Tuesday, August 11, 2015

the power of solid pillows


It's been a couple years since I first did a post on using solid color pillows, I
 confessed it was nearly impossible for my creative side to reach for solids in lieu
 of mixing patterns. There's no denying my love for pattern, but lately I've been
 intrigued by the tranquil look of solids. 
It's truly an art to create an edited look that peaks interest and doesn't look too safe. 
I'm assuming since you're reading this you might be the type that likes to
analyze how and why these solids work. I think the color and placement are just as
 creative as a pile of patterned pillows.  

Just my observations...

The pale blue in contrast to the bold zebra print rug is unexpected, more often
a strong pattern/color that could hold its own with the rug might be used.
The asymmetrical placement of the pillows woks with the throw balancing the
side with one blue pillow. 
  
 Kate Jackson

The pink and green hues in the artwork are repeated in the pillows, patterned pillows
would have competed with the art. The rich chocolate color keeps it from being overly
 sweet and looking like a box of macaroons. :)  
(I'm sure the talented designer would love my amateur analysis!)    
The green pillow in the center is perfect addition to keep the symmetry of the windows,
 lamps, end tables and pink and brown pillows from being too much. 

domino.com

Tying the pillow color in with the accessories (throw and florals) is key, without the
 repetition of those two significant pieces it wouldn't have nearly the effect.  

howtodecorate.com

Such a brave move here, first with the lavender upholstery and second to pair it with
 the range of orange tones. My take away here is don't be afraid to think outside the box,
unpredictable is good!  
   
 nehomemag.com

Using varying tones within the same color family is pretty foolproof. 

martha stewart

Any saturated color against the white linens would pop and make a statement. 

lauren-nelson.com

I think I could get on board with some solids, what do you think?



14 comments:

cindy hattersley design said...

I have the schumacher antique strie velvet pillows in my family room and love them. Great examples here!!!

Dana Frieling said...

I like the simplicity of solids but I think what makes it interesting is the use of unexpected color palettes. I think your interest may be peaked, but you wouldn't last long in a non-patterned world. ha! ;)

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I always gravitate to pillows with prints; however these beautiful inspiration photos are making me more inclined to incorporate the solids with the prints. Love the soft blues with the white and that fabulous rug.

phantom1 said...

I love your informative posts. I would love to know how you pick artwork and how you decide how to mat and frame it. Do you have a favorite source for frames? Also, how do you pick drapes and hardware and decide how to hang them? Do you hang them yourself. I'm basing these question from your last room challenge, which I just loved. Thanks for sharing your creativity!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love them, I use quite a few to accent some of my patterns.

tina said...

Not for me. I'm much more drawn to patterns. I do use a couple of solid pillows on various chairs though, although one is monogrammed. LOL

Unknown said...

I love the high-end look of these solids. I'm ready to try it!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

I have always leaned toward solid pillows. It goes with my very conservative look of black, white and golds.
The contrasting colors work so well when there is no pattern in the pillows to fight the eye!
Great post and great rooms.
xo
Patty

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Absolutely!!! Great photos...going back to do some pinning :)

Julie said...

I always lean toward solid velvet pillows. But I am loving the choice of color schemes in these photos...especially that lavender with oranges. Oh goodness!

Unknown said...

Amen! Pillows and paint, the biggest impact in a room! Great images and isn't that lavender sofa amazing? I hope youre having a great summer Pam. xo Nancy

Calypso In The Country said...

Ahhh pillows - never get tired of seeing different combinations! Hope all is well with you...I have been a bit out of the loop lately between beach visits and lousy internet service!
Shelley

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

I'm a pillow hoarder...you can never have to many pillows!

pam {simple details} said...

Hi Phantom 1 - Great questions!! That's a lot of info to try and cover in a comment but it would be great content for a few posts, I'll definitely add them to my list. Thanks so much for reading! :)

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