Pillows are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your décor. They can lighten up a space or help bring together other home accessories in a room. And because they can be very affordable and are readily available in every size, shape and color imaginable, pillows are a “go-to” design component when planning your dream space. Learn how to update your space by decorating with pillows.
To learn more about maximizing the power of pillows, I asked Dallas-based designer Abbe Fenimore to share some of her design successes with this easy accessory. Fenimore owns an online design service called Home Away From Home and an online boutique, Shop Ten 25 full of fabulous pillows, furniture, and other chic home decor products.
Selecting the right pillows
“The addition of pillows to any bed, sofa or accent chair can really impact the overall look and feel of a room,” Abbe says. “With all of the choices out there, selecting the right pillows can be overwhelming for some of us. My advice is to keep an open mind and purchase pieces that are easy to return if you’re feeling noncommittal. If you know exactly what you want, going the custom route or purchasing a higher price-point piece can be very rewarding.”
“This bachelor pad is a downtown loft and was in serious need of pattern, texture and color to soften the concrete floors and walls,” Abbe shares. “The pillows in the master bedroom created the hip loft feel my client wanted, while bringing a sophisticated edge to the room.”
Remember that pillows can be used to notch up or tone down any space. A room with multiple patterns might beg for single-shade accent pillows while less dramatic rooms can benefit from pillows with images, multiple colors or bold patterns.
Add personality to your space with these DIY Hoot Owl Pillows>>
Find a balance
Abbe says it’s important to balance strong pieces such as the bedding and headboard in this lovely bedroom, with the right pillows. “One of my favorite master suites was a bit of a challenge when it came to accent pillows. The yellow silk shams brought in a luxe feel while the yellow flower pillow completed the look without pattern overkill.”
One way I particularly enjoy using pillows is to mark the change of seasons. As spring rolls in I change the faux-fur sofa pillow and throw blanket in my living room for a colorfully patterned pillow, usually with a yellow motif, and bring out my bright-green open weave throw.
Swapping out pillows with the new seasons is a fun and cost-effective way to revitalize a space. Decorating with pillows will always leave your décor open to whatever magic your imagination can conjure.
Home décor how-to
DIY: No-sew pillow from an old T-shirt
Learn how to make a pillow out of an old T-shirt — no sewing involved!
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