There are as many pillows of illusion...

" There are as many pillows of illusion as flakes in a snow storm. We wake from one dream into another dream." 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

All these gray days keeping us inside and making us want to crawl back in bed have me yearning for some pillow talk...
No fail, every time the seasons change I get the itch to redecorate. The landscape outside my windows change so why shouldn't my interior shift a little to work with it? What better way than to toss in some updated throw pillows.  Some may call it excessive, but I really do believe throw pillows are a seasonal item and should be mixed up regularly to keep a room fresh.

Some things to consider when creating your pillow-scape:
-Don't be afraid to mix patterns, colors or textures, just keep them "related"- it adds depth and interest to your room.
-Use odd numbers- odds are always more pleasing to the eye when it comes to design.
-Don't be afraid to try a different shape or size. Over-sized pillows give a more casual vibe while rectangles tend to feel sleeker and more modern.

Go Bold

Ikat from ABC

Dwell Studio diamond Ikat from ABC

Abstract Idea Pillow from Anthropologie

Sunset Pillow from West Elm

Fashion illustration pillow found on Etsy

Birds of a Feather...

Owl Pillow by Michele Varian from ABC

If birds from Anthropologie

Iridescent Plumage from Anthropologie

Add some Whimsy

Harry Potter Pillow found on Etsy

Scrabble tile pillows found on Etsy

Fantastic Forest from Anthropologie

Family Portrait from Garnet Hill

Scott Lifshutz Hound from West Elm

TEXTURE,TEXTURE and more TEXTURE

The Cozy pillow from West Elm

Crushed silk collection from Garnet Hill

Shaggy Pop by Anthropologie

Bronze Linen Sparkle pillow from ABC

Dove Ombre velvet from ABC

Mongolian Lamb Pillows form West Elm

Don't ignore your animal instincts

Zebra Pillows from West Elm

Linen Moose from ABC

Linen camel from ABC

Eclectic

adjective.-selecting or choosing from various sources. not following any one system
noun. -a person who follows an eclectic method

Yesterday I mentioned my former "transitional" neighborhood, but the new one is not transitional...it is firmly eclectic! I love eclectic but it isn't a style just anyone can pull off...eclectic can easily pass for messy or possibly a hoarder, however, when you stop for a second and start to look at the parts not just the whole you start to notice all the beautiful unique parts that make up the whole and then you see the whole in a new light. The first time I saw my new neighborhood I thought it was the most hodgepodge crazy neighborhood but then I started looking at the individual houses and gardens and suddenly I realized this was a marvelous patchwork of homes, each unique and each shining with their own character and style.

Homes are just the same way...eclectic homes are most often occupied by someone sentimental, each piece holds a story. Now don't get wrong- there is the fine line between eclectic and hoarder. I don't think I need to explain hoarders- just watch the show... they can't throw anything away! Eclectic is achieved by editing, by carefully selecting each piece, by mixing patterns and colors with various textures and memories.

The best thing about eclectic is that it doesn't happen over night...you can't force it and that is what makes it most difficult to pull off. To start setting your sights on an eclectic style buy things that you love- even random little things- you have to start somewhere. Collect things on your travels or make you local antique and consignment stores part of your routine stops. Or for a quick fix head over to Anthropologie and peruse their home section or start clicking around Etsy....

So start collecting those items that speak to you and go boldly...eclectics aren't afraid of color!

photos: Houzz, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Alkemie, Anthropologie

Candy is dandy but some say liquor is quicker..

It's basically crack for kids and at the holiday season we all fall off the wagon and overdose on candy. Candy canes are an iconic part of Christmas that date back over 350 years although the stripes didn't appear until the early 1900s...but it is the stripes that I love! but why just bring them out once a year...

But it isn't just the noble candy cane that sweetens up the holidays...I love candy ribbons- they have a great retro feel to them but I love that they expand beyond the red and white color palette.

So save the calories this holiday season and stripe the walls!

and just a hint -a laser level is a must have tool for the DIY candy striper!

photos: Elle Decor, House to Home, House Beautiful, Room Envy