Five beautiful ways to style your cushions –for a simple, easy update
Design Director at Andrew Martin, David Harris shares his favourite cushion styling tips.
Updating smaller accessories, such as cushions, is a simple and inexpensive way to refresh your home and inject personality into a room, without overhauling your interiors scheme.
Start with the soft base linen colours for your sofa, and then try mixing in the hotter pink cushions for added zing. But, if you’re more reserved in your approach, then opt for the soft powders blues and neutrals.
1. CONSIDER YOUR COLOUR PALETTE
Adding vibrant cushions is a simple and inexpensive way to inject a bold hit of colour into a neutral room. Alternatively, if the room is already colourful, rather than using shades that match your existing scheme, opt for complementary hues to create a sense of cohesiveness. Choose cushions with piping in a contrasting shade as these little details draw the eye. Monochrome cushions also make a statement as the absence of colour can be just as striking as its presence.
2. DON'T BE AFRAID TO MIX PATTERN
Cushions are a great way to introduce pattern into a room. From florals and ikats, to geometrics and animal motifs, there is a great deal to choose from. Combine different patterns to make a strong style statement but to avoid overwhelming a room, mix large scale pattern with smaller scale prints.
SeeAndrew Martin wallpaper SS20: See the two beautiful new collections
3. COMBINE DIFFERENT TEXTURES
Combine different textures to add depth and create an eclectic look. Velvet is a perennial favourite for cushions because it feels luxurious, whilst linen has a relaxed feel. In terms of filling, feather and down allow for a plusher feel than synthetic fillings.
4. PLAY WITH SHAPE
Pair square cushions with rectangular shapes for a relaxed look. Choose cushions in tones of the same colour to avoid the scheme looking too informal or haphazard.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
SeeFive ways to create the perfect home office
5. DON'T TRY TOO HARD
Cushion arrangements shouldn’t look too formal or overly plumped. Whilst thought does go into arranging cushions, they should look casually arranged to feel relaxed and inviting.
Andrew Martin, andrewmartin.co.uk
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
-
Martha Stewart's controversial string lighting method is the 'most beautiful way to illuminate your Christmas tree' – and it doesn't start at the top
Hanging your string lighting can be the most tedious of all tree decoration jobs – but breaking tradition could make it easier (and Stewart agrees)
By Megan Slack Published
-
9 unexpected cabinet styles to try for a totally unique kitchen
Bored of the same old kitchen styles we've all been seeing for years? I asked designers about which unexpected styles are going to be on trend for 2025
By Caroline Moratti Published