Well, autumn is creeping its way into the Northern Hemisphere! After sweltering summer days here in Wilmington N.C., autumn is a welcome relief from those hot humid days. Of course by December, we’ll probably sing a different tune gazing outside and breathlessly waiting for beach days. But for now, we’ve looking for orange pumpkins, silvery gourds, and yellow leaves. Bringing those lovely colors in doors is a wonderful treat.
If you know me, you know that one of my favorite places for color scheme inspiration is the Design Seeds. The one is called “autumn hues” where colors are beautifully drawn from a collection of pumpkins and fall gourds.
Design Seeds ‘autumn hues’
The soft hues of autumn were chosen for this palette and they’re absolutely gorgeous: soft blue, silvery gray, beige, a very light orange paired with a darker, muted orange and then a beautiful deep gray. They invite you to just curl up on a sofa, read a good book, drink hot tea and take a nap. From my Polyvore site, I was inspired to create a couple of design boards to bring these lovely colors indoor.
The darker autumn hues from the color palette were chosen for the focal theme here. A dark gray sofa and angus leather ottoman contrast with a deep orange rug.
Here, I reversed the selection for a color theme by choosing the lighter hues of autumn in the color palette. For drama, I chose a dark gray wall. Depending upon the size of the room and a desire to not darken it, one wall such as this would be the focal wall. Choose a lighter gray for the other walls.
You know of course you don’t have to change your whole decor just to bring in autumn colors. Right? Just select a few of the colors that fit your scheme, store some of your summer color decor items. You can bring them back in the spring or summer. They’ll feel like new by then.
I can see a few other autumn colors that can be added to your decor. Can you? Oh please . . . do tell!
You’ve seen them: rooms decorated in a single color in varying shades. And they are most often gorgeous or calming or . . . dare I say it . . . boring. What if you like monochromatic rooms but not sure of how to pull it off. Or perhaps you find one color a bit too understated, calming to the point of making you feel comatose? Here’s 10 beautiful monochromatic rooms with shots of color that keep the room interesting. Can you guess what secrets interior designers used to do this? (Not to fret, from Design Rulz, three tips are listed at the end of this post.)
From Design Rulz.com, Design Dilemma Monochromatic RoomsAlso from Design Rulz.comCoastal Living.comHGTV Trend: Monochromatic Living RoomsDiscovered on Luster Interior Blog, interior design by Mary McDonaldArchectural DigestHomedit.com Dipped In Banana: Monochromatic RoomsHomedit.comPink Door Designs.com on Rhapsody, a book by Kelley WearstlerDiscovered on Pinterest
Well, did you discover how the interior designers kept these monochromatic rooms interesting?
Your home decor has become a menage of various period pieces, mixed patterns and colors. And you love it all. But the style eclectic has escaped it and your decor looks more like confusion? Is it really or does it just need some tidying up and a new perspective?
I recently read a fascinating article in Elle Decor by Celia Barbour, HOUSE TOUR: Somber Colors Go Wild And Chic In A Paris Apartment. It’s the apartment of Sig Bergamin, Brazilian architect and designer. Ms. Barbour writes about Bergamin’s departure from the use of “juicy hues and luminous surfaces of his native São Paulo” to the darker more serious hues of Paris. I admire his attitude towards creating a decor:
“I’ve always been fascinated by taking risks, . . . I don’t worry about right or wrong.”
— -Sig Bergamin for Elle Decor
Here are a couple of my favorite rooms from the article:
Sig Bergamin Paris apartment living room for Elle DecorParis apartment bedroom of Sig Bergamin from Elle Decor
The rooms are masterfully created: bold and dramatic and filled with fascinating period pieces that each tell their own story and design history. Yet, simply put–the decor is eclectic.
