Pillows makes Perfect!

We have to say it. We love styling homes with pillows!

Pillows are inexpensive, yet amazing in giving a room extra touch of softness, color and attitude. We’ve seen so many spaces transformed beautifully with simple additions of pillows of all sorts of shapes and sizes and it’s something you can do on your own to stage your home for the resale market or just to update your space.

 

So, in this post, we gathered photo inspirations for you as well as 5 decorating tips using pillows.

#1 Because they are happy!  

 
Imagine this room without pillows. Boring, yeah? It’s like snatching all the energy and life in this space. Colorful pillows, especially those with geometric prints, can instantly make a room look more alive. If you think your living room is too bland and lacking energy, throws and pillows are one of your best choices.





#2  Going colourless can still be dramatic

 Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be all colourful and playful. If for example, you want to keep your bedroom toned down and want a prospective buyer to notice important architectural details instead of focusing on the bed, adding black and white or neutral-colored pillows will help create a dramatic effect.






 #3 An easy (and cheap) way to make the room look on trend and updated

Look for colours and prints that are on-trend and you can use them to enhance the artistic ambiance of any room. In the case of this family room, the sofa is pretty basic and maybe a bit older, to make the room look more up to date the stager played with the hanging arrangements of the art but also added some colour to the room (dark blue and coral - orange) giving the room an updated look



#4 Mixing makes it fun!

" Matchy matchy” is out of date. Have fun and get a little crazy! There are certain elements in the house that should be matched in order to achieve symmetry and calmness, but pillows are an exception. Especially if you have a white bed or sofa, bright-colored pillows can instantly lift the boredom away!




 #5 Make pillows the focus

Can’t afford that bejewelled lamp at the store for your centrepiece? Throw and pillows can substitute for that. Ribbon pillows, sequined pillows, fur pillows and any funky-looking pillow in a bright hue can serve as a focal point.

 

Summer Style: Get the Cottage Look at Home

Everyone loves summertime, and here in Canada our summers tend to be on the shorter side, so embrace the cottage look at home to make the summer last!

1 - accessories are the easiest way to transform a space.  Look for pillows with stags, art with twigs and branches anything that brings the outdoors in

2 - colour planning.  look for colours right from nature and think about your setting.  Greens are great but so are blues.  Layer different shades and textures using colour

3 - wood elements.  You can us wood in so many different ways so get creative!  How about a timber wood feature wall in a bedroom?  Or keep it simple with wood tables.



4 - art work.  look for at least one piece that really speaks to the area - try looking in local shops or research local artists, that way every time you see it you will be brought back to that relaxing space

5 - cottage quirks.  Add some 'finds' that reflect cottage life like an old bench, this will give your home that true cottage taste

 

6 - lighting.  light at the cottage or lake house is often bright so think about that when making lighting choices.  Remember to always layer your lighting, so tables lamps, candles (battery operated ones are perfect), light fixtures etc....opt for rustic looking lanterns

7- seasonal changes.  light colour slipcovers and bright cushions are an easy and amazing way to make a big transformation to the space as the seasons change. 

 

8- DIY.  the cottage lifestyle is relaxed and easy, so don't get fussy.  Look for great deals online, yard sales etc....you can always make minor modifications to give the piece a more personalized look. 

Spring Change Up

Spring is finally here!  And it's time to refresh your space and you can do just that without blowing the bank.

For an easy bouquet try a few clippings of leafy branches in a clear vase.

 

For a quick update for your sofa, try adding some new pillows, mix colour and pattern.  And for a total refresh try a slipcover especially if your current sofa is dark try a light slipcover

Looking for a new coffee table, swap out a traditional coffee table for an upholstered bench or ottoman.  the fabric is a great pop of colour or an injection of print in the space.  for a flat surface just add a tray for serving drinks and snacks


Change up your wall decor with a simple gallery; mix up one large piece, two medium and two small - you can mix up your frames: black, white or metallic just have a theme with your artwork

Refresh those dining chairs with some new upholstery with some colour and print.  and if it is the type of seat that can pop off this is an easy DIY project

