it's important to consider both functionality and aesthetics. Ensure that your shelves provide ample storage space for your kitchen essentials. You can incorporate floating shelves or stacked shelves to maximize storage capacity. Additionally, pay attention to lighting. Well-lit shelves, either naturally or with carefully placed light fixtures, can showcase your kitchenware and create a visually appealing display.
In conclusion, blue kitchen shelves can be a stunning addition to your home, offering a unique twist on traditional kitchen design. By considering colour combinations, exploring different shades of blue, incorporating natural elements, and balancing functionality with aesthetics, you can create a beautiful and functional kitchen space that reflects your personal style.
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$12.15 $13.04

Yellow kitchen closet
The topmost kitchen closet in Monica's apartment is painted bright yellow. The kitchen is painted with many colours, with the shelves and counter being a light blue shade, and the topmost closet being yellow.
The choice to paint the apartment in these colours was made on purpose. The predominant colour of the apartment is purple, with all walls and doors painted in this shade, except for the wall behind the kitchen, which has an unpainted brick finish. The closet door and adjacent wall are painted pine green, and the topmost kitchen closet is yellow.
The apartment's purple colour scheme was chosen by production designer John Shaffner, who explained that he wanted to use an attention-grabbing hue to draw viewers into the sitcom. Shaffner commented:
> Colour is really important in establishing the show identity. When you switch to Friends, you see that it is purple and you stay tuned.
Fans of the show have been keen to replicate the colour scheme in their own homes, with some opting to paint their front doors purple, and others choosing to use the colour in their bedrooms.
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Raw brick kitchen wall
A raw brick kitchen wall can bring a sense of warmth, character, texture, and raw charm to your home. Exposed brick walls have grown in popularity, with designers and homeowners keen to showcase the historic past of the home while adding an intriguing textural element. They are versatile and can fit in with a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, eclectic to industrial.
In the past, old brick walls were often concealed with more polished, modern finishes. Nowadays, they are seen as a desirable feature, adding a timeless allure to any interior space. They can be used as a gorgeous accent addition, a beautiful backsplash surrounded by tile, or in a grander and more extensive fashion with a glossy sheen.
One concern people may have about brick walls in the kitchen is that they might be aesthetically too heavy or hard to clean. However, when done right, a brick wall in the kitchen can create a cozy, inviting ambiance and offer a beautiful backdrop that lets the various elements in the room shine through.
If you're looking to add a raw brick kitchen wall to your home, consider the overall design style you're going for and how the brick wall can enhance it. Whether it's a bold, industrial look or a cozy, rustic charm, a raw brick kitchen wall can be a versatile and timeless design feature.
As an example of a well-known raw brick kitchen wall, Monica's apartment in the TV show "Friends" featured a raw, unpainted brick wall in the kitchen, adding a rustic touch to the space.
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Frequently asked questions
Monica's apartment was painted purple. The production designer, John Shaffner, explained that he chose the colour to establish the show's identity. Not all the walls were painted purple, however. The wall behind the kitchen had a raw, unpainted brick finish, and the closet door and adjacent wall were painted pine green.
The shade of purple used in Monica's apartment has been described as lilac, mid-violet, and "#7B6FB1" in hex code.
In addition to the purple walls, Monica's apartment featured a variety of colours in the kitchen, including light blue shelves and counters, and a bright yellow topmost closet. The floor had a repeating wooden pattern, and the closet door and adjacent wall were painted pine green.
To recreate the paint colours from Monica's apartment, you can use colour-matching services offered by paint stores or online tools that can identify colours from images. You can also refer to fan-created guides that provide specific paint colours and brands to achieve the look of Monica's apartment.











