The living room (list edited from Elle Decor description):
vintage armchairs by Warren Platner flanks;
modern sofa by B&B Italia
orange Pierre Paulin chairs are flea-market finds,;
dhurrie rug by Sig Bergamin for By Kamy; and
artworks by (from left) Robert Rauschenberg, Gerben Mulder, Andy Warhol, and Michel Comte.
So let’s take another look at that living room. What really makes it successful? The hue of color hue, for one thing. That is, the intensity of color in some objects are balanced by the neutral colors in other objects, the contrast of light against dark. Dominating patterns share proportions, even the size of patterns on the pillows as a group. Then there is the paring and repetition of patterns and colors placed in manner that attends to order. Mr. Bergamin doesn’t concern himself with the “right and wrong” of creating a decor; yet, the underlying visual presence of the living room avoids chaos.
Now, let’s look at a few other successful eclectic decors.
From Architectural Digest.com
An eclectic room doesn’t mean that it has to be overly stuffed with furniture and accessories of various periods, fabric and other materials. The room above was designed by Darryl Carter for clients living in a Tudor Revival resident outside of Washington, D.C. Mr. Carter’s interior design vision is to take a “low-key approach.”
“I’m all about hush,” the tastemaker says. “I like things that are subdued, abstract, and subliminal.”
— -Darryl Carter for Architectural Digest
Period pieces for this living room include
A 19th-century Gustavian bench;
slipper chair designed by Carter-designed slipper chair clad in a Glant fabric and a
a Regency-style armchair; and a
circa-1920 Oushak rug flipped back side up, from Galerie Shabab.
From House Beautiful for stylist Peter Frank’s Home
The above eclectic interior design is the living room of Peter Frank. The theme here references the orient with the screened wall hanging of an 18th century Korean screen and accent pillows “made of vintage Japanese patchwork textiles.” Other eclectic elements include
contemporary linen slipcover and matching fabric for loosely fitted seat cushions;
a Merida Meridian tatami rug, woven of twisted paper cord, topped with a contemporary cowhide rug;
Poul Kjaerholm cane easy chair from Lost City Arts; and a
modern tripod floor lamp and tables.
In all three designer examples, though very different, there is a recurring motif that makes these eclectic styles successful:
a theme: whether it is color, period pieces or both
order: the underlying classic placement of furniture that is grouped
repetition: patterns, color or fabrics
confidence: the absence of fear to achieve a desired, defined effect
Eclectic decors are always an adventure and filled with interesting furnishings, art and objects. You tell a lot about yourself in what you collect and share with the rest of the world in your home, whether it’s a piece handed down from family, something you found in an antique store or flea market find or your favorite modern furniture store.
How do you share your eclectic finds in your home? Oh please, do tell!!
If you liked this post, why not let me know! You can click on the like button below. And or you can leave a comment and let’s talk. Share the post with friends.
Don’t you just love a well dressed table? Even if it’s just for a regular meal with family and close friends. Well, I’m having the girls, my lovely neighbors, over next week for dessert and wine. I plan to surprise them with a lovely tablescape and did some hunting for ideas on the internet. Next I’ll go to the grocery store, a florist or better yet a garden shop. Summer seems to be burning itself out here in Wilmington, NC and the temperatures are starting to drop. So for a tablescape theme, I’ll hunt around for almost-end-of-summer centerpieces. Look for what I came up with in an upcoming post.
In the meantime, I ran across a few lovely settings and centerpieces for fall and thought I’d share them with you.
From Finding Home Online.com
Yes, I know the above tablescape is really something for the Christmas holiday season. And I’m not trying to push you here. Decided to include it because I like the idea of glass vases filled with red berries than topped with greenery. The composition forms a row with small tea candles between each vase. The design format can be substituted to suite other occasions and holidays. Since we’re having tiramisu, to start with, I’m thinking coffee beans in small glass vases with greenery on top, a nice fresh earthy feel as we delve into the delights of the dessert. I’ll add candles. Wonder if I should do tea or tall glass candle holders. Still, I need something else like a warm color. Off I go.