Change up your main light fixtures like in the eat-in kitchen or dining room.  There are tons of great options - farm house, industrial, chandelier or modern

 

Refresh your bed, a make over in minutes - turn down the coverlet, add a contrasting colour with a throw and add a few small pillows or a bolster in a colour or print

Rearranging your furniture is an easy and cost effective way to refresh your space.  Move furniture around or even try it in different rooms

Refresh your 'old' pieces by adding some new ones.  Your older items will look new again or at least they will stand out more due to the contrast

 

Have a statement piece in each room - it could be art, a furniture item, a rug really anything!  That piece can really set the tone of your space and make a huge impact

Freshen up those windows with some new pre-made curtain panels.  Easy to install, affordable and wow what a difference. 

Update that fireplace with paint!  Yes paint!  If you have a dated brick fireplace and need a quick and easy makeover, try painting it.  Lighter is better - it looks clean and chic!

Easy Does It!

Stylish spaces don't need to be expensive to look fabulous!

Keep it simple and follow (even just some of) these simple ideas to get a chic space in no time!

1.  Start with your basics (sofa, chair(s) and perhaps accent tables) in neutral tones and clean lines.  If you are totally starting from scratch spend a bit more of your budget on these basic pieces -it's worth it!  Clean lines and neutral tones are an easy and strong foundation to work with and have endless possibilities.The items can be used in your main living area and if you do move on to a large space in the future, they can be used again but maybe in a family room or basement rec room space.

2.  Accessories make the whole look come together!  And can be budget friendly, too!  Try looking at online stores too like homesav and onekingslane

3.  Pre-made panel drapes are easy and cost effective.  I like to go with a nice neutral with some texture or a neutral-on-neutral pattern like a lattice or stripe. 

4.  Pillows pull it together!  Mix up pattern, colour and texture for a cohesive and stylish look.  Don't see what you like in your home store? Try denydesigns for something truly unique or try going to your favourite textile store and ask about getting some custom pillow covers made, it's actual a lot more affordable than people realize.  Also don't be afraid to play with the size of your pillows, we are seeing a lot of bigger pillows on sofas these days instead of lots of smaller ones.



5.  Personalize yard sale or thrift shop finds and make them funky with paint and/or new upholstery.  A formal dining chair with some paint and new fabric can take on a whole new look and act as an accent chair in the living room - a perfect idea for smaller spaces like a condo.

 

6.  Art doesn't have to be expensive to look great! Try online stores like art.com or homesav.com for great deals. Or try framing scrapbook paper and hang it in a gallery arrangement, you can also frame fabric!  Or, try framing cards or your photos with over sized mattes - it looks expensive!

7.  Area rugs always bring a room together and they help to define spaces.  But the larger area rugs are more expensive, you can always layer your rugs on the floor.  and if you have wall to wall carpet but want definition in the room you can still use a colourful area rug to do that!

 

8.  Paint is so affordable and can do some much.  If you have an odd architectural feature or an ugly fireplace try painting it.  I like to stick with neutrals, that way you can change up your accessories as often as you like without be limited by a certain paint colour.



9.  Add pieces that reflect your personality!  Like books, photographs, items from nature, wonderful treasures from your travels or a collection display it on a coffee table or bookcase.  These items act as art but also show the world who you are, plus you should surround yourself with what you love!

 

10.  Keep it clean and clutter free!  It's so much easier to care for, clutter free living reduces stress and it allows you to show off your items and they won't get lost in the mix.

11.  Combine expensive items with inexpensive items and old with new.  You will get great results from mixing it up!

Cheap Tricks - easy fixes to transform and decorate your home

We are all on a budget - especially in these economic times, so take a look at my list of some simple and inexpensive ideas to update the look and decor in your home without breaking the bank.



1.  Declutter.  Makes organizing a breeze, feels good, eliminates stress

2.  Budget.  Plan and stick to it.

3.  Vacuum.  Not fun, but it will make your home feel so clean and fresh.  If your budget allows, try getting a professional clean once a year for all rugs and upholstery.

