Decor Trends

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City-Inspired Design for Your Urban Oasis

There has been an increasing trend in the last few years toward city-inspired design. It has gotten the attention of Wired as well as HGTV and many others. Adding an urban feel to your space can bring a touch of sophistication, but with a slight edge. From exposed brick to cityscape images, people can’t get enough of this trend. Let’s take a look at some elements you can easily incorporate into your home.

 

Monument Chess

For those looking to add a bit of the big city to their living or game rooms, city-inspired chess sets are the next trend. Thanks to 3D printing, people can make customized sets. This way, they can play with elements from their home (or dream) city. London’s Skyline Chess has released its own version with Big Ben as the Rook and the Shard as the Queen.

City-Inspired Lamp Designs

A variety of city-inspired lamp designs have begun to capture the imagination. Translucent lampshades featuring cityscapes are great for nightlights. They add a mature feel to any space, while also preventing painful bumps in the night. More abstract interpretations have also become quite popular. Companies such as Hubbardton Forge are showing aluminum and glass fixtures that represent minimalist interpretations of a skyline.

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Travel Inspired Accent Pillows

If you want just a touch of that sophisticated city feel, accent pillows are a wonderful way to go. Whether you want to represent your home city, your favorite place to have traveled, or a location on your bucket list, this trend has something for you. Pillow Décor is currently showing throw pillows with the name of a city as well as its longitude and latitude. With vintage typewriter text, these evoke the raging 20s of the big city.

city-inspired coordinates new york toronto vancouver pillowscity-inspired new york pillow

City-Inspired Coffee Tables

Coffee tables are also showing their love of the big city this year. The most widely publicized of these designs is from Mousarris, coming in at 8,500 pounds. However, other designers are beginning to pick up on this trend. We expect to see much more affordable variations coming out later this year.

From lamps to pillows to chess sets, “the city” is inspiring many designers right now. If you’re planning a renovation, you may want to consider adding in some of these architectural elements in a bigger way. However, if you just want a new take on your existing scheme, these smaller design elements can be easily incorporated. Now you can embrace city living without having to leave your house.

city-inspired new york pillownew-york-coffeeParis on chair

Daring Bold Prints for a Dynamic Décor

The fashion world is buzzing over bright and bold prints this year. Mixing patterns is the new “matching,” and people are running with it. Hollywood heavy-hitters have been spotted in paint splatters, stripes, daring abstract designs, eye-catching geometrics and bold tropical plants and animals prints in vibrant colors. This trend extends into the décor sphere as a natural extension. Now is the time to embrace your adventurous side and dive into the bold world of prints! Let’s take a look at some of the most popular fashion trends and their corresponding décor options.

Article Photo for Denim Jeans Observer

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Big Plaids

Faded plaids are back in. Evoking a sense of the 90s but in a more sophisticated iteration, these bold prints are all over the runway. It is being featured in both tailored and relaxed silhouettes. It looks both comfortable and mature. This is now making an entrance in home décor as well. It brings a classic and vibrant feeling to any room.

Leopard Bold Prints

Nothing says “bold statement piece” like leopard print. These realistic looking animal prints are here in a big way. Embrace your wild side, and don’t be shy. There are so many options for incorporating this dynamic into your household design. If full animal bold prints is too much for you, try something a little subtler. A favorite is the Variegated Throw Pillow. This incorporates a certain audaciousness with a country-inspired comfort.

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Big Bold Dots

Dots are taking over—and not just delicate polka dots, but big and bold dot patterns as well. Mixing and matching colors is perfectly acceptable (and embraced) with these prints. Try incorporating a combination of sizes in the same color palette. Alternatively, combine various colors in the same general dot size. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, do both! You can do no wrong with your dots this year!

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Broad Stipes

The fashion world is immersed in bright, colorful, large stripes. This is a fun way to incorporate splashes of color into your wardrobe. Likewise, it is a fantastic way to brighten up your space this season. If you have a room in a need of an accent, these patterns are excellent to work with. Traditional horizontal and vertical stripes are a good base. Try being a bit more daring, though. With so many variations on the classic stripe look available, go for something new!

