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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.

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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.

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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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Embrace a Touch of the Tropics This August

There’s no better way to ring in the summer season than with tropical home décor. The great thing about tropical décor is that, contrary to popular belief, you can go bright and bold or clean and sophisticated. Consider your existing color palette before choosing your tropical additions, and then look for accents with a tropical theme.

If you’d like a tropical theme year round, try out a light sea blue on the walls or a Florida Keys Blue. Light blue tones will be reminiscent of the sea, but not so bold as to overtake a room. Florida Keys Blue is more like the beautiful turquoise colors of the Florida Keys, and it can make any area feel tropical.

Fortunately, you don’t need an entire room to be repainted to bring in the tropics. Accents do a good job of giving your home the feel you’ve been looking for, even if it’s just for a season. For those just wanting some incredible summer accents for their spaces, here are some options to consider.

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Creature Comfort

One of the most fun trends right now features sea creatures in your décor. For the fisherman in your life, this provides an alternative to that mounted bass over the fireplace. Simple, sophisticated, but with a nod to the sea, these accents recall the ocean. Choose a fish design that ties in with your color scheme for best effect. A personal favorite is the Lionfish.

For those with cool wall tones, beautiful seahorse décor makes for beautiful additions. These majestic creatures give you that underwater feel while remaining somewhat understated.

Floral Fantasies

When you set your tropical theme in motion, don’t forget to add touches of underwater plant life. If you’d like to bring a tropical reef feel to your bedroom, explore some coral-inspired options. Pale coral tones work beautifully with darker design schemes.

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Bold Is Beautiful

Big and bold tropical prints are trending right now, especially for outdoor areas. Tie your ocean theme home with your deck or pool area with bright and bold colors. Whether you choose Macaw Green or Sunset Orange, the right pillow colors can connect your inner tropic theme with your outdoor areas. If you want to embrace the season, jump in with some of these large print throws; they don’t have to be an obvious nod to the tropics. Waverly Fishbowl Caviar is a favorite year round but will still fit into a tropical décor.

Whether bright and attention grabbing or subtle and clean, there’s a summer-inspired tropical design out there for you. Experiment this season, and bring summer inside!

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4 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

Energy costs usually rise in summer because of dependence on air conditioning and electric fans. Many homeowners retreat inside to avoid the heat, but then feel confined in their homes and restricted to indoor activities. This can lead to fatigue, sluggishness, and an overall disillusionment with what’s supposed to be a great season. Today, we’ll discuss some easy, cost-effective ways to keep your home cool this summer.

Perform Basic Maintenance

One of the best ways to save money is maintaining the cooling sources you already have. Business experts say about 55% of summer energy bills go to cooling, so it’s vital that your air conditioner undergoes a maintenance check about once a year. This includes cleaning the filters and ensuring grilles aren’t straining to circulate air. You should also change your air filters frequently, and make sure you’re buying filters that last three months or more for optimum money-saving.

Block the Sun

This might seem counter-intuitive, especially since sunlight is physically and emotionally healthy. If you have large rooms with big windows that let in too much sun, however, your house will heat up quickly, increasing your reliance on air conditioning. Consider investing in ultraviolet window treatments for your home and your vehicle; these will keep you and your family comfortable and safe, especially on car trips. Use blinds or shades to block the sun during the hottest part of the day, around 12:00-3:00 PM.

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 Use Cool Décor

The décor you choose can do more than you think to evoke coolness. For example, choose pillows and linens made from lightweight fabrics including cotton blends, rayon, and nylon. (Despite its reputation for coolness, avoid silk, especially in pillows, the weight of the human head can heat silk quickly). Use plenty of neutrals and calming colors such as turquoise, indigo, mint, and sea green. Spend as much outdoor time as possible in a shaded area, such as a deck with a comfortable chaise lounge or chairs.

