When it comes to decor, the effect of a pillow or pillows is greatly underestimated. Most often, they are an afterthought. However, if you think about it, pillows are one element that can dramatically alter the overall mood in a room, not to mention increase the quality quotient.
The pillow is to home decor as jewelry is to a fashion ensemble. It does not necessarily have to be expensive, but should pack a punch especially when placed against an otherwise neutral backdrop. Make a statement by using colour or by choosing bold oversized patterns, a designer signature fabric, a furry texture, or just plain scale – the bigger the better!
Did you ever consider investing several hundreds of dollars in a pillow? I am guessing that the answer is probably not. But did you know that placing an expensive pillow on a low quality piece of furniture can take the piece from drab to fab. This is a clever stylist trick — next time look carefully at the high-low featured rooms in many of the shelter mags).
Perhaps you are still not convinced. Try it yourself. Use a fantastic fabric or a signature designer print. Do you have any silk scarves or fabrics that you love and never seem to use? These can quite beautifully be made into pillows and allow you to enjoy them every day.
Like anything, it is all in how you put items together to create an artful effect. I often use a client’s favourite colour or pattern as the starting point for approaching the design of a whole room.
The fabric, David Hicks Herbert’s Carnation Weave in red/plum, is featured above on these pillows in this Glebe home.
Here are some other sources of inspiration. The letter pillow from Jonathon Adler is perfect for the narcissist within. It is a playful and whimsical way to make your signature known. It can be customized not only by letter but by colour as well.
Madeline Weinrib also has an array of beautiful ethnic fabrics done up in pillows. She is one of my favourite sources. Even at $350 a pop, it can be well worth the investment.