Be Daring with Bold Prints

Don’t be shy when it comes to decorating. Bold, bright, beautiful prints are in. Let yourself explore some fresh and exciting looks for your space. While you’re at it, maybe try some on yourself. Carpe pattern!

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Going Natural: Mongolian Sheepskin

Mongolian sheepskin is emerging onto the scene, and it’s beautiful. The colors are gorgeous, and who doesn’t want to snuggle up to it? Pillows made from this natural material are in high demand right now. In part, that’s because they’re fantastic design elements and because they’re so comfortable. What many people do not realize, however, is how good they are for you. Take a look at some of the benefits of using Mongolian sheepskin pillows.

Temperature Regulation

The sheep from which the wool is garnered have specific living conditions. They’re exposed to extreme heat during the day and extreme heat at night in their natural environment. Their ability to adapt to these extreme temperatures means their wool can maintain heat or coolness. The result is a material that keeps you warm when you curl up with it in winter. When it warms up, the fibers dispel heat quickly. It acts as a natural temperature-regulator. For anyone living in an area that gets four seasons a year, this material is a lifesaver.

Supportive Comfort

Every wool fiber on a sheep grows in a spiral shape. Each of these tiny springs respond to the amount of pressure placed on them. The result is a body-hugging experience that thoroughly supports you. This helps eliminate pressure points and thus reduce pain. Use small, rectangular throws for lower back support or full squares for the whole back experience.

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Pressure Relief

Sheepskin has been used in healthcare for a long time due to the level of relief it brings patients. Those suffering from arthritis, stiffness, back problems, or hip injuries benefit from the use of this material. When patients are cold, it heats them up. In turn, this keeps circulation healthy. Once the patient is warm, it draws dampness away from the body. Nobody wants sweat sitting on their skin, so this further elevates comfort.

Design

Maybe one of the best things about Mongolian sheepskin pillows is that they serve form as well as function. We’ve explored some remarkable health benefits associated with them, but there’s also plenty to be said for the design element they add to any room. These amazing pillows are the perfect balance of utility and comfort. Once you’ve squeezed one, you’ll see exactly what we mean. They also represent an awesome combination of sophistication and fun. Their fuzzy texture adds whimsy to any room while maintaining a sense of elegance. These trendy pillows are a welcome addition to any home or design scheme.

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Using Pillows to Create Thematic Rooms

Thematic rooms decorating is enjoying increased popularity, especially among millennials and young couples. Many people like to decorate rooms based on themes including favorite colors, books and movies, or travel destinations. Pillows are a great way to showcase these themes in a cost-effective way without taking up too much space. Today, we’ll show you how pillows can enhance a few popular decorating themes.

thematic roomsNature Themes

As the world becomes more concerned with caring for the environment, people enjoy keeping in touch with nature even indoors. A nature-themed bedroom or sitting room is one way to do so. For this type of room, you can use classics, such as pillows with floral designs, but don’t be afraid to think beyond the usual. Seek out pillows made from natural fibers, or ones that evoke nature without using specific prints. For example, choose a blue-striped pillow for an ocean-themed sunporch or sitting room. Choose pillows in sunset colors – deep orange and purple or soft pink – for a relaxing bedroom.

thematic rooms

The Capri Turquoise Argyle Seahorse Throw Pillow is a part of Tracy Effinger’s Nautical Pillow Series based on her original large-scale paintings inspired by natural beauty of the sea and coastal regions.