 

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Turn Off Your Appliances

Almost everyone knows this trick, but few people actually do it. Financial experts agree that using a microwave instead of an oven will both save money and keep you much cooler during mealtimes. Go ahead and grill as much as you like – the exposure to fresh air will cool you down and make your food taste better. Consider drying your clothes on a clothesline as much as the weather permits, and avoid running your dishwasher unless you have a full load.

Laundry drying high up in the Austrian Alps

How to Design a Room with Geometric Patterns

Decorating a room with geometric patterns and shapes is a bold move that’s sure to get your room noticed. Be careful, overuse of geometric shapes can be overwhelming to the eye. Make sure your room gets noticed for the right reasons, by following a few simple tips:

Keep to a Single Pattern

If you decide to cover a large area with geometric patterns, reserve yourself to using one pattern. By doing this, you will be able to use this pattern on many objects throughout the room without over-stimulating the eye. Research is important to decorate this way successfully. Find all the items you want to use before purchasing them. Once you begin shopping, you may decide to switch to a different geometric pattern due to the options you are finding the most of.

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Consider the Color of Geometric Patterns

Another strategy that will allow you to use different geometric patterns is to focus on just one color palette. It is more pleasing to the eye to see different patterns together if they share the same colors.

The color of a geometric pattern can soften its effects greatly. Look for patterns that use similar colors, such as white and cream or two shades of light blue. The pattern will appear softer, because the pattern will recede into the background.

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Reserve Your Theme to One Item

Geometric patterns create a strong focal point that fits the rule of less is more. If you have one item with the geometric pattern, centrally place it in the room. Next, decorate the rest of the room with solid colors and clean lines that will complement the geometric theme. This item could be very large, like a painting, area rug, or bedspread. A small item will be just as impactful such as lampshades, pillows, or placemats.

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Creating a Focal Point: Using Art Prints in Home Decor

If you love art history, art prints or just enjoy spending time in art museums, you likely have a favorite artist or painting that inspires you. Be creative when decorating your home by using this passion for art as a theme for room décor. Don’t worry about breaking the bank to get a famous painter represented in your home, simply follow these ideas:

Create a Focal Point

If your piece of art is large, put it on display as the focal point of the room and decorate around it. Your favorite piece of art can be an original of a yet-to-be discovered artist to keep costs low. If it is a piece from Monet, you may want to opt for large art prints and splurge on an ornate frame. The focal point of the room doesn’t have to be a painting. You can find art on scarves or blankets that you can hung up as artwork as well.

Feeling creative? Paint your own replica of a masterpiece. Some famous painters’ work can be fun to mimic, such as Piet Mondrian’s Composition with Red, Yellow, and Blue. If creating art isn’t what you had in mind, don’t worry; it is easy to find art prints and art-inspired objects.

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Art-Inspired Objects

Look around at stores and online, and you will find many items featuring famous artwork. Lampshades, curtains, towels, placemats, coasters, and pillows are all popular items decorated with famous art motifs.

Go Big with Art Prints

If you have the space and want to make a powerful statement about your favorite piece, consider reserving an entire wall to showcase your favorite artist. Buy a postcard of your favorite art and make many copies – enough to “wallpaper” your wall with the print. Another idea is to commission a local artist to paint a mural on the wall using your favorite painting style or movement.

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Color Palette

After you have found your focal point and art-inspired objects to place in the room, keep the rest of the décor simple. Doing so will draw attention to the art prints and allow it to be the centerpiece regardless of its location or size. Pull colors from the piece of art to decorate the rest of the room. If the artwork contains many bright colors, choose only one to paint the walls or pick a lighter shade of the color to avoid overpowering the artwork. Save the stronger colors in the art for accent colors in the room.

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An Animal Lovers Guide to Decorating Your Home

Whether it’s a cat, dog, or goldfish, animal lovers love to display their favorite animal or breed, just as a sports fan likes to tout their favorite sports team. Adding pet-inspired touches to a room can be fun and whimsical, but it is also possible to maintain a high level of design aesthetic.

