Fall Pillow Finds | My Favorite Picks For The Season

September 16, 2018

When it comes to fall decorating, I don’t go overboard with my decor. I like to scatter a few pumpkins here and there and replace spring flowers with fall blooms. I also change out the pillows on the sofa for ones with more of a fall feel. Since I’m not big on pumpkin designs, I look for patterns that represent fall through their colors and/or texture. Investing in these types of design gives me more versatility when I’m decorating and I can keep them out until I start decorating for Christmas.

I’ll be sharing my fall home tour on Wednesday where you’ll get to see the pillows I’m using in my fall decor. Until then, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite fall inspired {and budget-friendly} styles for you to shop.

FALL PILLOW PICKS

No. 1 There is so much to love about this Carpet Print. From the vintage inspired design to the soft, muted colors. This pillow would look great paired with a chunky wool throw.

No. 2 I love the texture, colors and boho vibe in this lumbar pillow. It’s a generous size and would look great on a sofa or accenting a bed.

No. 3 The colors in this floral lumbar pillow just scream fall and the plush fabric gives it a cozy feel. With so much color, this is a great pattern to mix and match with other colors. I also like this velvet design and this floral pattern.

No. 4 How fun is the diamond shag pillow? The combination of rich, warm colors and soft texture made this a fun pillow to add to a family room or play area.

No. 5 This multicolored pillow just might be my favorite fall inspired pillow because of all the color. And I love the black over-stitch that gives the pillow even more dimension.

No. 6 Tapestry designs are trending right now and this woven tapestry is a beauty. The colors are rich and warm and the design is perfect for traditional or eclectic design styles.

No. 7 This hook and loop pillow from Wayfair has a global look to it. I love the nubby texture and abstract pattern. Definitely a fun accent for more modern or boho design styles.

No. 8 I think animal prints are perfect for year round decorating, but for fall they are a great way add an elegant fall feel. This hide cheetah print is a showstopper and will pair beautifully with stripes of floral patterns.

What’s your favorite way to decorate your home for fall? Do you go all out or do you make minor changes to welcome the season?

Design Resource: Beautiful Trims from Fringe Market

March 8, 2018

When it comes to interior design the saying, ‘design is in the details’ couldn’t be more true. Details can often be the one thing that makes your design statement unique and stand out.

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite sources for decorative trims and tapes, Fringe Market. Fringe Market is a to-the-trade resource with the most beautiful assortment of tapes, fringe, cords, tassels and trims. Along with a big assortment of cotton products they also carry luxury yarns like mohair.

If you’re looking for trims suitable for outdoor use, they also carry a great selection of products in that category. Add a decorative trim to a solid outdoor pillow and you can easily UpStyling your outdoor living space.

And one more thing to love about this company is that all of their products are manufactured in the USA.

It’s hard to pick my favorite tapes and trims but I rounded up a few that are at the top of my list.

FAVORITES FROM FRINGE MARKET

Even though Fringe Market sells only to the trade, the good news is that they have an online retail outlet that anyone can shop. Linger Longer Textiles sells over 100 styles along with a small selection of pre-made outdoor pillows, tote bags and Fedora hats accented with decorative tape. I especially love shopping the fringe and gimp collection because of the beautiful color options.

To learn more about the products available from Fringe Market and get a dose of style inspiration, connect with them on Instagram and on their blog.

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DESIGN PLAN: Tuscan Dining Room

June 29, 2017

I had the pleasure of creating a design plan for a young couple who have just purchased their first home. The goal for the dining space was to merge his traditional style with her love for rustic yet refined decor. They both love natural rooms with pops of color and wanted the overall feel of the dining room to be warm and inviting.

After dissecting their design styles, I came up with the theme, Tuscan Dining. My vision was rich, warm colors with a mix of dark and light wood tones. I also envisioned a mix of classic and transitional furniture, colorful textiles and lots of texture.

TUSCAN DINING ROOM: Design Details

No.1 & No. 5–A traditional dining room set will work best for this couple who loves to entertain. The oval table maximizing seating and helps with the traffic flow in and out of the room. The dark wood stain on the table adds depth and contrast against the lighter tones in the room.

