One of my blog readers asked me to do this post, and I am much obliged! It is actually a greatly underrated topic: Decorating with Pillows.

One sure way to totally transform a boring or muted room is by employing creative use of textiles—pillows and throws on sofas and chairs. A lot of them! The more the merrier, the bolder the better, and mix big and small patterns and textures.

As far as color, that’s your call. Mix with abandon; matching is not required. In fact, it’s discouraged, in the literal sense.

BEFORE Rooms 1 & 2. Photo Credit: Katie Rosenfeld

One great example of the power of the pillow and it’s mismatched application can be seen in a recent project I completed for a Holiday Showhouse in Boston. Take a look at the spaces Before and After. Don’t the colors make sense? Well, I suppose that depends on your definition of sense! I used varying shades of red, orange, green, purple and blue; No matter what the shades, I used them all. Sure, I added other accessories and rugs, but the rooms were totally transformed before any of those final touches. The various pillows in Ikats, geometric patterns, abstracts, and florals, were thrown together to form a perfect concert of color. These pillows packed the punch.

Getting this casually mismatched look can be intimidating for some. It appears uncontrived, and it is, if you know how to do it. But, don’t overthink it too much.

One key is to make sure you have some larger patterns and some smaller, and try to form a thread between all of them using one similar color or pattern to connect the dots. But decorate with reckless abandon, and have fun!

What do you think?

-Katie

Finder's Keepers

It's fun to play with patterns.

This deep purple color is beautiful.

Look for sets in similar colors like this one.

Multi-colored prints are a great way to bring in more color.

This soft print would be great for a bedroom.