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Showing posts with label Pillows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pillows. Show all posts

Monday, March 7, 2016

How predictable is your decor?

 Yes, I've been Pinteresting too much again. It's one of the best ways to see what the common trends are in interior design.  I am not talking about the "cutting edge" ones touted as design trends for a particular year, but the ones that you know average people usein their homes.  These common elements are sometimes referred to as "decorating crutches" because anyone can use them in any space.   I bet you know them already because they are constantly flying by your eyes on Pinterest or Instagram or in home decor stores.

 Check out some of the hallmarks of decor predictability in 2016  compiled from an evening of online viewing. Here are a few pics for you.   Can you see any similarities in these spaces ?









Here's what I came up with...
  • overly coordinated fabrics and accessories 
  • trays used to corral vignettes on tables
  • stacking books in vignettes 
  • pale rugs 
  • lots of  candles 
  • box store art
  • art that gives you directions (word art)
  • antlers and faux taxidermy 
  • empty frames ( is it a conceptual art statement or just a thing?)
  • dishes that match a room's colour scheme
  • accessories covering every flat surface
  • cute holiday and seasonal vignettes
  • beachy colour schemes 
  • hurricane lanterns
  • girlie chandeliers 
  •  mirrors everywhere  
  • mason jars used for every conceivable purpose
  • fake topiary
  • changing  seasonal/holiday displays 
  • gallery walls with everything apart from real art 
  • large wall clocks 
  • bleached wicker 
  • overuse of baskets for storage
  • and abundance of pillows and throws
  • gray everything
  • pale wall colours
  • family references and a touches of sentiment
How predictable is your decor in 2016?

 Is it a bad thing to be predictable?

  Probably not.

 We like what we like, and likes are developed through exposure (repeated viewing). In today's world of social media we do a lot of viewing.  Likes are also shaped by your social circles, your decorating budget, and what is  readily available in a local area.  Sometimes we want to be the same as our friends and we model each other.

We all have things we are attracted to and use in different ways in our homes. From the list of overly used elements above  I  am guilty of: stacking books as fillers and to vary heights,  using trays to corral objects in vignettes,  layering with  throws and using an antler in various arrangements (but it's a real one found on a hike) and I do have a thing about pillows.  I am happiest in light rooms and gray has been my go to neutral since 1985.  How about you?

Stay tuned for 10 ways to interject a little decor rebellion in your space.








Sunday, February 14, 2016

Does burlap work in contemporary decor?

Ideas for using burlap in crafty, country decor have taken over my Pinterest feed lately.  My own decor is a mix of contemporary and mid-century modern with a generous application of contemporary art.  Burlap just doesn't seem to fit with that mix.  But wait...  just tell me something doesn't work, and I am on a journey to prove otherwise.

 Currently in my art practice I am questioning public expectations for certain materials.   Perhaps that's why I am thinking about burlap.   All those country/homey pins for burlap  got me thinking about raising the ante, by taking burlap  out of its country comfort level.

So let's explore the question.


I like burlap because it ...
  • has texture;
  • is a natural fibre from the jute plant;
  • is a renewable product because of its source;
  • is  available in several  neutral colours and can be dyed; 
  • is relatively inexpensive;
  • can be used without sewing;
  • accepts paint well;
  • comes in a variety of widths and qualities;
  • has an open weave for introducing  different materials into design. 


On the other side are several drawbacks...
  • it is smelly; 
  • cheaper varieties are very coarse; 
  • it is usually stiff and doesn't gather well; 
  • the weave is uneven

Here's a collection of commercially produced products using burlap.  Obviously, this isn't the burlap you wrap your trees with in fall!





There are also lots of options for DIYers or to purchase from sites like ETSY. 

Pillows 



Window Treatments 










source 




source 



 source 


Runner 






Bedskirt 



Now it's your turn....









Friday, April 17, 2015

Is it spring yet?

I don't know about you, but around this time of year my decor starts to look a little like I feel after a long, cold winter.  Tired and worse for wear.  I had the urge to bring some spring to my house; I tried, I really did, but mother nature had other ideas.


  I had visions  of something  like this  for my front containers with a bit of fake thrown in until the real thing is possible - that means late June here.

Source 

 I bought pussy willows and some  short, purple flowers to  add to the greenery that is there.  Unfortunately the current items from Christmas are still frozen solid.   I have  what survived the raging winds and snow of winter ....




I guess it will be red dogwood, Spanish Broom and pine for a little longer! The berries are long gone.


Then I thought what about a new wreath to hang over the containers.  I wracked my brains.  Do you know a spring motif that would look great with Christmas planters?  I  couldn't come up with one thing apart from twigs.  That wouldn't help my craving for colour.

 My only recourse was to take in my Christmas wreath in an effort to remove a little more evidence that I am not with it.


cc960 french violet Benjamin Moore



 Then I tried to convince myself that my Benjamin Moore cc960 french violet door was my spring statement!  Feeble. But hold on a moment.