No.2–To bring in a more modern touch, I suggested an upholstered settee for one side of the dining table. This larger piece of furniture will add softness to the room and can easily be moved to other areas of the home when needed.

No. 3–All of the lighting for this dining room is in a bronze finish which adds even more warmth to the space. The chandelier has lots of curves to it which create visual movement for the eye. And if the couple wants an even more traditional feel they could add shades to each arm.

No. 4–These patterned drapes are the wow factor in the room. The all-over damask pattern have a traditional vibe but the bold colors will help the room maintain a sense of playfulness. I also like that the drapery pattern/colors will give the couple lots of options when it comes to accessorizing.

No.6–A sleek round mirror over the rustic sideboard keeps the wall decor statement simple. Plus a round mirror has a more modern feel than a rectangular design.

No.7–Instead of lamps, wall sconces are another way to add lighting to a dining room and expand the wall decor statement above a buffet. These double arm sconces will provide ample lighting and visually draw the eye up.

No.8–I love a neutral colored rug with lots of texture. The subtle diamond pattern of this sisal rug adds a cozy and relaxed feel plus lots of visual interest.

No.9–A good way to create dimension and depth within a room is by mixing furniture with different finishes. The blonde wood finish on this sideboard ties into the lighter tones in the drapes and the rustic finish adds the dimension.

No.10–I wanted to pull in some navy to coordinate with the drapes and a pair of ceramic garden stools flanking the sideboard will do the trick. Plus I love the raised vine design which adds more visual interest.

Fabric Shopping (and what it says about home decor trends)

March 17, 2017

I discovered a new fabric warehouse the other day and all I can say is WOW! Before I entered the showroom the customer service rep warned me that there was a lot of fabric behind those doors. Man oh man was she right.

Walking through those doors was like walking in a fabric wonderland. There were rolls of fabric, stacks of fabrics, hanging fabric and more remnant fabrics than the eye could see.

As I walked the aisles, I began to take note of the colors and patterns I was seeing so I’m sharing that with you today.

FABRIC & HOME DECOR TRENDS

MAD FOR PLAID–Large buffalo plaids appear to be a pattern that is gaining in popularity. Where you once just saw classic colors like red, navy and black you’re now seeing plaids in every color and every size scale.

Cotton blend plaids have a more causal feel to them and so I prefer linen blends which have more texture and dimension. Plaid patterns are ideal for window treatments, pillows and furnishings as you’ll see in these inspirational images…

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MELLOW YELLOW–Pantone identified Primrose Yellow as one of the trending colors for 2017 and while I didn’t see a lot of bold yellow fabrics, I did see lots of soft yellow.

Most of the fabrics in the yellow color family were traditional floral or geometric designs perfect for upholstery, drapes of bed linens.

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SHADES OF BLUE–With the popularity of blue and white decor it’s no surprise that there are lots of blue and white fabric patterns on the market right now. I spotted florals and well as more modern geometric and boho inspired designs and the color palette ranged from deep navy to shades of teal.

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FLOWER POWER–Bold floral motifs are a trend that forecasters identified for 2017 and the fabrics I saw supported that. From tiny prints to large oversized designs, feminine florals have a fresh, modern feel.

I love the look of this antique, washed-out floral fabric.

The mum design was bold and had lots of texture and dimension. I could envision this on club chairs or an ottoman.

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BLACK & WHITE--Never will I tire of black and white patterns. Black and white are a classic color combo and pairs well with anything you put with it. The white with black plaid at the top would look great made up in pillows.

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50 SHADES OF GRAY–– Many of you may want to see the grey color trend go away but I think it will be around for a while. Grey is a great way to introduce color into your decor when you don’t want to go all white but want a little color.

I also noticed lots of fabrics that combined grey and soft teal which is always a pretty palette.

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PRETTY IN PINK-The pink fabric aisle was one of my favorites. Instead of looking like fabrics for a baby’s room, the patterns looked modern and updated. The second fabric down was gorgeous and you know I love the animal print.

