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    Coordinating Fall Pillow Combinations + Neutral Pillows for Any Season

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    Click here for above sources
    Pillows are one of the simplest ways to change the decor of a room. I usually try get the zippered covers in fabrics, colors and styles that are versatile enough to mix and match for the season (you can read more of my advice on all things pillows here, including my favorite inserts). I also like to have some neutrals that can work in every season!
    Today I am sharing a few fall pillow mood boards that I hope will inspire you for pretty pillow pairing possibilities! When you scroll down you’ll also find a few beautiful “neutral” pillows I bought on Etsy that I think could be used year round. Enjoy!
    Click here for above sources
    Click here for above sources
    Sources top to bottom left to right: Rust Floral Pillow // Cross Pattern Pillow // Mustard Stripe Pillow // Black and White Plaid Pillow // Beige Floral Pillow // Terracotta Floral Pillow // Teal Floral Pillow // Beige Velvet Pillow // Brown Plaid Pillow
    Sources: Linen Striped Pillow Cover // Gingham Neutral Pillow Cover // Blue Reversible Throw Blanket (as bench seat cover, see more styles of blankets like this in my home here)
    Source: Gingham Neutral Pillow Cover
    Source: Linen Striped Pillow Cover
    Source: Soft Pink Striped Pillow Cover
    Source: Brown Gingham Pillow on Wingback Chair // Jute + Cotton Rug with this rug pad // Blue and White Floral Ginger Jar // Clam Shell (similar) and other sources
    More Pillows (click the images below for details):

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    How to Pick Decorative Pillows That Go Together (5 tips on style, pillow inserts and saving money!)
    Throw Pillows in my Amazon Storefront
    5 Clever Ways to Make a Small Space Cozy and Inviting
    13 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like Fall
    Find more decorating advice for your home in our Style Tips gallery! More

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      How to Fall in Love with Your Room (+ Our New Living Room Arrangement Using What We Have)

