What Matters Is On the Inside

I've been thinking about sharing this post with you for awhile.  But, it's not the most glamorous of topics; and it always seems to get pushed to the back of the list of posts when something more interesting pops into my brain.
No, I'm not talking about your character.  This is an interior design blog, remember?! I'm talking about pillow inserts!  The topic can be boring, I admit.  So, in an effort to encourage you to read on, I'm going to include some of my favorite images with luscious pillows.  

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Now, don't let the lack of glamour of a pillow insert fool you - what I'm about to share is some real inside scoop and will completely transform your spaces.   While the fabric you select for your pillows is very important, what's inside the pillow cover is essential to the look.

Since it is not seen, most people do not realize how important it is (like properly hung drapery panels which is entirely separate post I must get to at some point).  I don't say this lightly - the pillow insert can take your pillow to a whole new place.   In fact, I've had clients who have asked for new pillows and instead I talked them into simply ordering the proper insert only to find the covers look fantastic and did not need to be replaced. 

Show Me What You're Made Of!

In order to get your pillows to look like a magazine spread, you need to use feather/down inserts.  Now, I can hear some of you now saying, "I had a decorator talk me into down pillows and we had feathers everywhere.  They made my pillows prickly."   

Well, your decorator did not select the right feather/down composition for the inserts!  You see, the insert needs to have just the right about of feathers - too many and they stick you and too few and the pillow is as flat as a pancake.   

The goal is to have a ratio which will make the pillows plump and full, but when you lean on them, they envelope you in a cozy way.  Now!  I've got you thinking about it.  Who doesn't want to be enveloped? Right?!

So, what's the magical ratio?  My preference is an insert with a composition of 70 feather/30 down.

Does Size Really Matter?
I knew that subtitle would get your attention!  OK, so we are still not finished here.  The composition of the insert will take you just so far.  We also need to address the proper size of the insert as it relates to the cover size.

For the pillow to "fluff" up and show off the beautiful fabric you've selected, the insert needs to be one inch wider and one inch taller than the cover.  In my opinion this is the perfect size.  Some people recommend a 2" larger insert.  But with the 70/30 composition,  I think the 2" rule makes the pillow so tight it does not feel cozy when you lie back on it.  PS: this trick will not work with a poly insert!  I've had clients who have mistakenly tried! You cannot stuff a poly insert of this size into your cover - bad idea.

Now you know the trick!  Shhh. Keep it under your hat.  Happy Weekend. M.

PS: if you would like help sourcing pillows or inserts for your pillows, contact me.  I can help you!  I have access to lots of sources - Mandi Smith T Interiors.

All images in this post are via Pinterest. 

  

Client Project - Pillow Options

Happy Friday!  The last couple of weeks have been a major adjustment for the Smith T household.  My oldest child moved to our junior high this year.  While it is fun and exciting, it's taking a bit of time to adjust (even for me).  I say all this to emphasize just how excited I am to have a long weekend.  We're going to make the most of it - lots of lounging and relaxing. 

In the meantime, I wanted to share some pillow options I sourced for a client this week.  When you have a neutral palette to work with, it's so easy to freshen up a space by simply adding new pillows.  For this cute client, I created two different options for her family room.  

Here is a second option.  Just to show you how easy it is to transform a neutral palette with different pillows.   

All sources for these pillows are available through Mandi Smith T Interiors.  If you are interested in creating a fresh new feel in your home, give me a call.  Also, I know my client would love your thoughts on which option is your favorite.  M.  

Just a Little Pop

Got a call from a very stylish client who selected a sectional and accent chair on her own in some wonderfully neutral fabrics (with great texture).  She asked if I would pull together some ideas on a few accent pillows.  Thought you might like to see what I came up with for her space.  I think they will add just the pop this space needs.

Here are the fabrics for the upholstered pieces she selected on her own. . .   

The light woven linen is for a sectional which is perfectly suited for her space. The chocolate jumper is going on an accent chair that will round out the seating area.  The woven fretwork (diamond pattern) is for pillows that came with the sectional.   And the pretty floral is a favorite pillow she has had for awhile and really wants to keep in the space (it's her favorite).  This pillow will be included in a creamy linen slipcovered chair in a corner reading nook in the same space. 

Here are my pillows suggestions for her space - two options (since I can never stop at just one).  Notice they both include the color of the year - Tango Tangerine.  Also, since we are working with a sectional, I decided to go with three different pillows on the sofa just to make it more interesting.  

The first option is vibrant with the orange velvet back pillows for added color.  I love how the Ikat inspired damask looks with the fun zebra/chevron on the accent chair.

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This option I think is my favorite.  I love the dark chocolates on the sofa which speak to and balance the dark tones of the accent chair. 

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All these custom pillows are available through Mandi Smith T Interiors.  If you're feeling the need for some fresh pillows in your space, I would love to do the same for you.  Have a great Monday!

PS:  I know my client would love your thoughts on which option is your favorite!  So, feel free to comment. 

PSS: I did manage to snag a few finds at Scott's on Friday.  I will be sharing them with you this week.  Just need to find the time to photograph them!

Project in Progress - Guest Bedroom

I did an installation this week for a guest bedroom in a beautiful home in Vestavia Hills.  I posted about a redesign I did back in October here for the same client.  After we finished moving furnishings around in her home, my client wanted to freshen up one of her guest bedrooms.  So, we used furnishings and accessories she already had and unified the space with new bedding. 

The zebra print chair was our jumping off point.  

In order to make the different styles of furniture work, I added a hint of Asian (which always does the trick) with these fantastic Chiang Mai pillows by Schumacher.  

By pairing these with the larger, less expensive trellis pattern pillows, you get the impact of the Chiang Mai without spending a fortune. 