Color and Pattern for Animal Lovers

A pet-themed room doesn’t have to be filled with images of animals. Take a subtler path to creating your theme by designing a room with a color palette that is representative of your favorite animal. A Dalmatian-inspired room could be white and black with red accents. Look for spotted faux fur throws or upholstered chairs. Plaids are popular in dog accessories, so think plaid wall coverings or a plaid throw or bedspread matched with a neutral paint color similar to Rover’s brown fur.

Consider Your Pet’s Comfort

How better to show your love for your pet than to consider them when decorating your room? Make your beloved fish and fish tank the focal point of the room. Instead of hiding your dog or cat’s bed or scratching post, put it in the center of the room. Upgrade their bed to something that will be a conversation starter and complement the room décor.

Having an area designed for your pet’s comfort expresses how important your pet is in your life. A nice basket or bin can house your pet’s favorite toys. You can hang pet leashes or coats neatly with the rest of the family’s coats and accessories.

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Pictures and Sculptures

Animal photography and paintings are plentiful and easy to find. Decorate your walls with artwork of your favorite pet. Add a personal touch by framing your own pictures of your pet to remember special moments with him or her. Look for sculptures and nick-knacks of your favorite animal at novelty and home stores. Yard sales and vintage shops are other fun ways to find animal memorabilia.

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You can find animal images on just about any object. Clocks, aprons, napkins, tissue boxes, and throw pillows can be found with animal motifs on them. Get creative and do your own pet inspired piece of art to add to the room.

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Land-locked? Create Your Own Nautical-Inspired Room

Nautical-inspired décor has always been popular and is making a strong resurgence this year. A maritime theme is possible in any room and can be as subtle or obvious as you choose.

Soothing Water Theme

For a soothing beach getaway feel, dress the room in paint and linens of light blue and green shades or light beiges and grays. Add a bright accent color, such as aqua, navy, or red, for interest. Nautical fabrics are easy to find and can be used to reupholster stool cushions or framed to add to your theme. You may also choose to strengthen your theme with nautical-inspired throw pillows. This is an easy way to create a nautical theme in any room, without spending a lot of time or money.

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Favorite Vacation Spot

Fill a room with reminders of your last beach vacation to keep the memories fresh. Frame pictures of your family having fun building sand castles or splashing in the water. Or, you can add more-traditional pictures like sailboats, lighthouses, or weathered cliffs and buildings. You may even have a maritime painting that you purchased while on vacation that would set the tone for your nautical theme.

Nautical pillows English Bay Bus Scroll

Found Objects

Maybe you collected some treasures while on your last vacation. Seashells are a great way to create an ocean theme. Large seashells can be centerpieces, and you can display driftwood and coral as pieces of art. Another idea is to fill a jar with small seashells. Use seashells to create a frame around a favorite photo or glue seashells onto a candle to add nautical touches to a room.

You can add fishing nets, oars, and life preservers to a room to enhance your theme. Get creative and use a fishing net as a curtain. A life preserver can double as a shadow box, and you can place oars horizontally above a bed or couch or stacked in a room corner.

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Appealing to the Senses – Textured Pillow Décor

Recent décor trends call for texture throughout the home. From raw wooden surfaces in the kitchen to woven fabrics in the living room, the emphasis is on natural, unrefined materials. For those of us who want to dip our toes in the trend, textured throw pillows add visual interest to your living room without going overboard.

Why create texture in the first place? Usually one’s eyes are initially drawn to the lines of a room; along the walls, around furniture, or along the straight lines of exposed baseboards and carpet. These tend to be smooth, less cluttered but also less visually arresting. But just like looking at a photograph, our eyes naturally search for that final focal point in a room. The right throw pillows can be an excellent way of drawing the eye into the room, while at the same time extending an invitation to sit and relax.

Many people are aware of the power of color but few realize that texture can be just as effective at creating a visual point of interest in a space. For example, a long haired Mongolian sheepskin textured pillow on a smooth leather sofa can creates fantastic contrast in texture. Similarly, the reverse will work just as well, such as in the example of a smooth silk textured pillow on more heavily textured chenille sofa.

