How to style with Throw Pillows | Designer Finds
Hey everyone! One of my favorite décor items to shop for is throw pillows. They are such a simple yet beautiful way to refresh a space. Pillows can bring in pops of color, gorgeous textures, pattern, and visual interest, helping a room feel more styled and complete. Want a quick redesign without changing your furniture? Simply swap out your pillows. You can create a whole new look from season to season by changing the colors, fabrics, and patterns. Design Tip: Keep your larger furniture pieces, such as your sofa, in a neutral palette. This makes it much easier to change out your decorative accents over time and refresh your space without having to start from scratch. Selecting your pillows Steps Step-by-Step Guide to Designing with Throw Pillows Throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to make a room feel finished, styled, and cozy. They add color, texture, comfort, and personality without having to redesign the whole space. Step 1: Start with the Room’s Color Palette Before choosing pillows, look at the colors already in the room. Pull colors from: Area rug Artwork Curtains Accent chairs Wood tones Wall color Décor pieces A good rule is to choose 2–3 main pillow colors that connect back to the room. This keeps everything looking intentional instead of random. Example:If your room has beige walls, a navy rug, and warm wood furniture, you could use pillows in cream, navy, rust, and soft tan. Step 2: Mix Pillow Sizes Using all the same size can look flat. Layering different sizes gives the sofa, bed, or chair more depth. For a sofa, try: 22×22 pillows in the back 20×20 pillows in the middle One lumbar pillow in front For a bed, try: Larger pillows in the back Medium decorative pillows in front One long lumbar pillow across the front This creates a designer-style layered look. Step 3: Mix Patterns Carefully Patterns make pillows interesting, but too many can feel busy. A simple formula: One large pattern + one small pattern + one solid Example: Large floral pillow Small stripe pillow Solid velvet or linen pillow You can also mix: Stripes Florals Plaid Geometric prints Vintage-inspired patterns The key is making sure they share similar colors. Step 4: Add Texture Texture is what makes pillows feel cozy and high-end. Try mixing materials like: Linen Velvet Bouclé Cotton Woven fabric Faux leather Knitted textures Fringe or tassels Even if you stay neutral, texture keeps the design from looking boring. Example:Cream linen + beige boucle + tan leather + woven stripe looks calm but still interesting. Step 5: Use Odd Numbers for a Relaxed Look Odd numbers usually feel more natural and less stiff. For a sofa: Small loveseat: 3 pillows Standard sofa: 5 pillows Large sectional: 7 or more pillows For a more formal look, use even numbers and keep both sides balanced. Step 6: Think About Shape Not every pillow has to be square. Use a mix of: Square pillows Lumbar pillows Round pillows Bolster pillows A lumbar pillow is especially helpful because it breaks up all the square shapes and makes the design feel more custom. Step 7: Balance Both Sides Your pillows do not have to match exactly, but they should feel balanced. For example, one side of the sofa could have: Large solid pillow Patterned pillow Small lumbar The other side could have: Large textured pillow Coordinating pattern pillow They are different, but the colors and sizes still work together. Step 8: Don’t Overcrowd the Furniture Pillows should make the space comfortable, not make people feel like they have nowhere to sit. A good test:Can someone sit down without removing every pillow? If not, there may be too many. Step 9: Choose the Right Inserts This is one of the biggest designer tricks. Use pillow inserts that are 1–2 inches larger than the pillow cover. Example: 20×20 cover → use a 22×22 insert 22×22 cover → use a 24×24 insert This makes the pillows look fuller and more luxurious. Step 10: Style Them Naturally You can do the classic “karate chop” in the center of larger pillows, but don’t overdo it. Let the pillows look soft, comfortable, and lived-in. For a cozy home look, slightly angle the pillows instead of lining them up perfectly straight. Easy Designer Pillow Formula For a sofa: 2 large solid pillows + 2 patterned pillows + 1 lumbar pillow For a bed: 2 large pillows + 2 medium pillows + 1 long lumbar pillow For an accent chair: 1 beautiful pillow or 1 lumbar pillow Final Design Tip Throw pillows should feel like they belong in the room, not like they were added at the last second. Repeat colors, mix textures, vary sizes, and keep the overall feeling comfortable and practical. That is what gives a space that styled, designer-finished look. Designer Finds I’ve selected some amazing pillows for you to check out! Click on images below. Many awesome pillows to choose from. Some of these are pillow covers and others are not. |These links are affiliate links. There is no cost to you. If you make a purchase I might get a small commission. This helps me to keep my blog going. Disclosures & Privacy Policy| When designing your space with pillows what size do you choose for a sofa and a bed? How many do you get? I’ve created a guide you can follow. Looking to redesign your home? Needing some guidance on how to pull it all together? I would love to help. Let’s chat about your next project. Check out how my E-Design Services can help you. Click here These other blogs might be of interest to you. Check it out! 6 Steps How to design your home Design Tip: Area Rug Arrangement Design Tip: Window Treatment Design Tip: Art Hanging Want to stay in touch? Join my Newsletter! I share each week design tips, inspirations and decor finds etc.