If you've ever seen this fabric in person, you know the pictures do NOT do it justice.   The color is so incredibly saturated and the fabric is the most perfectly textured linen EVER.

Ah- maze-ing.   Makes my mouth water when I think about it.  

So, with the help of a couple of new fresh fabrics, you have a new guest bedroom.  Happy mid-week. M.

Project in Progress - Master Bedroom

I've posted about this particular project before.  At one point, I talked to you about stairwell lighting in this fabulous Mountain Brook house.  We are now working on fabrics for various rooms.  These selections we are considering for the master bedroom.

The room has a lot of green in it already and these fabrics will really compliment what she already has going on in there.  Fabrics are really one of my favorite steps in the process.  I think they can do wonders to freshen up a space without totally breaking the bank. 

The bed has a creamy linen headboard the client purchased years ago, and it still looks great.  We also moved a pair of sage green leather arm chairs into the space and placed them in front of the fireplace.  They were originally in her family room, and the scale was just not working.  So, now they look fantastic as a place to watch TV and enjoy a cozy fire.  For the leather chairs, we are repurposing a pair of chocolate and green pillows she already had in the bedroom.  They are in a simple foliage pattern.

For the bed, we are considering this bird fabric trimmed in a green silk flat flange.  This is such a beautiful, versatile fabric.  I have used it in a different bedroom and gotten a completely different look by accenting the peaching tones in the birds (this picture makes the peachy color look orange and it's really more subtle). 

The chocolate and blue fretwork fabric (below) will also be included on the bed, along with a deep chocolate velvet pillow the homeowner already had in the space. The center fabric, which looks like a combination of paisleys and damask pattern, will be a lumbar pillow in a third danish modern chair we are using to ground a corner and designate reading nook. 

Remember, you don't have to start completely over when redesigning a space.  By using just a few additional pillows in fresh fabrics with what you already have, the entire space will feel new.

Once we are completely finished with the makeover, I will show you the results!! M.

Trend Spotting - African Pillows

Last week, I was chatting with Donna of Fabricadabra via email about some of the new things in her shop.  She mentioned some new African pillows.  Well, kuba fabric automatically popped into my brain.  For years now, it's been all the rage.   

But she was actually referring to these very cool wax print pillows.  They are created with a technique using wax to design a pattern on the fabric that is then dyed different contrasting colors.  These pillows are so intricately designed, and the vibrant colors offer real impact in a space.   Oddly enough, the Dutch have dominated the market in producing these (even regions of Africa covet the Dutch produced versions).  So, I hopped on line to take a look.  

Each one is like a little piece of artwork!  The handmade nature of the pattern gives each pillow a one of a kind feel.  These chic, hip, ultra bohemian pillows are also popping up in Elle Decor as well as a few on line magazines which makes them my trend spotting item of the week!  

Here are my favorites from Fabricadabra.

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Now, for a little room inspiration . . . 

This is the home of fashion model Eugenia.  It was photographed by the talented Ricardo Labougle.  I love the modern artwork, neutral sofa and those gorgeous pillows.

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The wax pillows really seem to work well with Scandinavian design.

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This is an image from the latest TradHome online magazine.  Love the pillows coupled with the sofa.  That one long cushion on the sofa in a fretwork pattern is singing to me!  

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This is from Lonny online magazine.  Do you see those pillows in the acrylic swing?!

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Again, the most recent issue of Lonny.  Do you see the trend?!

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This is a second shot of Eugenia's living room.  Love the purple fabric in those grayish wooden arm chairs.  

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I think these pillows look fantastic with Scandinavian design, mixed into a very neutral traditional space or anything modern, mid-century modern, etc.  For more wax pillows designs, go see Donna at Fabricadabra.  She has something for everyone.  Happy Weekend! M.

Fabulous Fabrics - Fabricadabra

I am absolutely thrilled to introduce you to my very first blog sponsor - Fabricadabra.   As you know from following my blog, I am very picky about what I endorse and share with you.  I only post about things I like and think would be interesting to my readers.  Well, Fabricadabra is all that!

This unique company, owned by Donna Halloran, is providing some of the most wonderful textiles on the market today.  Donna has contracted with artisans from around the world who still utilize ancient techniques for dyeing and weaving fabrics.  Most are woven on handlooms and all embroidery is hand done.  Also, Donna works very hard to provide fair wages to all artisans while keeping the cost to us reasonable!

Here are a few of my favorites and what I would do with them in my home.

Samarkand Hand Embroidered Vintage Suzani Throw

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Hmong Hilltribe Patchwork Throw

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These beautiful throws are small works of art.  They add texture, color, and a world traveled feel to a space.  One way to get your biggest bang from these would be to frame them as artwork.

Look at how dramatic they become.  Talk about a focal point.

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When you think about the cost of a painting the same size, you realize what a bargain this is for custom artwork.

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If you didn't want to splurge on a throw, you could get a similar affect by using a large sample of handmade fabric.  Sort of like this.  (as an aside, this is Anne Becker's apartment and was featured in Elle Decor, lovely).

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Here is a very similar pattern in yellow, and would be such an easy DIY project.

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You could also select several different fabrics and frame them as a series or grouping on a focal wall. Here are few to consider.

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Here are some examples of a grouping or series.

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Look at these beautiful images I found with accents using tribal fabrics.  As you can see, it instantly updates a space and makes it feel current while adding a sense of history.


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Or even something upholstered in an Ikat fabric.  I love those pretty stools in pink and chocolate.

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By just investing in a pair of accent pillows you can inject this vibe into your space.

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I hope you will take the time to click over and check out all the offerings on  Donna's fabulous website and welcome her to the Muse!  Enjoy your weekend!  M.