cushions - how to style them and where to buy them!

picture from The Design Files

Cushions are a stylists best friend - I love using them to add colour, texture and interest to a space, but all too often, I see them not being used correctly or people just lacking confidence to pull them together. In fact it's probably one of the most asked questions I get - how do I pull them together and where do I buy them from.  Well, today I am going to reveal some of the things I like to do with cushions!

picture Freedom Furniture

1.  no matter what colour couch you have always include a black and white zig zag (or Chevron) cushion - it helps define the space and ground it!

2. Add interest with colour and shape - mix the shapes up, round, large square, rectangular

 3. Mix prints and strips

Add texture - velvet, shag - what ever tickles your fancy

 4. never match - always mix

 5. Layer them in odd numbers - 3, 5 or 7!!!

 6. don't try to hard - just throw them on - there really is no formula

Picture - Crate Expectations

 7. Add some quirk - words or animal prints - have some fun

8. I love feather inserts - they really make all the difference

9. kids ranges can equally look good in an adult setting!

 always add black and white to the mix - this cushion is so affordable - from IKEA

 Rachel Castle Round Cushions - add some fun and Colour to a space

 this is my go to cushion from the IKEA range and it feather filled!

9. keep the colour pallet simple - no more than 3 shades of colour

10. add some metallic to spice things up.

My top 10 

Destinations for Cushions

1. Bed Bath and Table The Works - Hawthorn

they have the most amazing cushion wall - shop here for range

2.  Bonnie and Neil

shop here for colour and quirk

3. Castle and Things

beautiful shapes and colours

4. Kip and Co

on trend and lots to mix and match

6. Hard to Find

huge range and fast delivery

7. Aura

bold designs and nice shapes

8. Gorman Home

shop here to add quirk

9. Ikea

great basics and some feather filled - affordable

10. Freedom

on trend and easily accessible, also great basics at affordable prices

If you need help choosing cushions for your space, I can help you! In home consultations are available and cushion workshops/shopping trips - please contact me for further details.

The Design Files Open House

 

more cushion love - I had to sneak one in!

 even the caffeine hit was thought of!!! - I love the mondo grass in a little patch to break up the pavers!

Main bedroom - Lucas Grogan Artwork and Bonnie and Neil cushion - and guess what - the same table I used in one of my bedroom makeovers at the foot of the bed!!!!!

 

the kids room - more cushion love!

all photos above - Brooke Holm

You really had to see this place to believe it!!!! On Friday Flip and Belles and I had a date to meet an address in Windsor right here in Melbourne. It was down a one way street, surround by lots of single fronted houses that we came across The Design Files Open House - I was SUPA excited to see what Lucy Feagins had whipped up, and as usual nothing was left to chance - it was amazing. We got there right on opening and the crowds were building - It looked like a converted warehouse, beautifully decked out and chockers with stock from local artists - all available to buy!! I was on a mission, I have been lusting over some art and thought this just might be the place to find that special piece.  The I fell in love with this - A framed Vintage poster - It was hanging so beautifully in bedroom 2 - the kids room - the colours got me straight away - I was in LOVE, but then I saw the red sticker next to the price - the dreaded red sticker - it was SOLD!!
Well some things are not meant to be - but the key to this is - I know where to source these from, right here in Melbourne and how amazing would this be in a kids bedroom - It was huge, striking and really quite affordable!!!!

So many people, so much great stuff and I got to bump into Lucy herself, I felt like I already knew her, I just had to say hi, of course she didn't know who I was, we had chatted before but only through email and of course I madly follow her blog - she was so so lovely - very humble and just is amazement at what she had achieved - she thanked everyone for coming- very approachable and so easy going!

here are some of my favorite pics from the day:

the cash registers were a buzz - people everywhere buying!!!!!!

more lovely colour hanging in the kids room

Marrimekko decorations hanging outside in the paved area

Flip and Bells looking at those decorations in ore!

more beautiful artwork - loved the framing!

gorgeous Mark Tuckey Christmas tree with groovy heart decorations

Jardan chair and stool

congratulations Lucy and Team, what an inspiring day!

to chevron, or not to chevron! that is the question, so it seems

remember this shot I was lucky enough to work on with Heather? Well it appears that this photo is the go to shot when referring to Chevron stripes. Just yesterday I saw it featured here and here - looks like chevron stripes are here to stay - haven't tried them at my place yet but I am thinking a chevron cushion would be a great addition. Right now I am loving Bonnie and Neil - check out their on line store.