6 Steps How to design your home
Hey everyone! One question I often hear from clients is, “How do I create a cohesive design in my home?” Many people feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin in the design process. With so many colors, styles, furniture pieces, and décor options to choose from, it can be hard to know how to pull everything together. So today, I’m going to walk you through a few simple steps to help you create a home that feels cohesive, balanced, and beautifully designed from room to room. How to design like a Pro 1) Create a plan First things first create a plan. Don’t start buying furniture and artwork or even painting walls. That is the last thing you do. What designers normally do first is create a furniture plan. Take measurements of the room including the heights of ceiling and any discrepancies like air ducts and outlets. When you have established a final plan on were all the furniture pieces will go and also the sizes of each piece then on to the next step. No, no, there is no buying yet. 2) Create a color palette Do you know what style you like? Do you know what colors you like? What type of finishes you like? This is where Pinterest and Instagram comes in handy. Pin and save a few design inspiration of rooms and materials you are interested in? Then take a look at it . Do you see it? The style and the colors you are drawn to? Do you see a lot of blues in those pictures or is it a more neutral palette that you like? Whatever it may be take notes on the colors you see, the style you are pinning a lot of. Furniture pieces that you are attracted to. Now, Create that color palette. Check out how to create a cohesive color palette. CLICK HERE! 3) Purchase the big furniture first Let’s go shopping! Take your furniture layout plan, the pictures of the room you are designing and color palette and concept board to the store. First, purchase all the large pieces like the sofa, chair, area rug and tall units etc. The area rug should be your first purchase. The area rug will set the color palette that you are trying to achieve. 4) Purchase the smaller objects Now, focus on the smaller items like the side tables, coffee table and ottomans. 5) Accent pieces When all your furniture pieces are in place fill it in with your personal touches like artwork, pictures of family, vases, lighting, and plants. You should have a plan for this also. It’s not a good idea to just buy whatever because you like it. Then When you get it all home and you’ve have realized it doesn’t look good anywhere because it might be to big or to small. Check size and style that it is cohesive through out your space. 6) Paint Lastly, Paint the walls. You should of already selected your paint choices when you were creating your color palette. You can paint before your furniture pieces arrive in your house, but create a plan first and color palette next before you selecting a paint color. It’s easier to match a paint color to a piece like an area rug or art piece then it is to match a furniture pieces to a paint color. The reason why is if you paint before you even selected your furniture, rug or even artwork what are you going off of in selecting paint colors? If you paint the walls and then you go shopping, but now your having a hard time finding fabric that actually matches your paint color. You might have to repaint. Who wants to do that? I sure don’t. So select your furniture and everything else first and then from their select your paint color to match those items. So much easier. There you have it. Tips on How to design your home like a Pro. If you need help with your design project? Let’s collaborate. I would love to help you come up with a design solution that fits your lifestyle, taste and budget. Check out the different E-Design Packages I offer. What Is E-Design & How can it help. CLICK HERE Like what you read? Pin it for later. Creating harmony and balance within your home. Giving you a sense of peace. That is my goal to help you through. Join my weekly newsletter where I share design tips, inspirations and much more on my blogs.
Clever Storage Solutions For Your Home
The warmer months are here, and it’s the perfect time to get outside, refresh our spaces, and finally tackle those home projects we’ve been putting off. Lately, I’ve been focusing on getting our home more organized — cleaning out closets, sorting through drawers, and letting go of the things we no longer want, need, or use. There’s something so refreshing about decluttering and creating space for the things that truly matter. As I’ve been working through our home, I came across some beautiful and practical design solutions that make organizing feel a little more stylish. Think artisan baskets for extra throws and pillows, decorative trays and boxes for drop-off zones in the entryway, and simple storage pieces for dressers and nightstands — perfect spots for keys, wallets, jewelry, and everyday essentials. I found some amazing pieces that can help make your home feel more organized, beautiful, and intentional — and I can’t wait to share them with you! My Storage Finds Shopping links for your convenience. This blog may contain affiliate links. There is no cost to you. This helps me to keep my blog going. Disclosures & Privacy Policy 1. SPICE HOLDERS W/LABELS 2.SPICE PULLOUT 3. GREEN BOXES 4. Earthtone Bowl 5. WIRE STORAGE BASKETS 6. VINTAGE GLASS JARS 7. BASKET BINS 8. WICKER BASKET 9. ORGANIZE BINS 1. Spice Holders w/ LabelsUse matching spice jars with clean labels to make your kitchen feel organized and intentional. They keep everyday seasonings easy to find while giving your pantry or countertop a stylish, uniform look. 2. Spice PulloutA spice pullout is perfect for saving cabinet space and keeping small jars from getting lost. It makes cooking easier because everything is visible, organized, and within reach. 3. Green BoxesDecorative storage boxes are great for hiding clutter in plain sight. Use them on shelves, consoles, or desks to store paperwork, cords, keepsakes, or small household items while adding a soft pop of color. 4. Earthtone BowlA simple earthtone bowl is both decorative and functional. Place it on an entry table, kitchen island, or coffee table to hold keys, fruit, decorative beads, or everyday drop-zone items. 5. Wire Storage BasketsWire baskets are great because you can see what’s inside while still keeping things contained. Use them for produce, pantry items, towels, or cleaning supplies for a practical farmhouse-style touch. 6. Vintage Glass JarsGlass jars are perfect for storing dry goods like oats, pasta, cookies, coffee pods, or craft supplies. They keep items fresh-looking, easy to see, and add a vintage collected feel to your home. 7. Basket BinsBasket bins are a stylish way to organize pantry shelves, linen closets, bathrooms, or laundry rooms. Labels make them even better because everything has a home and the space stays easy to maintain. 8. Wicker BasketA large wicker basket adds warmth and texture while hiding bulkier items. Use it for throw blankets, pillows, toys, laundry, or extra linens to make storage feel cozy instead of cluttered. 9. Organize BinsClear organizer bins work beautifully for laundry rooms, bathrooms, and utility spaces. They keep products grouped together, make supplies easy to grab, and give everyday essentials a clean, elevated look. Happy Organizing! I love sharing what I find with you. I will continue to share with you items that I must have that you might want also in your own home. Like what you see? Want to see more that I have to offer? Check out some of my other blog post. Like what you see? Not ready now? Pin it for later! Have a design project and want to work with me? I would love to help. Let’s Collaborate on your next project. Contact me. Get your Home De-cluttering Ebook + Bonus pages. Click Image Below