Found on Pinterest from The Perfect Palette
Love the rustic look here and the layered burlap table cloth topped with the large leaves is just wonderful. Fall colors are beautifully represented in the pumpkins and squashes .
Found on Cup Half Full blogFrom RemodelaholicThe Budget Decorator
From Just A Smidgen, a lifestyle blog, I found the next two ideas. Here’s a crow after my own heart.
You know Wilmington, NC is on the coast, right? Well now you do. Being a transplant here I’m often drawn to beach elements because beach is practically year round here. Thus, this fun and lovely sand filled glass vase topped with delicate pink rose. It was created for a wedding but I would exchange it for something like a seashell. Mummm, tiramisu and wine? May be I should stick with the coffee beans and burlap.
Pinterest
Don’t forget, check back later to see what tablescape I came up with. What’s your take on dressing the table, even for an “ordinary” meal or the girls?
Why are you staring at boring white walls when there are so many options to make it interesting, even exciting? Need inspiration? Motivation? Large pieces of colorful art in paintings or over-sized photographic prints will dramatize your wall–and complement your decor. Let’s face it, the feeling you’ll get from having such art on your wall . . . well, you’ll certainly feel grand. If you’re not quite ready for something that hot, pull out your box or albums of family photos, vacation trips or even your children’s drawings (they’ll love you even more) and create a drop-dead gallery. I’m not quite finished here with suggestions. There are more below. (If you missed it, also check out my post on The White Room .)
Add a Gallery!
From Rol.vnFrom Hometalk.comFrom Hometalk.com
Meet It Half Way!
Add a little humor to your lovely creation. You won’t be staring at a wall but smiling at it.
From vt.wonen.nl (Careful, you will need a Google translation.)
Decal It!
These next two walls are outstanding!! They were created with amazing decals. (Hmm, I feel a topic post coming on that explores using decals, especially the ones you can take with you.) I found these examples on Decoist.com under “Amazing Summer Wall Murals: How To Trick Out Your Room.” Decoist delivers its promise of 10 amazing images of summer wall mural images. Check it out but don’t forget to come back!
From Decoist.com. From Decoist.com
Macramé It!
The art of macrame is far from being dead. Textile artist, Sally England, Michigan state, translates the art of knotting into a modern language with large, simple designs in wall hangings and screens.
From Remodelista , on Sally EnglandFrom Remodelista on Sally England
Screen It!
Add a three to four panel dramatic screen. It’s movable and versatile.
Mood board by annsliee on polyvore
Chalk It Up!
Found on Pinterest
And of course you can
Stencil it!
From Cutting Edge Stencils, Chinese ginkgo stencil design by Kim Myles
Okay, your turn. Let me know how you feel about white walls and what you did or would like to about it. (Wondering how I feel about them? Surprise! I like ’em!)
In my last post, Create Wall Drama With Stencils, I offered stunningly examples of what you can do just by stenciling you wall. In this follow up post, I give some general information on how to apply stencils; include a short list of resources; and end with a brief history on stencils.
How To Stencil
It’s really quite easy. Tools are simple and available from art stores, hardware stores and companies that create stencils. What’s important is getting the right tools for the right job. Special brushes and paint rollers produce different effects. I once stenciled an ivy border on a bathroom wall. Using a powder-like paint and flat brush I dabbed the paint on. The effect resulted in a gorgeous aged ivy lace-like border.
A Few Resources
Having once selected your colors and applied your base coat, you tape your template to the wall. (Always use a leveler.) Blue painters tape is best because it won’t stick to the wall or pull off the paint when you remove the tape. Then brush or roller paint in the cut out spaces of the template. Depending upon your design, you remove and line up your template with the first application to continue the pattern. For more detailed information, I refer you to Cutting Edge Stencils, “How To Stencil“. Yes, I know, I keep mentioning them but that’s because they don’t just sell you templates. They offer supplies, detailed instructions accompanied with photos, and now even videos. You can’t beat that, short of them coming to your home and doing it for you!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t offer other resources as well. Here’s my short list:
Modern Masters. Excellent selection of specialty paints from metallic to metal effects and plasters. If you’re going to do this, spend your money on getting the best.
