Part 4: Pillows
You really can’t have too many pillows in a room. And, they are an inexpensive way to add pizzazz to a hum-drum sofa or chair.
But, with vintage pillows, you can add age to a room. Of course the pillows themselves don’t need to be old. Thankfully the pillowcases can last a wonderfully long time and you can find some beautiful old ones that may just need a bit of new trim to bring them to life.
Pillows are also an great way to recycle fabrics that have moved past their prime in other areas: Needlepoint or tapestry that has frayed or come away at the edges of a chair can be given new life on a pillow. I’ve seen beautiful vintage tea towels featuring hand embroidery put to good use by adding a little vintage touch in children’s bedrooms.
So don’t be afraid to re-purpose grandma’s needlepoint into a lovely pillow that can be enjoyed for generations to come. Just change out the stuffing from time to time, please.
Part 5: Chinoiserie
My Favorite!
Anyone who knows me or has had me decorate a room for them knows how I love to sneak something with an Oriental influence into the mix. My heart just starts beating faster when I see something Oriental. In decor the term for this motif is called Chinoiserie.
I was fascinated to discover that Chinoiserie is a purely western invention: When trade routes opened up to the far east, sailors bought back art, pottery, china, rugs… you name it! These were exotic looking pieces that added caché to any home. The vivid blues and whites of their porcelain and pottery were so much brighter than their western counterparts that they were stunning to behold.
The term “Chinoiserie” covers anything with a far-eastern or oriental theme. From faux bamboo furniture, through hand-painted wallpaper panels, inlaid screens, lotus blossom art, ginger jars (swoon) and willow pattern plates, statues, pagoda shapes, tea sets, caramondel screens… the list goes on and on, and so does my passion for this style. I have several Pinterest boards set up as altars at which I worship. If you ever get the chance check it out.
So for people who don’t want a lot of it, consider adding just one small foo dog, or blue and white bud vase. From a small accent to a whole wall, Eastern flavor adds just the right amount of spice to your décor.
This post was brought to you complements of moi and a little thing I like to call #RedemptiveDesign.