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Revamp Your Old Sofa with Patterned Cushions and Throws

Revamp Your Old Sofa with Patterned Cushions and Throws

Is your sofa looking a little worse for wear?

Has it fallen victim to the chaos and mischief caused by your kids, leaving behind stains and grubbiness? (Mine has!)

Well, fear not! I’ve got a fantastic solution to breathe new life into your tired old sofa. All you need are some patterned cushions and throws to work their magic. Trust me, your sofa will be so grateful for this stylish makeover that it’ll practically melt into the background!

The Patterned Throw:

Let’s start with the star of the show: the patterned throw. Adding a throw with an eye-catching pattern instantly draws attention away from your sofa’s flaws and towards the stunning design.

Whether you choose a vibrant floral print, a bold geometric pattern, or a mesmerizing abstract motif, the throw will take centre stage, stealing the limelight from any imperfections. You’ll be amazed at how this simple addition can transform the entire look and feel of your living space.

If florals are your thing, take a look at my Spoonflower store for inspiration.

Add cushions:

Now that we’ve got our throw in place, it’s time to introduce some fabulous cushions.

When it comes to cushion placement, there are no hard and fast rules. It’s all about personal preference and creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere. However, if you’re in need of a little guidance, here are a few ideas to get you started.

The Classic 2:2 Arrangement

First up, we have the classic 2:2 arrangement. Place two large cushions—one at each end of the sofa. Then, position two medium-sized cushions in front of the larger ones.

 You can either match the patterns on the large cushions or choose different patterns, ensuring that both large cushions have a large-scale design, while the smaller cushions feature a small-scale pattern.

The Edgy 2:2:1 Arrangement

Next, we have the 2:2:1 arrangement for an alternative way to revamp your old sofa. Follow the same pattern as before with two large cushions at each end, two medium-sized cushions in front, but this time, add a small or differently shaped cushion in the middle of the sofa.

This arrangement adds a touch of visual interest and breaks the symmetry, creating a more eclectic look.

John Lewis

The Rule of Three

If you prefer a slightly different approach, consider grouping your cushions in threes to revamp your old sofa.

This arrangement can include one large cushion, one medium-sized cushion, and one small or differently-shaped cushion. For example, you might place a large floral cushion, a medium-sized abstract cushion, and a small rectangular cushion.

Mixing different scales and shapes adds a dynamic element to your sofa and keeps things visually appealing.

John Lewis

To really make your cushions shine, use patterns strategically.

Opt for a combination of a large-scale ornate pattern, such as a stunning floral or a captivating geometric design, with a small-scale simple abstract pattern or even a solid colour.

The contrast between the two patterns creates a delightful visual balance, drawing the eye towards the beauty of your new cushions while diverting attention from the drabness of your old sofa.

So, there you have it—a simple and cost-effective way to revamp your old sofa into a stylish haven using patterned cushions and throws.

Don’t let stains and wear bring you down. Embrace the power of patterns, let your creative side run wild, and watch as your sofa becomes the centre of attention once again.

Tag me in your DIY sofa transformations on Instagram or Facebook, I can’t wait to see what you create 🙂

Happy decorating!

Michelle x

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Embrace the Beauty of Natural Shades and Earthy Tones in Home Decor!

Embrace the Beauty of Natural Shades and Earthy Tones in Home Decor!

Step into the world of home design trends for 2023 and you’ll find a delightful emphasis on the serene and organic.

From dusty pinks to timeless stone hues, natural shades and earthy tones are making a strong comeback in the world of interior design.

So, if you’re looking to revamp your living space, why not bring a touch of nature indoors?

Let’s explore the enchanting world of natural earth colours and how they can transform your home into a haven of tranquillity.

Dusty Pinks: Soft and Elegant:

Picture this: soft, muted pinks that transport you to a serene garden or a breathtaking sunset. Dusty pinks bring a touch of romance and sophistication to any room. They create a chill atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Think blush accent walls, plush cushions, or flowy curtains that’ll add a feminine touch to your space. Trust me, dusty pinks are the secret ingredient to a cosy and classy vibe. You can find these beauties in my Spoonflower store.

Embrace Earthy Tones: Get in Touch with Nature:

Want to bring a bit of nature indoors? Earthy tones are your go-to choice! Think warm taupe, sunny ochre, and rich browns that make you feel grounded and at peace. These colours are like a warm hug from Mother Earth herself. Consider incorporating them through natural materials like wooden furniture, rattan accents, or woven textiles. They’ll give your home a cosy and inviting feel that you’ll never want to leave.

Timeless Stone: The Ultimate Durability:

Stone-inspired hues have been rocking the interior design world for ages, and they’re not going anywhere. These versatile shades, from cool greys to warm beiges, add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. They’re like the chameleons of colour, effortlessly blending with other shades and styles. Whether it’s on your walls, flooring, or even in your choice of furniture and decor, stone colours are the definition of timeless chic.

Natural Elegance: Bring the Outdoors In:

If you really want to go all-in on the natural shades and earthy tones, why not bring a slice of the great outdoors into your home? Indoor plants are not only super trendy but also purify the air and create a refreshing ambience. Pair them with natural textures like jute rugs, wooden frames, or rustic ceramic pottery. It’s all about combining these elements to create a space that’s visually appealing and oh-so-comforting to the soul. For more information on using plants to uplevel your home, check out this blog post on Biophilic design.

So, my design-savvy friends, as we dive into the home design trends of 2023, let’s embrace the magic of natural shades and earthy tones.

From those soft and dreamy dusty pinks to the ever-charming stone-inspired hues, these colours are here to bring warmth and tranquillity to your humble abode. It’s time to get cosy and let nature work its magic in your home decor.

