Selecting the Right Cushions for your living space
Cushions are now an item of everyday luxury that complete spaces ranging from living rooms and bedrooms to outdoor seating areas.
Deceptively named 'throw cushions' and 'scatter cushions,' mixing and matching these decorative pillows actually requires a little bit of know-how to get them looking just right.
Not only will perfectly-placed cushions make your sofa or bed look great, they will make it appear more cosy and inviting too, and these days, cushions are one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home.
Invest in good-quality cushion inserts and swap over the cushion covers for an instant room refresh.
Co-ordinate cushions with exisiting décor - Look for throw cushions in colours and patterns that will coordinate with the palette you are already using in your home.
The key to success with bolder prints is to balance them with cushions in neutral tones, and when shopping for throw cushions, always think about how they will fit into your existing colour scheme.
Dare to go bold - 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.
Layer textures - 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. Mixing a variety of textures will automatically up the cosiness-factor in your living room.
Re-arrange your existing cushions - Try changing the orientation of your existing cushions to give a room a new feel.
Draw cushion inspiration from unlikely places - 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 or a piece of art, then use that as inspiration when looking for beautifully designed cushions.
Make them look lived in - Use a 'karate chop' in the middle of the cushion to create a crease in them – this will make them seem more lived in and loved. It will also help to break up uniform shapes, and unite cushions of different colours, scales or families.
Vary cushion shape and size - Have 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 homely and welcoming look. The more neutral your colour scheme, the bolder you can go with your cushions.
There are cushions to suit every room - You can still have a gender neutral room with cushions — grey and yellow is a great combination that lifts and living space without being overly feminine. Other trending colours you can try are are mustard, terracotta and sage green.
Create contrast - Contrast block colours with horizontal lines and vertical lines in narrow spaces to play with the eyes.