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I snapped a lot more pictures but the visual eye candy has to end sometimes, right?

Finding the perfect fabric is key to a beautiful space and I’m so glad it’s something I get to do as part of my job.

p.s. I’d love to know which of the fabrics I spotted grabbed your heart!

Happy Friday, friends.

Pillow Pairings | My Favorite Black and White Pillow Styles

March 7, 2017

Raise your hand it you own this black and white pillow cover from Ikea. I think half the world owns the Lappljung Ruta cushion cover, including me!

I think the appeal of this covers is the graphic design, the sturdy fabric and of course the black and white color combo. And let’s not overlook the $10 price which makes this pillow one of the best design deals around.

via Ikea

While I love the Ikea pillow, I think its time a new black and white pillow becomes the darling of the design world. To find a winner, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite black and white pillows/cushion covers along with the accent pillows I’d pair them with them when decorating.

Check out my pillow pairings and leave me a comment and let me know which is your favorite.

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No. 1

Black, white and greek key are always a winning combination and a classic look that will be around for years to come. The black velvet pillow pairs beautifully with this dusty blue Schumacher floral fabric and a tan and white mini animal print.

Black Velvet Pillow Cover with Greek Key Trim // Hot House Flowers Pillow Cover // Tan Cheetah Pillow Cover

No. 2

This woven black and white pillow has a casual vibe that is perfect for a sectional or sofa. Because of the texture, I’ve paired it with a deep yellow velvet pillow and an abstract floral so the look is relaxed and carefree. The black and white woven pillow would also look great paired with other black and white pillow designs.

p.s. the velvet pillow is available in 10 fabulous colors

Linework Woven Decorative Pillow // Watercolour Floral Pillow Cover // Brenner Yellow Velvet Pillow

No. 3

By far my favorite black and white pillow grouping! This textured black and white pillow cover is so versatile that you can easily pair it with other patterns. Since I love all things emerald green I used that as the accent color for this combo. The floral pillow keeps the overall look soft while the velvet green pillow with greek key keeps the look classic.

Ben Soleimani Textured Wool Nailhead Pillow Cover // Bermuda Blossoms Pillow Cover // Emerald Green Velvet Pillow

No. 4

If you like a more modern vibe, you’ll love this combo. I like how the bold design of the black and white grid pillow mixes well with a modern strip and Asian floral design.

p.s. there are a thousand shades of white so don’t think you have to have the exact hue in each pillow design. A little contrast is a good thing.

Modern Black Pillow // Black and White Dotted Stripe Pillow Cover // Asian Floral Pillow Cover

No. 5

I’m starting to see black and white buffalo check pillows all over Pinterest so it looks like this pillow design is a new favorite amongst designers and design bloggers. An oversized plaid like this works will with ditzy prints and florals and you can go with just about any color combo you want.

Buffalo Check Pillow // Dalmatian Spots Pillow // P. Kaufmann Candid Moment Pillow Cover

Tips For Pairing Pillows Like A Pro

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Ensure all pillows have a consistent color theme. If you’re using a black and white pillow as the foundation, pair it will other designs that include black, white or both colors so there is a connection amongst the pillows.
The scale of patterns should balance each other, not compete for attention. A good rule of thumb is one large , one medium and one small.
Texture is important and can be visual texture (what the eye sees) as well as tactile texture (what you actually feel). Texture adds warmth and depth to pillow pairings and should always be a part of your pillow mix.
The size of the pillows matter. Just like you scale the size of print, you want different sizes of pillows. Here’s a winning combo you can always count on…

For the sofa: (2) 24×24 pillows + (2) 20×20 pillows + (1) Lumbar pillow // For a loveseat: (2) 20×20 pillows + (1) Lumbar pillow

So, which black and white pillow is your favorite and which pillow pairing do you like most?

The Junk Gypsy Collection for Pottery Barn Teen

December 1, 2016

Thanks to the kind folks at Pottery Barn Teen, I now have a new set of beautiful sheets for our guest bedroom.

The Bohemian Geo Cuff Sheet Set is part of their new Junk Gypsy collection and is made of 100% percale which is so soft and cozy. And the embroidered diamond pattern that accents the flat sheet and pillowcases has a classic yet bohemian vibe.

