Solid Color  

I spent many hours for many years in a Papa Bear. When I sold it it was going to be recovered in leather. I agree with the first respondent that a solid color is best. I do however like other's ideas about bright colors. I'm always partial to a fairly saturated yellow. The other important factor is texture. Again, minimal. Don't have it fight with the shape. I don't know why I don't like the idea of suede but it doesn't work for me. At the very least, I associate it with other kinds of furniture.