Royal Design Studio Stencils. They have a very nice selection of stencils from modern to traditional, such as a Pompeii and Trompe L’oeil. You’ll also find supplies, instructions on how to and a wide range of stencils for other applications: fabric, walls and furniture applications.
Stencil Ease. I’m listing this company because it offers custom stencils to create wall sayings. You type in your statement; select a font and size; length of the statement and alignment; and whether or not you want it broken up into sections. Then you preview the statement. Prices are listed based on the film weight of the stencil. (I’ve book marked this for one of my studio projects!
A Very Brief History of Stenciling
Cave of the Hands, Patagonia, Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina.
If you decide to add stenciling to your home decor, you will be part of a very long and ancient tradition. Wall stenciling dates back to the prehistoric period, before recorded history, and is found on Paleolithic cave walls in France and Spain. Other examples of early stencils exist in many parts of the world, such as caves in Argentina and Fiji (This dates back from 30,000 to 9,000 B.C.) The purpose for these earlier stencils isn’t known; however, later applications strongly suggest its use for artistic and decorative expressions.
With the invention of paper in 200 A.D., the Chinese had developed a better stencil material and began using stencils commercially, particularly in images of Buddha (China Six Dynasty 221AD-618AD).
Trade routes, during the Middle Ages (around 476 AD to 1453 AD), along the Middle East and Turkey, including the Crusades, spread the stenciling technique to Europe where it is found in forms on church and cathedral walls and in illuminated manuscripts. Stenciling reached its peak in France between 1700 and 1800, being mass produced on items such as playing cards, fabric, and wall paper.
European immigrants brought the stenciling technique to the New World, developed different styles and techniques and applied stenciling on walls and floors in folk art motifs from Europe.
Theorem painting, bridgeless stencils, was developed in the early 1800’s, and is still used today. This technique uses a series of overlays, creating a picture in which “stenciled elements lay side-by-side,” resulting in a hand-painted look.
Mass-produced wallpaper, changing styles and tastes usurped the popularity of stenciling until the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. With the advent of the Bicentennial and the release of The Art of Stenciling, by Adele Bishop and Cile Lord a renewed interest in stenciling emerged.
You may be thinking you could have done without the history. Perhaps. But it’s so wonderful to know how well we are so connected to our history and this beautiful world as we bring it into our homes.
A very inexpensive way to create wall drama is through the use of stencils. Your biggest investment will be your time but the results are well worth it.
From Lucite Lavender blog on Stencil Walls
Good heavens! A beautifully, dramatic bathroom. Isn’t that wall stencil in metallic gold on a slate blue absolutely gorgeous? Get the picture? I’m not here to talk about those cute little ivy stencils of days past. Computer software and laser-cutting technology enables artists to design and create intricate, and affordable stencils, that allows all of us to easily stencil our walls in dramatic ways. The key words here are “easily” and “dramatic” and of course “affordable.” You can now enjoy designs even on a small budget and a few fun evenings, or days. Often you can get inspirations, purchase stencils, instructions, and supplies all from the same place. You don’t even have to burn gasoline, just some time on the internet—perhaps with coffee and a scone or even dinner. You can easily match and coordinate your stencil colors with your hard and soft furnishings and décor accessories.
Found on Pinterest
The wall in this beautiful bedroom doesn’t really look like a stencil application but a gold metallic wall paper. But I strongly suggest, the dark blue circular pattern is a stencil. Now that’s a wonderful idea, embellish a solid color wall paper with a stencil overlay.