Pebbles Gray

Beautifully handmade, the Infinite World Taupe Throw Pillow is a textural delight that could be used on a bed or sofa, or displayed creatively as textile art. This is an earth friendly product, made with 100% new materials from garment fabric overages that would otherwise have been discarded as factory waste

Old World Tradition

Many homeowners enjoy the exotic flair of themes based on travel destinations, specific time periods, or specific art styles. If this describes you, go for pillows with tapestry designs or ones that evoke your favorite styles. If you love Native American culture, choose tribal designs, or choose a pillow with a large sun design if you like early Mexican or Aztec art. For those who experiment with creating thematic rooms to showcase a specific country, a pillow with a flag design is a good choice, as is one decorated with particular symbols. For instance, French heritage can be alluded to with fleur de lis designs.

Aztec design room and pillowsSingle Color Sparkle

Favorite colors make any room feel like home, but be careful not to saturate any room with one color. Instead, build your décor around one or two favorite colors with accents such as pillows. Solid pillows are often the best choice for rooms dedicated to specific colors. These can be made from material infused with sparkle or fabrics, like imitation velvet, to give your room a heightened sense of luxury. Use neutrals in your walls and furniture to make colors pop. Consider using pillows and blankets in varying shades of your chosen colors.

Yellow Kitchen Apartment TherapyThematic Rooms: Vintage Options

Vintage is a popular décor choice among today’s homeowners because when done with a keen eye, it’s timeless. The “vintage vibe” covers everything from postcard-style pillows to pastel florals, from linen and lace to hand-stitched country designs. To achieve this look, search out pillows made with time-honored fabrics and simple trim, such as a bit of lace tatting or understated embroidery.

Mayflower 2

Light and airy floral pattern in pastel pinks and blues

3 Ways of Removing Pet Hair from Your Furniture

While we love spending time with our pets, there is one major downside to having them indoors: pet hair is everywhere! While it is somewhat easy to sweep hardwood flooring and vacuum the carpet, how do you eliminate hair from your couch? Let’s take a look.

Rubber Glove Method

One of the most widely used and effective ways of removing pet hair from furniture is with a household rubber glove. Simply dampen a rubber glove with water, rub your hand over the surface, and rinse the glove when it is covered in hair. Repeat the process as many times as necessary. The key is to move your hand in circular motions, then up and down and back and forth. Once the hair begins to clump, you know it’s working.

This pup seem to enjoy Pillow Decor's Museum of Vancouver Collection

This pup seem to enjoy our Vintage Bus Scroll Collection

Magical Solution

One easy-to-make, yet somewhat magical solution to removing pet hair, is a mixture of water and fabric softener. Simply combine the two ingredients in a bottle, lightly spray onto the area with hair, and wipe off. It only takes a little bit of the spray, so don’t get overzealous. If you want to combine the two methods mentioned here, use a rubber glove in addition to the spray for best results.

Get to the Root of the Issue

The best solution to ridding your furniture and pillows of pet hair is to avoid the situation all together. No, we aren’t suggesting you get rid of a beloved pet, but we are advising you to brush your pets on a regular basis. Brushing pets two to three days a week will dramatically cut down on the amount they shed and the time you spend removing pet hair from furniture.

At Pillow Décor, we love beautiful, clean homes. Keep your furniture and pillows looking good by trying these three tips to eliminate pet hair.

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Innovative Ways to Incorporate Artwork into the Home

In small urban apartments, there are few opportunities to display photographs, paintings, or other artwork. In homes with limited wall space, attempting to hang multiple works of art can present a complex problem. It takes a little bit of creativity to incorporate all of your artwork into a smaller home, using tactics such as displaying pieces on bookshelves or layering works of art on top of each other. Read on to learn some tips for incorporating artwork into a small space.

Use Bookshelf Space Creatively

If you’ve got multiple bookshelves in the room, they may be monopolizing valuable wall space. Bookshelves are tall, wide, and usually full of books and knickknacks. However, with some careful rearranging and creative use of shelf space, you can create room for framed works of art. Try displaying your artwork in a row across the top of the bookshelf, and tastefully arrange a few smaller works of art on the rest of the shelves alongside your book collection.

