Decorating & Design

January 1, 2013

Velvet Crush

In a guest appearance on The Marilyn Denis Show, Lynda Reeves told viewers that revamping your decor with throw pillows is one of the ways we get to be an artist in our homes. I couldn’t agree more. Throw pillows are an easy way to be creative and make a statement with pattern and colour, changing the look of a room in an instant.

Right now I’m lusting over these Kevin O’Brien velvet pillows from Anthropologie. Their ombre effect gives them an almost painterly, watercolour look. This doesn’t come as a surprise seeing as the designer started as an architect and painter before turning his attention to textile design. They come in the most gorgeous colours — tangerine, aqua and midnight blue, the latter of which is a big trend in home decor this winter (and my personal favourite).

Adding these rich, vibrant hues to a neutral sofa or bed — they would look amazing against grey — is an easy way to give a room a quick update. Winter is also a great time to play with texture. It’s the perfect season for fashion because we get to layer and incorporate materials like leather, velvet and faux fur, which add so much visual interest to an outfit. The same can be said of home decor. I love seeing these unexpected materials used in everyday items.

I once had a black velvet dress my grandmother made for me as a little girl that I refused to take off for months on end — I even wore it under my snowsuit! There was something about that material that felt very special. Not much has changed since age five. I still think velvet is a beautiful, luxurious fabric. Its subtle sheen and soft, sumptuous texture makes it the perfect material to cosy up with for winter, whether it’s a new blazer or the pillows on your sofa.

For more great items, check out our Fresh Decorating Finds photo gallery.

Photo credits:
1-2. Ombre Velvet Pillows, Anthropologie