Discovered on Building Moxie article on Stencil Design:: The Stencil RevivalFrom Kristen F. Davis Designs, independent decorative painter
This image was posted on Pinterest by Modern Masters, supplier of specialty paints such as metallics. The contributor described the technique for the stencil above:
“Decorative Artist Leslie Redshaw of Unfauxgettable Interiors mixed Modern Masters Metal Effects, Venetian plaster and our Metallic Paints for a unique stenciled wall finish!”
— Modern Masters
The take away from the above image and note from Modern Masters is that if stenciling isn’t something you don’t want to do, remember you can always hire an experienced faux and stencil wall painter. I’ve had the pleasure of once hiring such a person. She was delight to work with and did a fabulous faux on an otherwise boring foyer.
Found on Chinoiserie Chic blog under the post “The Pretty Girl Wall” Oh please, you’ve got to see the collection.
I absolutely adore the above stencil wall and gallery!
I’ll end here for now with one of my favorite places for purchasing stencils, Cutting Edge Stencils. I’ve watched this company grow over the years and they just keep getting better and better. They’re on my wish list. And now that I’m in the planning stages for decorating my lovely downsizing apartment, I know I have a wall or two to do. That aside, check out this muriel wall stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils.
From Cutting Edge Stencil, a muriel wall stencil
In short, you can create fabulous wall drama using stencils. Limitations are based on imagination and desire! I give some general information on how to apply stencils; include a short list of resources; and end with a brief history of stencils in Part II Create Wall Drama With Stencils.
(*Part of this post is a re-post from Annsliee-Blogs, a now retired blog.)
This cozy living room was found on South Shore Decorating blog
We all want our homes to feel cozy. Right? Well, many of us do. Some of us do? Even in large great rooms and family rooms, we break them up into smaller spaces, then introduce elements that make these smaller spaces cozy, inviting and comforting. Face it, it’s difficult to have a tête-à-tête shouting across an over-sized room.
I ran across an excellent article in Country Living online magazine titled “Five Minutes to Comfort: Designers’ Quick Cozy Tips.” I love the ideas the designers offer but would like to point out some other elements I noticed in the images of the rooms, as well as add a few more tips. First, here’s the Country Living designers’ list.
“When comfort is key, keep blankets, throws, and quilts in easy reach. ” –Tricia Foley, New York designer
“…having a sense of humor when you decorate is the easiest way to warm a space.” –Denise Sabia, Philadelphia designer
“Dress In Layers – Even a well-worn leather sofa can feel a bit cold, but throw loads of comfy pillows on top, and it beckons you to lounge all day.” –Kirsten Krason, Salt Lake City designer
“Fill shelves with favorite reads, style the coffee table with stunning travel and photography tomes, and place volumes of poetry on the nightstand in the guest room. Books create intimate, quiet retreats, places to relax, and rejuvenate the home.” –Jessica Helgerson, Portland interior designer
“Give it soul . . . [by] introducing shades of red.” –Anthony Baratta, New York designer
From Tricia Foley (see above)From Kirsten Krason (see above)
In all of the example images above, did you notice the color brown? From accent to a major piece of furniture, the color brown anchors the room, echoing the sense of comfort and piece we feel when walking in a forest or a park filled with trees. I talked about the color brown in my last post, Decorate with Brown: Afraid? Decor style is another element to note here in that the furnishings are traditional with lots of rounded corners and sofas with deep seat cushions. Supposing your style is modern, clean lines on a plane, stainless steel and lots of glass sparkling throughout the room but you would still like to add elements of comfort? Of course. I like how these five simple rules can work for just about any decor style.
From Home Adore, a Norway cottage
The cottage living room above is modern. While it doesn’t include all five elements above, it is still cozy. And it’s not just the fireplace, although it plays an important roll in this coziness of the room. So what makes it cozy? The room appears to be large, yet the two sofas face each other and closely. The feel of additional warmth and coziness comes from the wood floors, walls and the shag rug. And of course, those supper-sized pillows (probably 24″ at least) in fur. I’m sure, at least I hope, the pillows are faux fur. In the evenings, the over-sized, shaded chandelier will direct light downward. It would be interesting to see this effect. I envision, shadowing on the sofas but perhaps there is additional lighting in the background not shown here.