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book shelves

Layer Your Artwork

Try leaning framed artwork against the wall if you have artwork of multiple sizes and extra space on shelves, desks, and countertops. With this arrangement, no nails or hanging devices are necessary. Another benefit is that you will have the freedom to place small works of art in front of larger ones, saving wall space, and showing off your style.

Fine Art Throw Pillows

If you want an innovative and completely different way to showcase your favorite artwork, why not go the unconventional route of throw pillows? The versatility of decorative throw pillows allows you to express your personal sense of style in a variety of ways and add personality to your apartment. Famous paintings like Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflowers make wonderful additions to any discerning home.

Pamianthe Lily 20X20

A reproduction of Sandra Forzani original Pamianthe Lily painting.

Orange Poppy 20X20

A deep orange poppy in full bloom by Sandra Forzani.

If your flavor is displaying multiple works of art at once, try mixing and matching artworks from the same artist, such as this collection by Sandra Forzani. Fine art throw pillows add a sense of class and comfort to any home. On another note, graphic pillows showcasing lettering, pictures, abstract designs and patterns work great to make a bold statement in a contemporary decorated space.

King fisher and Toronto

Trends in Throw Pillows: International Textiles and Tapestries

For those who want to incorporate international flair into their homes, throw pillows are an ideal way to do so. It is important to be respectful of the cultures whose designs you are using, which is why conscientious designers need to carefully consider mixing and matching different textiles and tapestries. Read on to learn about some of the ways savvy designers are using culturally inspired designs from multiple backgrounds on throw pillows to honor different world cultures.

 “Ethnic” Textiles Inspiration

The word “ethnic” refers to designs that come from a wide array of world traditions. Sometimes these textiles are created by the culture itself, and sometimes they are simply inspired by these cultures. From Aztec to Navajo, from Balkan to Kashmiri, and even exotic animal print, there are thousands of different fabrics to choose from. It all depends on how you want to arrange them.

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Respecting World Cultures

When using multicultural items around your home, it’s important to respect where they came from. For example, if you have acquired a Middle Eastern prayer rug, it’s simply discourteous to use such an item as a bath mat. Simply put, do a bit of research and know the histories of these items. On that note, it’s always respectful to contextualize your décor. Don’t simply refer to an object as “exotic” when you know its specific place of origin is Guatemala.

Indah Ikat Blue and Yellow 20X20

Arranging International Interiors

Multicultural elements can be juxtaposed together as the focus of your interior, or they can simply be used to emphasize chic, modern furniture and accessories. Internationally made dolls and small sculptures are perfect accents for bookshelves, while throw pillows are a great way to incorporate both comfort and multicultural flair. Try the traditional kilim design in this throw pillow against a muted background to make the pattern pop. Or, if you want a more local piece of culture, consider a tasteful southwest Native American inspired pillow.

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Expert Advice: Home Redecorating Tips

For those with little experience and no training in interior design, making a foray into home redecorating can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of experts out there who are happy to help! As you prepare to redecorate a room, consider the following tips to ensure that the end results of your redecorating are both stylish and functional.

Pick Your Artwork First

Before considering colors, furniture, or accessories, think about what artwork you want in the room. By choosing a piece of art that you love to be the centerpiece of the room, you’re sure to love the rest of the room as well. A striking piece of art will influence the color scheme and design aesthetic of the room, so start with the art, and then begin to develop a plan for everything else.

Art work and pillows

Consider Color Theory as for Your Home Redecorating Palette

Once you’ve selected artwork for a room, begin to select a few colors to focus on. Edith Wharton recommended sticking to a simple color palette because it will ultimately create a more peaceful, relaxing environment. Too many different colors will make any room feel hectic and cluttered.

Another important aspect of color theory to consider is whether you want bright colors or muted tones. Warmer colors such as reds and oranges are often more effective in a busy space, such as a kitchen. On the other hand, cooler greens and blues will feel more soothing for a bedroom. In addition, it is useful to consider the psychological aspect of color as different colors evoke different moods and emotions.

Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

A common rookie mistake in home decorating is to fail to include finishing touches, such as unique accessories. This is your chance to make a statement about something that you love, so don’t be afraid to select unusual, memorable pieces. If you are quite limited with space or simply would like to combine accessorizing with functionality, incorporating accent throw pillows is a smart solution. Fortunately, the vast selection of themes and styles allows anyone to find a favorite throw pillow. Love your desserts? Add some fun and colorful cupcakes to your room décor! Do you appreciate vintage items? Decorate your space with vintage inspired accent pillows! When it comes to accent pieces, your imagination is your limit.

Kingfisher Bird Pillow 18X18 Throw Pillow

Kingfisher Bird Pillow

Seltzer Black and White Vintage 18X18 Throw Pillow

Seltzer Black and White Vintage

Vintage Postage Stamp Gray 22x22 Throw Pillow

Vintage Postage Stamp

Warm Fluffy Fur Pillows for Winter

It’s winter, which means it’s time to consider how you’d like your décor to complement the season. One way to add warmth and comfort is to incorporate fur pillows into your home. If real fur isn’t your thing, there are numerous other options.

 Why We Love Fur Pillows

Professionals in the world of interior decorating believe fur offers a sophisticated, rich feeling during the winter. Humans forget we are animals too, and our inclination when it’s cold outside is to nest and get cozy. Fur-like textures such as velvet and cashmere are popular for the same reasons, but fur in particular can help a space feel warm and welcoming. Incorporating fur texture also adds different layers of depth, especially when combined with the warm glow of candlelight.

 Less Is More

Too much fur can be overwhelming and may make your cozy home look more like a hunter’s cabin. Design experts advise keeping fur to a minimum and using it as an accent, such as with a throw blanket or pillows. This is also great for those interested in adding this design element without wanting to break the bank.

Faux Fur Rug

Source: www.pinterest.com

Faux Fur Throw

Source: www.pinterest.com

One excellent choice for those interested in fur or fur-like texture is Mongolian Sheepskin, which comes in numerous colors, from earth tones and neutrals to bright hues that pop. Crafted from rich, buttery sheepskin and suede leather, these pillows are soft and visually stunning. On the other hand, if you’re a believer in animal welfare, faux fur is a perfect alternative, adding the same richness and warmth to any interior space. Consider items like this soft, plush Amur Wolf pillow. Silky, shiny, and covered with an inch of luxurious faux fur, it’s the perfect size for a sofa or for sitting on the floor.

Minky Faux Furs

Gray Mongolian Silver TuscWhatever your favorite fur may be, it remains an excellent choice while the weather grows colder. Consider fur today to add rich, delightful depth to your living space.

Neutral Doesn’t Have To Be Boring

Neutral color schemes are a growing trend in many households. Although neutral furnishings may seem boring, believe it or not, that is a thing of the past. Let’s talk a little bit about how to decorate with neutral tones without leaving your space feeling drab.

Interesting Shapes

When the color palette of a room is comprised entirely of neutrals, then the shapes of your room decorations and furniture pieces are far more noticeable than ever before. Consider, for instance, spicing up a room with an interestingly shaped mirror or an elegant coffee table.

Warm and Comforting Textures

You don’t have to feel every item in the room to know that including texture adds an overall feeling of comfort and warmth. Woven items or rough wall textures like brick definitely change the feel of the room. Texture can mean smooth or soft, too – like leather or suede furniture pieces.

Mongolian Sheepskin Neutral Pillow

Mongolian Sheepskin Pillows are great for incorporating natural materials and soft textures that add interest to a room.

Secret Garden Neutral Accent Pillow

Adding heavy textured pillows like this earthy handmade Secret Garden Natural Pillow adds warms to a living space.

