The Sunday News
INTERIOR styling relies on cushions; they’re the “red lipstick of the lounge”. They are also incredibly versatile and are the easiest way to get the satisfaction of re-decorating without the hassle.
Often the task of redecorating your living room is considered too mammoth a project to consider so before you get stuck in re-painting, re-carpeting or replacing your old couch, consider the idea of using a few cushions to spruce up your room.
If chosen correctly, cushions can pull together all the elements of a room and bring harmony to a once busy or mismatched room. Selecting the right ones for your room can be very difficult and it’s easy to get it wrong.
This step by step process will guide you through the decision-making process and help you find the ideal cushions for your living room. A great pillow can truly make a world of difference and give your home a polished look, but how to choose the right one can be stressful.
If your cushions match your sofa, throw them out! Sometimes when you buy a couch it comes with matching cushions. This is bad. Look for florals that will co-ordinate with colours you may already be using in your home and balance strong prints with plenty of neutral surfaces.
If you have a neutral colour theme in your living room, select two or three bold colours to inject a little depth into the space. The more neutral your room, the brighter your cushions can be.
Don’t be afraid to combine multiple textures from velvet to silk to fur; combining heavy textures with lighter ones across your cushions will keep your home looking cosy yet modern.
When looking to update your room, take inspiration from a range of sources. If you love the colours and print in your favourite silk scarf, then use that as inspiration when looking for beautiful prints on cushions.
Having all your cushions in the same regimented size can look very formal. Combine cushions of different sizes and shapes such as oval or oblong to create a more homely and welcoming look.
You can still have a gender neutral room with cushions — grey and yellow is a great combination that lifts the living space without being overly feminine.
Contrast block colours with horizontal lines and vertical lines in narrow spaces to play with the eyes.
If your home consists of earthy, neutral colours, add some metallic to maintain a textured and edgy finish. Keep it chic and simple, and stick to the monochrome for a sophisticated edge.
Try changing the orientation of your existing cushions to give the room a new feel. —decorlove.com
