Pillow Talk

I'm sharing my "rule of thumb" that I always follow when putting patterns together. I prefer a neutral base (walls or furniture) that you can add color to. I change-up my throw pillows all the time, usually with the of seasons. This is my no-fail, inexpensive way to get a new look.

I can appreciate a sofa full of colorful printed pillows, but on a limited budget, the attempt can sometimes go wrong.  I believe, (just my opinion now) that if you're on a budget and really don't know where to start, you need to abide by these few rules:)

1. Use one print per "category."  

Let me explain. I like to organize fabrics into three categories and choose one from each to decorate with:

floral

geometric

solid color texture

Here's an example:

My family room sofa is neutral. Poop brown really.  To add some flair, it has pillows in an Ikat print (floral category), Zebra Chenille (geometric), and solid Cable Knit (texture.)

Again, I followed my "rule" in the living room, where I have a Suzani Print (my floral), a chevron (geometric), and a fluffy thing (texture) layered over a neutral (Greek Key.)

2. Display only an odd number of pillows.

  

Three or Five, never two or four.  

Odd numbers are more appealing to the eye. I heard somewhere to use this rule on everything from landscaping to cake decorating, and in our case- children!

(3 shrubs, not 2, in the flower bed, five roses on the cake , not 4...get it?) Once you start to notice, it really does make a difference.

3. Above all, the pillows should be comfortable. 
  

People should actually want to sit with the pillow, not move it to be comfortable. 
Your kids, spouse, or (in our case) pets should be able to actually use the pillows. 

Try pillows made with down feathers if you haven't before, they make furniture more inviting, and softer. 

fabric.com 

I won't waste money on super expensive pillows, only to turn around and cringe when everyone is throwing them around!  Let's face it, with five kids and this dog, they get used a lot. I've sewn many of them myself, so that I can change them up easily or say "oh well"  when the dog ruins them and the kids spill!  

 Sturdy fabric with well-sewn seems and down inserts keeps them comfy while taking a beating!

Thanks for looking!