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.

my take on a gallery style picture wall!

This is my perfect answer to a gallery wall - I think the Gallery Walls you see in magazines and the like look fantastic, but in reality I am yet to see one so fabulous! Instead of the gallery wall I prefer to us the picture ledge, available here and here. It is so much more stylish, easier to change and not so busy/in your face!!!! Not every ones cup of tea, but it certainly is my choice when showing off lots of pictures and photos. What do you think? Are you willing to give it a try?? I have!!

 

ledges available at West Elm in Melbourne or on-line, Ikea also do a great version too.

and then whilst you are at it - grab yourself a print from 

STUDIO COCKATOO

the most devine artwork going around 

perfect in an IKEA or Country Road Frame

 

 all pictures via pinterest and Studio Cockatoo

it's hip to be green - Thrifty decorating

Green is still huge for 2014 - this is the perfect way to add it to your home - subtle hey!

And if that isn't enough to make you go OMG!!!!

I spy the Ikea $10 baskets(I featured here!) being used as pendant light shades - how fabulous do they look!!

 image House Beautiful magazine

Five Bargain Favorites and how to use them!!!

1. West Elm Box Frame Coffee Table $399, stack it high with magazines, a tray, utilise the space underneath for ottomans, cushions!! the world is your Oyster!!

here is some inspiration for you:

2. Ikea cushion $15.00, throw this cushion on the couch or on your bed, mix it back with spots, florals or block colours- guaranteed to funk up a space!!

this rug from Ikea works everywhere!!, modern, classic even  eclectic!!!and it's only $299!!! BARGAIN!!!

 Via design sponge

 via pinterest

via Real Living

3. West Elm box frame nest of tables - $349.00

when styling your nest of tables keep it simple and uncluttered!

via Pinterest

4. Ikea Basket - $9.95 another bargain!!!

5.  Lightly Bon Bon vase - this is a showstopper, $140, so well spent - it will look fabulous wherever you put it, coffee table, side table, dining table, kitchen bench top -  ANYWHERE!

these are just a few of my favourite things to use that don't cost the earth, you should invest in a piece or two!!

Happy Styling!!