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Not only are pillows a great a way of bringing texture into a room, but they can also be changed with the seasons, and are more affordable than many larger accents pieces such as curtains or area rugs. Pillows allow you the freedom to experiment with color and texture until you find the perfect look without compromising comfort.
You can try to apply texture to the walls or ceiling in the eccentric rooms in your home and contrast this look with bright or patterned pillows. This loft looks fantastic, though without some pillows to liven up the space it would look sterile and perhaps too much like a museum. Notice how the orange and black pillows stand out against the white walls, also successfully complementing the picture hanging above the couch.

Textured Pillow DecorHow Do I Arrange Them?

Because the texture is the focus of the pillows, arranging them carefully is a must. It is just like hanging a picture. Pillows tossed carelessly against the floor or in the middle of the couch make the room look cluttered. Speaking of the couch:

• If you have two pillows sitting at both ends of your couch, find two with different patterns. You might want to keep the same texture so they match, but choose one with a solid color and the other with polka dots.
• Large sofas work best when patterned pillows are in the middle with solid colors at each end, or vice versa. Make sure your textured pillow matches the couch!
• Prints work much better with neutral colors. Bright-colored pillows stand out like a neon-green jogging suit in a room full of tuxedos.
• If you do decide to mix up patterns, at least one color should stay consistent. Otherwise, the color scheme fails and it looks less like décor and more like what you found in a string of garage sales.
• Vary the size of each pattern if possible. For instance, if one pillow has light, thin stripes, pick another with a bold plaid.

Southern Sand 12X20 Textured Pillow DecorFloral Pillows Textured Pillow Deocr Linen

Stay Grounded – Using Floor Pillows in the Home

Floor pillows and poufs are a great way to add extra seating and a decorative look to any room. Because they come in an endless variety of fabrics and sizes, they can be used in every room of the home. Recent college graduates take note: buying some sturdy pillows is going to be a lot cheaper than getting a whole set of chairs. Here are some neat ways to use pillows!

Accent Woodwork. Amber and maroon-colored floor pillows look great set against a dark hardwood floor or even scattered about next to a dark banister. Also, consider a woven floor cushion, its wicker-like design looks great against lighter colored wood flooring. Light wood also looks excellent with a paisley pattern adorning the pillow’s exterior. White on black is another popular mix-up.floor pillows

floor pillowsLiven the Room. For a fun accent style, go for floor pillows in bright colors and bold prints. For a more refined look, luxurious fabrics, like velvet in sandy neutrals or vibrant gem tones, add a touch of sophistication. Bright curtains supplement the zany pillows well against a neutral tone if you want the room to look young.

floor pillowsCoziness. Pillows used for seating in tiny spots are not only adorable, but comfortable as well. Pillows are stackable, which essentially makes them adjustable chairs. Place floor pillows around a short tea table in the corner of the room against the window. It will be your own little nook for relaxation after the days’ work.

Create Piles.You can use your pillows to make stacks on stacks on stacks. We’re not talking about money – we’re talking about height variation! Instead of using a classic end table at the foot of your couch, consider styling the room with extra tall end tables leaned up against the walls. This will create a unique contrast between the short pillows and the high tables. Typically, many home surfaces tend to be at waist height so why not mix it up?

Outdoor Floor Pillows. If you havefloor pillows an open patio overlooking a sprawling horizon, why not give yourself something to lean against? A dark, striped rug matches white-painted decks, giving you an excellent base to recline upon and it contrasts nicely with the wooden planks. With an exterior fire pit, you can recline with a good book in tribal style. Invite some friends to a barbeque and take a night to look at the stars. Citronella wicker torches further accentuate the outdoors look and is superb at keeping away those pesky mosquitoes.

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How to Decorate Shared Kids Room

Sharing a room can be difficult from multiple perspectives. While it’s generally hard to please any two people with one design, it could be even more difficult when the kids room is shared by a boy and a girl. Let’s take a look at some simple ways you can decorate an appealing room that pleases both boys and girls.