4.  Dust.  Every nook, cranny and appliance don't forget about the light fixtures and fans.

5.  Get a second opinion.  If you have a friend who has a fabulous eye, borrow it for an afternoon.  When we want to change things up in a room it can be tough for the homeowner because we are too familiar with the set-up and the room - a fresh perspective can do wonders.

6.  Rotate.  Rotate decor items like art and pillows from one room to another.  It can really give a fresh feel to the space even if everything else remains the same.

7.  Let there be light.  Clean your windows and pull the curtains back - sunshine is a good thing so enjoy it!

8.  Focus.  Start by decorating one room at a time.  Overhauling the whole house at once is overwhelming, stressful and unrealistic.

9.  Limit your time.  By having a time limit you are more likely to stick to a budget and get the job done.  When I was re-decorating my husband's office I had a start date and an end date - the job was done on time, it looks great and I didn't go over budget (I didn't have time to dilly-dally).

10.  Pick a star.  Aka a focal point in a room, every room should have one.  It could be a fireplace or a piece of art.  Revolve your concept around that star.

11. Odds are...stick with odd numbers (3,5,7) when it comes to grouping decor items together.  Combine objects of various heights together and when grouped together there should be little space between them.

12.  Love it!  Don't just pick items because they 'match' or because you need something in the space.  Love what you buy - you will not regret spending the money and you will always have a place for it in your home.

13.  Give it away.  Give your old items a new life by donating them or selling them at a garage sale. 

14.  Freshen up.  With a new paint job you will make the whole home or room feel new again

15.  Storage solutions.  We all need storage and you can never really have too much.  When re-decorating don't forget about the functionality of the space.

16.  Don't have a back splash? This simple addition is pretty easy and makes a major impact.  If on a very tight budget but this is on your must-do list check out the sales rack at your local tile store - you'll be surprised what you can find.

17.  Get creative.  Re-purpose and re-use items in a new way to make them seem new.  An armoire for a TV stand, make pillows out of old fabric etc...

18.  Paint.  Change the entire look of your kitchen by having you cabinet doors resurfaced and professionally painted - you can choose any colour you like and wow, what a difference!

19.  Mood lighting.  Install dimmers in the dining room, living room and the master bedroom.

20.  Get artsy.  Re-frame your art and make it current by using simple frames and extra large mattes.  this creates a sophisticated and gallery look in your home - I did this with my family photos and it looks amazing!

21.  C.P.T.S.  Colour, Pattern, Texture and Shine these 4 elements should be in every room.  This helps create a layered and sophisticated look in any room.

22. Blackboards are a great way to fill a wall space in a kitchen, playroom or mudroom. 
They are easy to do and a great way to keep organized.

23. Green-thumb.  Adding plants and flowers to a space adds life and good energy.  But think about the conditions the plant needs before placing it in certain rooms.  Bamboo is a great plant for bathrooms because it does well in humid places that don't offer a lot of sunlight.

24.  Counter space.  tuck away the items that are on your kitchen counter.  No one uses every small appliance everyday so just keep out the essential ones. Your kitchen will look cleaner and feel bigger.

25. Get fruity.  Use fresh fruit in a bowl to add some colour to your space AND nutrition experts say "if we see it we are more likely to eat it".

26.  Knit-whit.  If you are talented at knitting make some throws for bedrooms and guest rooms.  a cozy handmade blanket is perfect for naps or just getting cozy in front of the TV or fireplace (this is a great gift idea, too)

27.  Easy change-up.  By changing out the hardware on your kitchen and bathroom cabinets, you are able to update the whole look in little to no time and with spending very little money.  Look for polished or brushed nickel.

28.  Be a bargain hunter.  Sites like kijiji, Craig's list, ebay and so many more have some great and unique finds at great prices.

29.  Check out your mom's basement.  Not for your next place to live but there may be some great finds down there that may need some updating.

30.  Mirror, mirror on the wall....you could use some updating!  Changing out your bathroom mirror can make a bathroom look custom. 

31.  K.I.S.S - Keep It Simple Stupid.  When it comes to big ticket items like sofa, bed frames and dining tables look for clean lines and timeless design.

32.  Don't be afraid of big or extra big art pieces.  They can be great conversation starters and really make a room special.