Grab a cuppa, get inspired, and let these earthy tones transform your space into the ultimate sanctuary of relaxation and style!

Much love,

Michelle x

Get weekly home decor ideas and tips

Each week I’ll pop into your inbox with a few tips and tricks to help you make your house your home, and a little bit of info to help us get to know each other. I know life is busy so I’ll keep it short and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Transform Your Home with Biophilic Design!

Transform Your Home with Biophilic Design!

Have you ever heard of Biophilia?

Create a home that nourishes your soul with the power of Biophilic Design!

What is Biophilia?

Biophilia is our innate need to be close to nature. We have been dependent on nature for our survival for millenia. What may be surprising is that we still need nature within our environment for us to thrive.

Biophilia is a design trend that is gaining momentum.  We can improve our wellbeing through being close to nature. 

  • We are drawn to  the seaside. 
  • We feel nourished or calmed by a woodland walk.
  • We are awed by the stars 

 Nature is part of who we are. Biophilia is improving wellbeing through being close to nature.



(Image credit:David Pyefinch)

What has Biophila got to do with home decor?

Bringing the outside in literally improves our health and quality of life. Studies have shown direct contact with nature can reduce our stress levels, reduce anxiety and depression, whilst  lowering our heart rate, reducing our blood pressure, and improving our immune responses and quality of sleep.

We spend 90% of our lives indoors! 

Our indoor environment has a profound impact on our wellbeing. By creating living spaces that echo the scale and tone of the natural environment we improve our health and longevity, and those of our families.



How can we use Biophilia in our homes?

 

Have physical contact with nature

  • Real flowers and plants
  • Real fires 
  • Fresh air
  • Open windows
  • Use real wood for furniture and fittings
  • Real stone for floors and table tops 
  • Decorative clay pottery for vases and dishes



(Image credit: Alexandra Gorn)

Let there be light!

Open blinds and curtains fully, get as much natural light as possible into your home.

For tips on how to get more light in your home, have a quick read of this blog post.



(Image credit:Alyssa Strohmann)

Use objects which remind you of  nature

  • Use patterns, colours, materials, or textures that you would find in nature.
  • Use natural colour palettes of nature inspired, greens, blues and earth tones – more on this here
  • Add natural textures such as wood and stone, wool, hessian, and rafferta.
  • Use wallpapers, soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains and throws to add nature-inspired patterns to you home.

I have a wide range of botanical wallpapers and soft furnishing in my Spoonflower shop here.

A room with a view 

If you have a natural view from a room in your home, of your garden, a woodland or fields or even the ocean ( you lucky sausage), use it!

  • In your lounge, move your sofa so it faces the window.
  • In your bedroom, move your bed to face the window.



(Image Credit: Fabian Kühne on Unsplash)

Just looking at nature reduces our heart rate and stress hormones. Who knew it was that easy!

How are you going to add some Biophilic design to your home?

Let me know in the comments – or tag me on Instagram so I can see! And get some inspo!

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Every fortnight, I’ll pop into your inbox with practical tips and inspiring resources to help you with your creative projects. I know life is busy so I’ll keep it short and sweet!

Warm, Summer, Home Interior Design

Warm, Summer, Home Interior Design

My summer vibes home interior design pattern collection is here!

If you love warm, citrus colours and even hotter summer nights, this home decor collection is for you!

All the patterns are from my COASTAL LEAVES home decor pattern collection, available now on Spoonflower.

If you prefer a cooler cooler and more chilled coloiur palette for your home interior design, then take a look at my blog post about the COASTAL LEAVES – MORNING BREEZE  colourway here.

These floral patterns are a fantastic way of creating a feature wall.

If you have a cool, North Facing Room, this summer inspired home decor colourway will bring warmth.

Use cushions to bring new life into an old sofa or create a summer seasonal look in your living, room, family room or bedroom.

These cushions also look great on a kitchen bench, or on garden furniture for outside dining!

Will you be adding a spot of pattern to your home this summer?

Tell me what you’re doing in the comments!

Michelle x

Get yourself some inspiration!

Every fortnight, I’ll pop into your inbox with practical tips and inspiring resources to help you with your creative projects. I know life is busy so I’ll keep it short and sweet!

5 Reasons to use pattern in your home decor

5 Reasons to use pattern in your home decor

Pattern brings a room to life!

Pattern adds energy, perks up existing home decor, and, most importantly, hides stains for those of us with kids and pets!

1. Pattern anchors a room

Have one big item per room that is bold. For example a bed or headboard in a bedroom, or a sofa or rug in a living room.

Using pattern on these big items means the rest of the room can be simple and neutral, still look interesting, and have your personality and taste shining through.

(Image credit: Unsplash)

(Image credit: Lakeisha Bennett on Unsplash)

2. Pattern for zoning.

Use patterns on furniture or wallpaper to zone a particular area.

This is useful in open-plan areas and multifunctional spaces, for example, to zone an office space in the living room, or a dining area in an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space.

(Image credit: Alexander James)

3. Perk up your neutrals!

Add a patterned chair, curtains or cushions to a neutrally decorated room for a quick and easy update. For more pattern ideas take a look my previous blog post here



4. Pattern hides stains! 

Patterns on furniture, upholstery and cushions make our eyes dance over the surface. This makes it harder for the eye to see dirty marks and stains. For those of us with children or pets, this is a must-have!



5. Add energy to a room

Pattern creates movement in a room and instantly changes the energy.



(Image credit: Alvhem Makleri)

How do you use patterns in your home?

Tag me on Instagram @michelle_tasker_

 I’d love to take a look!

Get yourself some inspiration!

Every fortnight, I’ll pop into your inbox with practical tips and inspiring resources to help you with your creative projects. I know life is busy so I’ll keep it short and sweet!