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      It’s that time of year when we all want our living spaces to be cozy, welcoming and comfortable. We want to love our homes. But as you look around your room, do you ever have a nagging feeling that something is “off” but you don’t know exactly what it is? I definitely have! Perhaps you’ve considered getting rid of everything you have so you can start over with new things you love. I’ll admit that thought has crossed my mind a time or two.
      Sources: Plaid Arm Chair // Waffle Weave Blanket on back // Jute + Cotton Rug // Round Black Art (my art is birds which is sold out, but this is the same style with butterflies!)
      I’m a fan of using what you have when possible and not always buying new things.
      But sometimes it’s hard to figure out where to put the furniture you have, or how to combine what you have in a new way or a new room. And how to determine when you just need something new!
      Did you know years ago I wrote a book called But Where Do I Put the Couch? with KariAnne Wood from Thistlewood Farms? Seems like I should be an expert on answering that age old question of where a couch should go in a room, but as is often the case with design, the best answer is often found through trial, error and experimentation rather than in a universal set of rules to to follow.
      I think we need to give ourselves freedom to try new things, to break the rules and just arrange furniture in a way that is best for the room! This way your room will be better designed for you and make more sense.
      Source: Brown Gingham Pillow on Wingback Chair // Jute + Cotton Rug with this rug pad // Blue and White Floral Ginger Jar // Clam Shell (similar) and other sources // No link for those toys on the floor, ha!
      I am happy to say I stand by my advice in the book (which is not just about where to put the couch, by the way! It’s so much more than that! It answers 101 actual decorating questions from readers like you! Read all about it here).
      But even if we know the rules, break the rules or both, we can still feel stuck. I get stuck, too.
      Case in point.
      I was so excited when our renovation was nearly complete because I finally got to arrange furniture and get settled. But my enthusiasm soon turned to a slump. I just wasn’t feeling like the living room was coming together.
      It wasn’t the backdrops at all. I was grateful for this newly refreshed space and love our paint colors and new flooring. Love the new feel and layout of our main floor. I still planned to get blinds in the living room, and I knew we’d get those soon.
      Sources: Wicker Trunk // Jute + Cotton Rug // Leather Sofa Armchair Version (loveseat no longer sold) // Pleated Lampshade // Blue and White Stamped Pillow on Sofa // Dining Room Details
      While I was stumped at how to solve the furniture arrangement, a little voice in my head told me to STOP DROP AND ROLL.
      Catchy, yes? You’re welcome. A little lesson we all learned in kindergarten.
      This time though, there was no fire to put out.
      Just a little crisis in my head, but nothing STOP DROP AND ROLL can’t handle!
      STOP scrolling for more ideas that just overwhelm or confuse you.
      DROP the idea that shopping is the only way to solve problems.
      Get out of your head so you can get ROLLING!
      Sources: Blue and White Flower Pot // Plaid Arm Chair // Waffle Weave Blanket on back // Jute + Cotton Rug // Lidded Rattan Basket Under Table // Lidded Basket on Right // Round Black Art // Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
      Even though I felt stumped — like I already tried every combination or arrangement, I told myself I needed to get up and try again. If I didn’t like it, no problem, I could just move it all right back. If nothing else, it could give me clarity on what it was I needed so I could make a better decision.
      It was time to STOP DROP AND ROLL!
      I turned on my Fall Puttering Playlist, got my comfy tennies on, and started moving the furniture all around the room. I tried every possibility, even the ones I was pretty sure I wouldn’t love. But you never know until you try!
      Several arrangements later…it suddenly clicked! This felt right. Cozy, inviting, and pleasant for conversation. Funny enough, this is the arrangement I tried FIRST! I promptly dismissed it previously because when I tried it before, the dining room was still under construction.
      Sources: Wicker Trunk // Jute + Cotton Rug
      Here’s another handy tip. Don’t judge a room when it is under construction (or in a mess as the case might be). I can often look past a mess but this time, I made a quick judgement that was incorrect. I thought it was too crowded, but I am so glad I gave the arrangement another chance once the mess was picked up.
      There is plenty of room to get around, and the couch there gives each room a cozier feeling! It works! Best of all, I was so happy I was able to use what I already had! All I had to do was try and try again.
      Stop drop and roll.
      Sources: Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
      Once I fell in love with how the room felt with the furniture this way, it gave me ideas of things I had in other rooms that could serve a new purpose in this space. Our ottomans seemed too big and there were just too many legs in the room with four more on an ottoman (although I might try again, or maybe just get a new one someday). But I brought down a basket trunk I had up in the Snug and much to my surprise, it worked just fine in front of the couch!
      We love how the room feels now. I’m so glad I didn’t give up!
      If you’ve followed along here for awhile, you’ll recognize that many of these pieces are ones I’ve had for years and years and have used in many different ways in several homes!
      If you’re not feeling the love for your home, maybe it’s not your home or your furniture!
      Maybe you just need to STOP DROP AND ROLL!
      Source: Jute + Cotton Rug
      Hope this inspires you today! If you try a new arrangement in your home, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @theinspiredroom. In my HomeBody Gathering Place membership group I share in depth on decorating and creating a sanctuary through custom mini-courses and workshops.
      Join the waitlist HERE (homebodygatheringplace.com) to join us when we open HomeBody Gathering Place again!
      Find more inspiration and encouragement for your home in my books, including Love the Home You Have, The Inspired Room, and Simply Home. Find all my books here.