Layers and Colors

One important thing to note about decorating with neutral tones is to do away with tan. Neutrals don’t necessarily mean an entirely beige room – and, in fact, that can make a space feel dull and flat. Crisp black and white or rich, chocolate browns are also neutrals that can give a room a sense of energy or relaxation, depending on how you structure them. Consider, too, how light comes into play. Light creates more layers and shapes in a room depending upon how it is distributed, so use multiple lamps or lighting fixtures and see where you end up.

black and white neutrals

Neutral Throw Pillows

Organic and natural shapes can do wonders to add texture to a room, and what simpler way to incorporate these shapes than with a throw pillow? Plant and animal themed pillows fit into the neutral space of a room without overwhelming it with color and add a touch of nature in a room.

Neutral Thisle Flower Pillow

The rich detail of the French tapestry adds texture to a neutral interior.

Neutral Garlic Flower Pillow

The pale blue garlic flower with its sculptural shape offers a delicate touch to a neutral space.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Neutral Pillow

The dog lovers looking to create a neutral home decor will appreciate this Leonardo da Vinci sketch style dog pillow.

Exotic Cat Neutral Pillow

Created in the style of a Leonardo da Vinci sketch, this pillow is a great accent for a cat lover’s neutral home.

Decorating with Throw Pillows: DOs and DON’Ts

If you don’t want to paint an entire wall or commit to a trend that is going to soon die, it’s a great idea to use throw pillows to encompass fresh concepts on a budget. However, many people struggle with finding pillows that coordinate with one another. This interior decorating dilemma creates a pillow nightmare! (Pun intended). But don’t panic! By following certain guidelines, you can successfully transform the look and feel of your home by decorating with throw pillows only.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating with Throw Pillows

People commonly (and correctly!) complain about the matching throw pillows that came with their sofa looking rather dull and unexciting. Don’t let those drab little guys ruin your living space! Here are some suggestions to help you use pillows to decorate with taste and purpose .

  • Don’t: Purchase a random patterned pillow because it is cute. It is important that you coordinate the colors throughout your rooms, and if you are going to use a patterned cushion, make sure it picks up at least one color that is already in your space.
  • Do: Look to see if there is a color in your room you want to pull together. If you have accents throughout your room in similar hues, incorporate a solid bold pillow to pull everything together. For example, if you have caramel tones throughout your house, find some striking orange pillows. Always search for complementary colors.

Decorating with Throw Pillowsmatching pillows 3

  • Don’t: Mix random textures that are too different in styles. For example, textures that are better suited for a formal setting (damask, satin,velvet, etc.) might not coordinate well with less refined, rougher textures often used for earthy, casual interiors (tweed,canvas,leather,corduroy, etc.)
  • Do: Break the rules and be creative! When done with taste and purpose, combining different styles, textures, colors and patterns can bring amazing results. This approach works especially well when you are going for an eclectic interior, full of personality.

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Finally, it’s a great idea to take a fan deck of paint colors and select chips that match furniture already in your space. When you go out shopping for throw pillows, you can easily reference the chip to determine which option will best match your decor.

Pillow Décor’s Caravan Cotton Pillows in Solid Colors

Bold Caravan Cotton Pillows in a range of solid colors are great for tying in decor accents

Tussar Silk Pillows

Hand woven raw silk pillows in a range of muted solid colors.

When to Give a Throw Pillow as a Gift

When it comes to gift giving, pillows can be a hit or a miss. Understanding the recipient’s taste and unique circumstances is crucial to choosing a gift pillow they will enjoy and display, instead of letting it languish in a closet (or giving it away).

 When to Give a Gift Pillow

Sometimes it’s appropriate to give a pillow, and other times it’s best to go with another gift. In the following situations, a pillow is acceptable:

  •  Housewarming parties. The most popular time to give a pillow is at a housewarming party. After all, guests are there for the purpose of seeing the home and congratulating the owners on their new move. If it’s your first time visiting the home since it’s been decorated, you’ll want to go with very neutral colors that could be used with a variety of styles.
  •  Bridal showers. Giving a pillow at a bridal shower is entirely appropriate. In most cases, guests are asked to provide a gift that will contribute to the new couple’s home, and a pillow can be a very memorable and much needed gift.
  •  Holidays. Many people enjoy trading out pillows throughout the year. This is typically done on a seasonal basis, and styles are usually related to holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. At holiday parties, consider giving a themed pillow as a housewarming gift. It can be put to immediate use and is always appropriate.
Birthday Cupcakes on Green

Birthday Cupcakes on Green French Tapestry.