Would this convince you?  "... evoking thoughts of strolling along the Seine with an armful of violet bouquets"  according to the Benjamin Moore site.  That's close, I chose it because of my memories of the lavender fields in France. My granddaughters have noticed that I love purple, at times it is a little too obvious!


 As in my latest pillow thanks to a scrap of lavender velvet left from 


this little beauty my sister made for a bench in my front porch.  Don't you just love the decorative tucks that make a pattern?  My sister is a class act when it comes to sewing and decorating.  When I got rid of the nasty red accent pillows  I thought I wanted last spring, I knew my accent would return to purple and I would have to elevate this pillow to sofa status. Bye, bye porch bench.




 If you look up you can see where the idea for purple came from.  So spring has hit my house in the form of pillows.  I admit that isn't too overwhelming.

Where does that leave me?

Still thinking about the  dining room table.  Still thinking..... Hum....


Monday, April 21, 2014

Using Pillows to Bring Color to your Room

A vibrant throw pillow can transform an entire room's decor and deliver a bold color statement. Discover ways to bring a pop of color into your home with beautiful, bright throw pillows.

Natural Palette

Green, yellow and brown decorative pillows brighten up a solid tan couch with a natural — but lively — color palette.

Classic Red

Designer Elizabeth P. Clarke uses a crisp red pillow against a cream chair for a splash of color.

Sea of Turquoise

These eye-popping turquoise pillows are especially noticeable among light furnishings and pastel accessories.

Chic Pink

Small hot pink accent pillows can add a playful touch of color against white pillows and taupe walls.

Gold and Bold

A large gold decorative pillow brings a touch of unexpected color to this small seating area. Design by Erinn Valencich.

Orange Peels

Designer Ammie Kim spices up a simple beige living room with orange throw pillows.

Mellow Yellow

Designer Velvet Hammerschmidt uses bright yellow accent pillows to pop against the crisp white sofa and to complement the pale yellow walls.

Touch of Pumpkin

Pumpkin-colored pillows add a lively visual to the neutral-toned space. Design by Andreas Charalambous.

Neon Scene

An all-white bedroom is bursting with color from vibrant blue pillows and fluorescent yellow accessories.

Rainbow Hues

This white living room gets its burst of color with an array of vibrant decorative pillows on the window seat and couch. Design by Natalie Umbert.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Using Pillows to Bring Color to your Room

A vibrant throw pillow can transform an entire room's decor and deliver a bold color statement. Discover ways to bring a pop of color into your home with beautiful, bright throw pillows.

Natural Palette

Green, yellow and brown decorative pillows brighten up a solid tan couch with a natural — but lively — color palette.

Classic Red

Designer Elizabeth P. Clarke uses a crisp red pillow against a cream chair for a splash of color.

Sea of Turquoise

These eye-popping turquoise pillows are especially noticeable among light furnishings and pastel accessories.

Chic Pink

Small hot pink accent pillows can add a playful touch of color against white pillows and taupe walls.

Gold and Bold

A large gold decorative pillow brings a touch of unexpected color to this small seating area. Design by Erinn Valencich.

Orange Peels

Designer Ammie Kim spices up a simple beige living room with orange throw pillows.

Mellow Yellow

Designer Velvet Hammerschmidt uses bright yellow accent pillows to pop against the crisp white sofa and to complement the pale yellow walls.

Touch of Pumpkin

Pumpkin-colored pillows add a lively visual to the neutral-toned space. Design by Andreas Charalambous.

Neon Scene

An all-white bedroom is bursting with color from vibrant blue pillows and fluorescent yellow accessories.

Rainbow Hues

This white living room gets its burst of color with an array of vibrant decorative pillows on the window seat and couch. Design by Natalie Umbert.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Using Pillows to Bring Color to your Room

A vibrant throw pillow can transform an entire room's decor and deliver a bold color statement. Discover ways to bring a pop of color into your home with beautiful, bright throw pillows.

Natural Palette

Green, yellow and brown decorative pillows brighten up a solid tan couch with a natural — but lively — color palette.

Classic Red

Designer Elizabeth P. Clarke uses a crisp red pillow against a cream chair for a splash of color.

Sea of Turquoise

These eye-popping turquoise pillows are especially noticeable among light furnishings and pastel accessories.

Chic Pink

Small hot pink accent pillows can add a playful touch of color against white pillows and taupe walls.

Gold and Bold

A large gold decorative pillow brings a touch of unexpected color to this small seating area. Design by Erinn Valencich.

Orange Peels

Designer Ammie Kim spices up a simple beige living room with orange throw pillows.

Mellow Yellow

Designer Velvet Hammerschmidt uses bright yellow accent pillows to pop against the crisp white sofa and to complement the pale yellow walls.

Touch of Pumpkin

Pumpkin-colored pillows add a lively visual to the neutral-toned space. Design by Andreas Charalambous.

Neon Scene

An all-white bedroom is bursting with color from vibrant blue pillows and fluorescent yellow accessories.

Rainbow Hues

This white living room gets its burst of color with an array of vibrant decorative pillows on the window seat and couch. Design by Natalie Umbert.
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