This modern room brings me to adding a few more and perhaps “quick” things that can be done to make a room cozy.
Place furniture pieces close together or nestled as a vignette in a corner. Ever seen small rooms where the sofa is against one wall while two chairs hug the opposite corner, looking as if they are afraid to join in with the rest of the decor? If possible, get those lonely chairs out of the corner and bring them closer to face the sofa. Just don’t forget to apply the five suggestions above.
Fabric content is also important. In purchasing major pieces such as sofas and chairs, the softer the fabric, the better. How can you feel the coziness of a room when the fabric screams I’ll scratch your bare legs and arms!
Whether natural or artificial, lighting should be soften. The afternoon sun coming through a window will often bleach away the feeling of coziness in a room. Short of closing window blinds or closing draperies, the light can be softened with fabric blinds, even sheer curtains. The soft white light bulbs from a shaded lamp always enhances the coziness of a room. Just be sure to place the lamps so that they don’t blind you at eye level.
Here are a few more examples of applying the suggestions given from both the above lists.
From Paul Davis Interior, a Manhattan apartment in New YorkDiscovered on PinterestFrom Cesa’s Recycled Home on Apartment TherapyFound on Pinterest
Ms. Sabia suggests that we have a little sense of humor in our decorating scheme, that we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously. I must agree. Interestingly, examples of a tastefully cozy decorated room was difficult to find. Perhaps we do take ourselves too seriously in our decorated homes. If you have or know of such an image, please do share it with me!
And while you are at it, share your thoughts or add another “quick” tip to make a room cozy. Would so love to hear from you! -xoxo
Afraid of brown? Feel indifferent about it? Hate it? Love it? Considering it? Well, I hope you may at least be considering it. Yes, yes, I know its often viewed as plain. That’s really a cultural view that has wrongly evolved in western countries, such as the United States. This is so unfortunate. The various shades of Brown, adored by nature, is reflected in many of the most beautiful natural landscapes, animals and birds in the world.
Zion National Park from GloHoliday and found on PinterestFound on PinterestFrom HGTV.com 10 Ways to Decorate With Brown
The above image as you can see is from HGTV. I love its description for this room and will quote it here:
“Layered Interest
When designing an interesting space, layering can add visual interest to a room. Unified by color, a mixture of stripes, patterns and solids are all displayed in this sitting area. It’s important not to focus on each piece individually, but to understand how they all work together collectively. Design by Donovan Swick”
— HGTV.comThis gorgeous Christmas setting was found on Thrift Decor Chick Blogspot.com
If brown is your favorite color, your are definitely a wonderful person. Well, that’s at least how your personality traits are summed up from Empower Yourself With Color-Psychology.com. Here are just a few traits attributed to you (the list is really much longer):
“ You are honest, down-to-earth and wholesome, salt of the earth people with both feet planted firmly on the ground. You are steady and reliable and quietly confident. You are friendly and approachable, genuine and sincere. With a personality color brown you have a keen sense of duty and responsibility – you take your obligations very seriously.
You are a home body – family and family life is extremely important to you. You like physical comfort, simplicity and quality. You are a loyal and trustworthy friend, supportive and dependable. You are sensitive to the needs of others and sensitive to criticism by others.”
— …Color Psychology.com
I once painted guest bedroom walls the color of Hershey chocolate, from Ralph Lauren paint collection. The name has since changed since he now offers a range of this very rich color. The trim was painted a very light caramel.
Let’s look at more wonderful examples of decorating with brown.