  •  Birthdays. If you know the person very well, you can give a pillow as a birthday gift. Here, though, you need to be more careful. With less guidance than other situations, you can easily go astray with a style that is neither useful nor tasteful.

 Considerations for Pillow Gift Giving

There is no need to overthink things, but do give consideration to the following areas:

  •  Style. What is the recipient’s current color scheme?
  •  Theme. Does the recipient have a favorite theme? (I.e. dogs, flowers, or pattern)
  •  Function. Does the recipient have small children or pets? (Functionality vs. Style)
Havanese Dog Pillow

The Havanese Dog Pillow makes a great gift for anyone who owns this breed.

Andalusian Horses Pillows

The Andalusian Horses Pillow makes a great gift for a horse lover.

Maine Coon Pillows

The Maine Coon Cat Throw Pillow makes a great gift for any cat lover.

 Pillow Décor

At Pillow Décor, we have pillows for every occasion. Regardless of the style, material, shape, size, or color you’re looking for, we have something that will suite your needs. For gift giving, you can also consider a gift certificate – which is perfect for any occasion.

Zen Interiors

Creating Zen Interiors

Zen Interiors: Shifting to a  More Balanced Life – Starting with Your Home!

A Zen inspired interior conjures up an image of a harmonious and peaceful space, one that invites relaxation and unwinding from a busy day. Clean and airy rooms with soft light, natural finishings, textures and decorations come to mind. Today, few would argue that life can get rather hectic at times, so it is no surprise that versatile variations of Zen home interiors are so popular.

As with any decorating style, while there is always room for creative self-expression, following certain techniques will help you achieve the desired Zen look.

Simplicity

Zen is often associated with minimalist style. Minimalism strives to only show the essential qualities of things without excessive decorations and overwhelming color combinations. The preference is given to simple natural materials, basic geometric forms and toned-down colors.

Try to keep your design free of clutter and only introduce one or two accent pieces that fit with the overall concept. These steps will help create a sense of peace and calmness expected of a Zen inspired space.

Accent on Nature

When it comes to choosing interior finishings, using natural materials such as wood, bamboo, stone and natural fabrics is a great way to bring nature into your home. Use earthy colors like soft hues of green, pink and grey, beige and white.

Placing plants inside a room is not only visually calming but will bring more oxygen into your home. Soft textures of upholstery fabrics, rugs and throw pillows will effectively add to the relaxed atmosphere.

Try experimenting with natural scents to engage your senses. They may come in the forms of essential oils, candles, sprays or incenses. Different scents are suited for different purposes and many have healing, calming or invigorating qualities

Asymmetry

Nature is fascinating in the way it constantly evolves. Zen inspired interiors use asymmetry as a symbol of the process of life. It is believed to help nurture one’s imagination and creativity, whereas uniformity of design is considered a sign of stagnation. Thus, placing your furniture and décor pieces asymmetrically will create a sense of movement and change.

Finding Zen in Asymmetry

Source: minimalistinteriordesign.com

When your decorating process is over, don’t forget the fundamental requirement for achieving your Zen – living fully and authentically in the present moment and joyfully accepting each day with gratitude. Decorated in Zen style, your home can be your daily inspiration to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Zen Pillows

Mongolian Sheepskin Pillow

Mongolian Sheepskin Pillows in Snow White and Champagne are great for incorporating natural materials and soft textures.

Tuscany Linen Pillows

Tuscany Linen pillows and bolsters in Earthy colors. Natural fabrics and textures will bring you closer to nature no matter where you live.