Proceed with Caution

Before starting the design process, discuss the idea of a shared room with your children. While they may not care, it can be helpful to hear their opinions. Kids are usually quite candid and will provide you with keen insights on how to approach the situation.

Aim for Symmetry

One of the best things you can do is aim for symmetry in the kids room. This is true for a number of reasons. First, it helps kids feel like they are being treated equally. If each side has the same amount of room and features, there is less ground for quarreling. From a design point of view, it makes the room flow better and is visually appealing.

Kids Room Idea

{Source: Pinterest}

Incorporate Neutral Shades and Pops of Color                          

While you may be able to get away with blue, you most certainly won’t be able to go with a pink theme without some serious backlash. The idea here is to stay away from the traditional blues and pinks and go for something more neutral and satisfying. Think subtle blues and pinks, vivacious reds, bright pops of color and plenty of white and cream.

Kids Room Pillow Idea

Spring Tulips Throw Pillow adds a vibrant pop of color

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A playful rendition of the classic nautical anchor theme

Divide the Kids Room

If you absolutely need some separation and privacy, don’t be afraid to divide the room. You can use area rugs and furniture to create natural dividers, while still leaving the room fairly open. This way you can incorporate two distinct designs that will appeal to both kids.

Kids Room Idea

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Pillow Décor in a Kids Room

Throw pillows are a fast, easy and creative way to add some personality to the room and also to change things up a bit. When designing a bedroom, be sure to add stylish fun pillows to the mix.

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Mongolian Sheepskin Hot Pink.

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Pacifico Stripes in Blue.

Kids Room Pillow Idea

Pacifico Stripes in Pink.

Kids Room Pillow Idea

Mongolian Sheepskin Turquoise Blue.

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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Vintage French Tapestries for Contemporary Decor

Many people decorating the interiors of their homes opt to shy away from classic French tapestry, believing that such designs are stuffy and outdated. French tapestry designs are making a comeback, however. These designs are occurring in pillows, wall hangings, and more.

A Brief History of French Tapestries

While the term “tapestry” is now used to describe numerous different kinds of textiles, the term has been historically used to designate a weft-faced textile hand-woven on a loom. Tapestries varied enormously in quality throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, depending on the skill of the weaver, precision of detail in the weave, and, of course, in the quality of the materials being used.

The purpose of the first tapestries was also varied. They were used to block out drafty weather, divide large rooms into smaller, more intimate spaces, and simply as high quality decorations to relax the feeling of cold medieval stone walls.

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How French Tapestries Are Used Today

Tapestries today serve much the same decorative purpose. Rare, centuries-old tapestries are technical marvels displayed in high-end European homes and museums. They add wonderful depth, warmth, and dimension to a space, and can offset the sometimes stark lines of modern architecture. However, many antique tapestries are enormous, which can require designs to accommodate the tapestries – rather than the other way around.

IMG_2340UK Flag French TapestriesIncorporate Contemporary French Tapestries Into Your Home

Tapestries are beautiful, but because of their size, they often become the focal point of a room. Unless you are actively designing a period room, the result can feel very out of date. If you want to incorporate tapestries into your home, one way to do so is through the use of throw pillows. French tapestry-inspired pillows, such as this garlic flower pillow, are a perfect way to update Renaissance style, creating a fresh, contemporary look. Classic designs such as this Sun King tapestry pillow are also a great option. Tapestries don’t have to look medieval considering a variety of updated designs that would suit various home décor styles from classic to contemporary to rustic vintage.

 

Buddha in Pink French Tapestry

This Buddha in Pink French Tapestry is bold and colorful – the heavy French tapestry fabric is perfect for this image.

Van Gogh Sunflowers French Tapestry

French Tapestry with Van Gogh’s classic “Vase with Twelve Sunflowers” – an original way to display art at home.

Thistle Flower French Tapestry Pillows

The rich detail of the French tapestry gives the wisps of the thistle flower nuance and presence.

Cockatiel Birds Pink Throw Pillow

This fun French tapestry throw pillow in bright pink will bring liven up your home.

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.

book shelves 2

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

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