From House Beautiful article on Bay Area BrownsAlso from House Beautiful article on Bay Area BrownsFrom Decor Pad.com All ModernFrom Zuniga Interiors Z For ZebraFrom annsliee pillow collection
Are you now interested in brown? But maybe you’re wondering what colors would work well with it. Just about any other color. In the mixing of paint pigments, brown consists of equal parts yellow and red and varying part of blue for intensity. These are the primary colors. As you saw above, brown comes in a wide range of hues. Personally, I love the deep rich browns contrasted with whites and cream which makes both colors dramatic. Some browns appear flat and perhaps this is why some consider it boring. But I find that this often happens when brown is not paired with another color in the right hues. Sorry, I try to stay away from the bad examples so will not show them here.
An excellent source for developing a color palette with brown can be found on Design Seeds.com. I really love this one for showing the range of other colors that love being with brown.
Design Seeds.com
So have I inspired you to consider the color brown or have I helped to confirm your desire to use brown? Would love to hear from you – xo
In my July 2014 post, “Decorative Pillows Pile ‘Em High“, I stood on the roof top, figuratively speaking of course, and proclaimed the more pillows the better. And I offered lots of fabulous images to prove it. I stand by that proclamation. For those non believers, I’ve been requested to come down to earth and make more reasonable recommendations on quantity and size of pillows.
From Houzz.com
The pillow “Hello Darling” is 24″ x 24″ and it looks like a great size for that sofa. In short, consider the size of the sofa. I have an oversize sofa and have gorgeous silk embroidered made several years, size 18″ x 18.” I was being skimpy and it cost me more in the long run. The beauty of the fabric and the pillows is simply lost on the sofa. Oh well . . . here’s my list of suggested sizes based on furniture:
• Sofas, particularly large sofas, and sectionals, a 20″ x 20″ or 22″ x 22″ • For a lounge chair, such as a wing back, a 16″ x 20″ • Occasional chairs with arms, a 16″ x 20″ or 20″ x 20″ • Occasional chairs without arms and you are looking to pop color into the space, a 12″ x 20″, 16″ x 20″ or 18″ x 18″ • For beds where the pillow is an accent, use a 20″ x 20″ or 22″ x 22.” (Note that shams would be 20″ x 26″ and European pillows are 24″ x 24″ or 26″ x 26.”)
From Houzz.com Hermosa Beach ModernFrom Houzz.com for Utopia Projects, Saudi Arabia
A question I often get is what size pillows are needed to create a layered, plush look.
I so “Love this question! If you are looking for a layered look, you can do this with all of the pillows being the same size, particularly when trying to achieve a minimal or modern look. On the other hand, if you want a more plush look, mixing different sizes will certainly deliver. Measure your space, sofa length and depth, etc.” (Yeah, I’m quoting myself here.) Try these suggested sizes:
• 12″ x 20″, 20″ x 20″ and 22″ x 22″; • 14″ x 27″, 22″ x 22″; • 16″ x 20″, 20″ x 20″ and 22″ x 22″
You can of course use the same size for a group of pillows, as seen in the above images, and certainly achieve a dramatic presentation, not to mention great comfort. And so too can this be done with a mix of pillow sizes.
From one of my very favorite interior designer/decorator, Caitlin Wilson found on Houzz.comFrom Apartment Therapy for Josh’s Collected Sensibility (I LOVE the blue on the wall and had even once painted a library that color, accented with cherry built in bookcases and caramel leather sofa. Hmm, just love it!)From Apartment Therapy for Josh’s Collected Sensibility Small Cool Contest
If you’re still not sure, remember you can always make templates such as with brown paper or even plain white cotton fabric. Or better yet, start with the largest pillows first and gradually add other sizes at different times. Grow into the collection. I love nestling among a group or crowd of beautiful decorative pillows and experiencing the wonderful comfort they give, the colors they bring into the decor, and that finishing decorative touch they bring to the room. Perhaps that just another reason why I make them for myself and others.
What are your thoughts on how many decorative pillows you need–or want?? Please do share.
annsliees 