For a while, I’ve been borrowing pillows from here and there around our house for the living room. But, I’m itching for a little refresh and just ordered some new pillow fabrics last week.
photo credit: Carolina Lima Photography
I was inspired by this picture. I like how clean and fresh the room feels and how they limited their color palette to mostly whites and blues:
I know all of the options in a fabric store (or online) can be a little overwhelming, so I’m sharing my general thought process when putting together new pillows:
Fabric sources:
fish print // smaller zig-zag // wide stripe // leopard
In case you’re wondering about sizing, I’m upgrading to all bigger pillows. Here’s why.
And, of course, new pillows may lead to a few more updates. . .
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Love the combo!!! I keep waiting for leopard to go out. I’ve been using it for 16 years…I’m so glad it’s still going strong!!!
I so agree about the size of the pillows! I love pillows and they are such an easy change/update to a room. I love the way you put together pillows. That said, your room is much more lovely with the assorted pillows that the blue/white room. I look at that pic and the blue is just overwhelming. If you happen to read the blog “Dimples and Tangles”, I love the way she mixes up her pillows.
Jennifer is great at mixing. I’m just going for a different look :)
Emily, this is great!! I have large navy ikat drapes with a navy velvet sofa needing pillows. I’m totally ordering the navy stripe fabric and already have the leopard fabric :)
Perfect timing as I am wanting to change up my family room pillows to add more blue. I love blue, so I’m not sure why I don’t decorate with it.
Love the blue — looks so crisp! And your last comment instantly made me think of the book If You Give A Mouse A Cookie … seems like it’s true with decorating. One change leads to another and another and another… can’t wait to see it!
I am wondering why you sourced Amazon (of all places!) for your fabric selections? It seems odd that you would, considering there are so many small businesses that would love to have you feature them on your blog! Pretty bummed about this.
No need to be bummed. You’re welcome to take the source info I provided (at no charge) and purchase from wherever you choose :)
Hi Emily! I love your blog, and this post is so helpfulp. Any tips on workin with a main fabric that’s multicolored? I made some pillows out of a very bright (yellow, rusty red, apple green, brown) abstract floral fabric (which I love!) but have had a little trouble adding other pillows to go with them.
Hi Jacqui–I think stripes always work great with florals and you could possibly pull one of the other colors out in a geometric print.
Thanks for such a quick reply! Do you think you would stick with the same color for the stripe and geometric pattern? (So only pull out one of the colors from my existing pillows?)
I don’t think you necessarily have to stick with one color. Just a matter of personal preference :)
If you’re choosing a fabric for kitchen valance, drapery panels and chair cushions, which item would you use for the dominant fabric? The windows or the cushions?
Thanks!!
I’d probably choose my window fabric first since cushions could be an easier change later. Also, you’re not going to be seeing much of the seat cushions…