The sheets are a soft off-white color that will mix easily with other bedding, adding to their versatility.

Upon opening the package I recognized how well made the sheet set was and it fit our queen bed like a glove.

I’ve stared to add holiday touches to the guest room and the new sheet set works great with the classic holiday decor I’m adding.

The Junk Gypsy collection for has lots of items that will work for adult spaces as easily as they do for a teens room. I love the Wanderer Fur Throw and the Tufted Lounge Rug . And the Country Blooms Duvet Cover + Sham are perfect for a soothing bedroom design.

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To check out the full Junk Gypsy collection head here. And pick up a copy of Amie and Jolie Sikes new book, Designing A Life at the Crossroads of Wonder & Wander. The book will make a great holiday gift for anyone that loves design and diy transformations.

I’ll be sharing another great piece form the Junk Gypsy collection next week so stay tuned.

This is a sponsored post with Pottery Barn Teen. Pottery Barn & Pottery Barn Teen are one of my go-t sources for stylish and affordable decor and gift items. I am happy to partner with them in sharing some of the products I love. All text and opinions are my own.

* this post contains affiliate links

Let’s Get Cozy–Fall Throws and Storage Baskets

September 23, 2016

I came across the image the other day and all I could think about was cooler temperatures and getting cozy under a plush throw blanket. Cooler temps are on the way and now it the time to shop for that perfect fall throw blanket.

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When I’m shopping for a cozy throw blanket, there are a few things I look for and avoid…

I avoid synthetic fibers like acrylic which won’t provide much warmth and typically has a rougher feel.
I look for natural fibers like cotton, wool or cashmere all of which are soft to the touch and will keep you warm. And now you can even find washable wools which provide warmth and allow for easy care.
I look for oversized throw blankets that will cover you from head to toe. A great size is 60″ x 80″.
I prefer blankets with a straight edge and no fringe. I’ve found that over time, fringed edges tend to pull apart or tangle. note: I would buy all of the fringed blankets I’ve shown in this post because they are well made and the fringe is individually knotted.
You can never go wrong with classic styles like herringbone or cable knit. And solid colors are naturally more versatile than patterns although I love the African Shibori throw below.

These Natural Hyacinth Braided Cameron Tote Baskets are perfect for flat weave throws because they won’t snag on the basket. And the handles make it easy to move around the house or wherever movie night is happening. Grab these now because they are on sales–$20.99-$23.99!

For chunky throws you want a basket with a smooth interior like these Kiel Rope Weave Baskets or this Mamba Basket. I love the subtle texture and pattern on both of these baskets and the robust size means you can stash lots of blankets away.

Kiel Rope Weave $59-$99

Mamba Basket $64.95

And if you like to keep your throw blankets under wraps, theses lidded Collin Mocha Wicker Storage Baskets are two of my favorite. $79.95-$99.95

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The season is almost here!

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Shop these throws:

Herringbone Throw $39 available in 4 colors // Interlochen Throw $98 available in 2 colors

Landyn Chunky Knit Throw–$69.95 available in 3 colors // Moroccan Wedding Banded Throw–$399 available in 2 colors

Handcrafted African Indigo Shibori Throw–$349 // Cashmere Cable Knit Throw–$199-$299 available in 8 colors

Trend Watch: Toile de Jouy

April 26, 2016

Stylebeat

Calling this post a ‘trend watch’ may be exaggerating a bit since the trend I’m talking about has never really gone out of style, it just lost some of its luster in recent years. It wasn’t until Chinoiserie starting regaining its popularity a few years ago that toile started to come back on the design scene in a big way.

“Toile de Jouy”, sometimes abbreviated to simply “toile”, is a type of decorating pattern consisting of a white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme such as a couple having a picnic by a lake or an arrangement of flowers.

I remember the days when toile was the ‘it’ pattern in home decor and was also a popular look in fashion accessories and clothing. Back then the colors were pretty classic with blue and white, black and white, red and white and green and white the color combos you saw most.

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