Buddha French Tapestry Pillows

A Buddha pillow can serve as a great accent piece in your Zen inspired home. They will add a touch of calm and color.

Cactus Flower Throw Pillow

The Sandra Forzani Catus Flower Pillow will add a sense of serenity. The pillow is great for both indoors and outdoors.

On the Dot: How Polka Dots are Redefining Interior Design Trends

How Polka Dots are Redefining Interior Design Trends

Polka dots are one of those classic patterns that can seem timeless yet trendy at the same time, so it’s no surprise that they are experiencing a significant comeback for Spring 2014. In the world of fashion design, polka dots popped up all over the Spring/Summer runways this year. Fresh and eye-catching, polka dots appeared in bright colors, ranging from tiny dots to large spots. Depending on how polka dots are designed, they can appear young and fresh or sleek and sophisticated.

Polka Dots at Home

With polka dots making such a splash in the world of fashion design, it makes sense that interior design has followed suit and embraced polka dots as well. Polka dots are showing up as a part of all of the latest home décor lines. As with clothing, polka dots can lend a touch of sophistication or youthful freshness, depending on the styling and design. Black and white polka dots are particularly popular, as they add a graphic, modern feel to a room.

There are plenty of places throughout your home where you can introduce polka dots and work this trend into your interior design. Consider adding the following elements to your home décor:

• A polka dot bedspread. In the bedroom, make a graphic statement by switching to a colorful, dotted comforter. If that’s too much of a statement for your taste, try a bedspread with spotted details or allow polka dot sheets to peek out from underneath a solid comforter.

• Spotted wallpaper. For the uber-trendy, polka dot wallpaper is irresistible. Dotted wallpaper makes a room seem chic and glamorous.

• Dotted throw pillows. One of the easiest ways to incorporate polka dots into your home décor is to buy a few spotted throw pillows. For instance, Pillow Décor’s cream multicolor dots decorative pillow would make a stylish addition to any living room.

Once you get started with this trend, it’s hard to stop! How will you introduce polka dots to your interior design?

Pillow Décor’s cream multicolor dots decorative pillow

Multicolor Dots Decorative Pillow

Decorating with Metallics

Decorating with Metallic Colors

Ring in with Bling: Decorating with Metallics

As we settle into 2014, readers may be wondering what some of the hottest trends in decorating might be for the brand new year. One of the most prominent trends in 2014 is the use of metallic colors for decoration. Here are some ways to incorporate metallics into your living space.

Keep It Simple

Metallics can be wonderfully glamorous, but, as always, try not to go overboard. This is because a room with too many reflective surfaces can feel gaudy rather than trendy. As such, creating the right balance is important. First and foremost, make sure the metallics you choose are smaller and not too close together – think accents rather than large pieces of furniture. You can use items such as candles or candle holders, vases, or photo frames for a chic and subtle incorporation of metallic shades. Don’t worry too much about mixing metallics – if silver and gold both strike your fancy, you can definitely use both in a way that is tasteful as long as you retain an overall simple feel of your space.

Decorating with Metallics

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Metallic Candles

Source: www.whirlmagazine.com

Light Colors and Natural Light

Metallics can be overwhelming sometimes, which is why it’s important to use lighter colors and natural light to offset the effect. Pastels, neutrals, and natural tones are great choices for the primary color of a room, and you may even find that metallics will enhance the natural light in a room (as in the way a mirror might).

Throw Pillows

One excellent way to add metallic accents to a space is to use throw pillows. Metallics against matte colors or the aforementioned neutrals can definitely pop. Consider a throw pillow that has a neutral base with metallic accents, such as the Metallic Birds Blue Haze Throw Pillow from Pillow Décor. The wonderfully glamorous look of metallic accents simply can’t be beat, especially when paired with soft and luxurious fabrics.

Pillow Decor - Metallic Birds Blue Haze Throw Pillow

Pillow Decor – Metallic Birds Blue Haze Throw Pillow

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