Playing with pattern isn’t really something foreign to us. We mix patterns all the time in the things we choose to wear each day. A good variety of layered color and design is instantly appealing. Obviously, the same result can be achieved in our homes through a blend of patterns in things like our bed linens, wall art and living room pillows.
No, this isn’t ground-breaking news to anybody, but for some oddball reason I had completely ignored the simple concept in our living room for the past year and a half. Two pillows, people. I only had TWO accent pillows in my living room. Just sad…
My light bulb moment happened after watching this video via Emily Henderson, all about how she mixes pattern and texture to give a space more mass appeal. (Check it out. Seriously. Even if you’re at work and can’t listen to it with sound, you’ll learn a LOT. Here’s that link again.)
Anyway, it was time to mix things up in our living room. My weapon of choice? Obviously more throw pillows. Like, a LOT more, as evidenced by this sneak peek via Instagram:
Now, I’m not going to sugar coat this particular update in terms of cost. Throw pillows (at least the really cute kind) aren’t cheap. I spent almost exactly $100 on the pile above (minus the one yellow one on the far right, which I already owned). I purchased 6 pillows in all, a pair of fluffy faux fur numbers, a pair of yellow crochet-like pillows and two random accent pillows, one round and one rectangular, for variety.
Thirty seconds of tossing around later, we were feeling a little more layered.
It’s actually a pretty subtle difference visually, but it definitely beefs up the texture and interest of the room as a whole. Truth be told, I’m not feeling entirely satisfied with the sofa arrangement (two new furry pillows with my existing yellow ones). I bought the fur pillows as a way to bring in the funky 70’s vibe going on via the shag rug, and, while that works, it’s not much addition in terms of pattern play. Alas, I have been told by a certain individual who also happens to live in this house that my pillow quota has been capped. Oh well!
How about a closer look at the new textures and patterns, eh?
Speaking of that last one, my favorite updates are probably the yellow pillows on the new pair of midcentury chairs. The plain white seats really needed something soft and colorful to bring it up a notch, both in the looks and comfort departments.
Despite the expense of adding new pillows, I always think that investing in these types of accessories will pay off in the end. Accent pillows can be moved throughout a home in LIMITLESS ways and can change the entire feel of a space. I bought one extra accent pillow (the round one with yellow piping in the instagram at the beginning of this post) that I didn’t actually end up using, but instead of returning it, I just added it to my collection in the closet upstairs. That way, when I need a new pillow, I can go “shopping” in the comfort of my own home.
Oh, and did I mention I bought them all at Target? I tried shopping at discount store like T.J. Maxx and Ross, but neither store quite had the look I was going for. Target to the rescue, once again…
Have a great weekend!
P.S. My felt billy button project inspired by Tanya, of Dans Le Townhouse, was featured by the lady herself! Click on over to Tanya’s blog here for her oh-so-sweet write up. Thanks for the inspiration, Tanya!!!