      Jute + Cotton Rug – with this rug pad
      Plaid Arm Chair
      Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
      Waffle Weave Blanket on back of chair
      Round Black Art (my art is birds which is sold out, but this is the same style with butterflies)
      Blue and White Flower Pot
      Lidded Rattan Basket Under Table
      Lidded Woven Basket by fireplace
      Wicker Trunk
      Leather Sofa Armchair Version (loveseat no longer sold)
      Pleated Lampshade
      Blue and White Stamped Pillow on Sofa
      Brown Gingham Pillow
      Wingback Chair
      Blue and White Floral Ginger Jar
      Clam Shell (similar) and other sources
      Dining Room Details
      My Battery Operated Candles
      Blue paint color: Beach Glass Benjamin Moore
      White paint color: Classic Light Buff Sherwin Williams
      Find more sources from my home and more decor I love in my shops! More

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      How to Decorate Your Home for Spring (24 Simple Ideas)

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      Want inspiration for how to decorate your home for spring? Today’s post has lots of ideas to make your home oh-so-springy with staple spring accessories (that you might already have!). You’ll find lots of helpful tips and advice featuring pretty and practical ideas (many of which I’ve used in my own home over the years), plus a spring mood board!
      Spring decor basics (a few ideas!): vessels, blooms, botanicals, throw pillows, spring mugs, light layers, candles, artwork, plants (real or faux), books, trays, baskets
      Espresso Machine
      1. Adds Sprigs of Spring Flowers in a Vase
      Snip some flowers from your yard, or divide a bouquet into smaller bud vases. You can even use dried florals, like lavender. They last a long time so you get a lot of bang for your buck!
      Patterned throw on back of sofa
      2. Layer in Lightweight Throw Blankets
      Change up your decor with a lightweight throw blanket! These mudcloth throw blankets are absolutely perfect for tossing over furniture as an added layer of texture, pattern, and color. They’re reversible, lightweight, soft, and machine washable! I shared about these last summer and still really love them, I got them in several patterns (grey/taupe and white Swiss cross, a blue and white geometric, a blue and white Swiss cross blanket, and this floral one. Read more about these blankets and see more photos here.

      3. Spring Doormat
      A fresh spring doormat can lift your spirits as you enter your home. You can even layer in a pretty patterned rug underneath.
      Related Sources: Plaid Rug // Homebody doormat is from this shop–I don’t see the homebody design available anymore but here is a similar one! // Amazon Doormats // Amazon Outdoor Rugs

      4. Display Tulips in a Basket
      Treat yourself to a grocery store bouquet but instead of a vase, try setting the vase or a jar in a narrow basket! It adds a fun texture.
      Related Sources: Baskets // Kitchen Details

      5. A Simple Spring Mantel
      Style your mantel or a shelf with a few simple spring accessories like birds, flowers and books!
      Related Sources: White Faux Tulips (look and feel so realistic!) // Seagrass Vessel // Rattan Mirror
      White Slipcovers
      6. Spring Clean Furniture
      Vacuum or spot clean (according to manufacturer instructions) your upholstered furniture. Dust wood pieces. Wash or dry clean slipcovers. I love furniture with washable slipcovers, so we got these affordable white washable slipcovers for our IKEA Ektorp chairs. We also have this sofa with a slipcover, too. Read more about these slipcovers here.

      7. Style Your Coffee Table
      Set out a book that inspires you (binding color, topic or cover photo!), display spring objects like shells into a pretty bowl, or add any botanical element like a plant or flowers. Use a large rectangular or round basket to corral items or create a firm surface on an ottoman.
      Related Sources and Posts: Coffee Table Book – Island Whimsy: Designing a Paradise By the Sea // More Favorite Design Books // Similar Blue and White Centerpiece Bowl // Similar Basket Tray // Rug Source (machine washable) // How to Decorate a Coffee Table in Any Season

      8. Make A Teacup Garden
      Plant violas in wide mouth tea of coffee mugs! Water sparingly to keep moist without making them soggy. Bonus, you can use the flowers as garnish for food, too!
      Related Sources: Mugs are from here // Rattan lampshade

      9. Freshen Your Bedding
      Say good-bye to winter layers, drab colors and refresh your bed! Wash all bedding, curtains and vacuum rugs, too! Swap out the bedding fresh patterns, lighter, airier shams and blankets! I love this white waffle weave blanket (seen above).
      Related Sources: Similar Block Print Quilt // Blue and White Striped Sheets // Pom Pom Striped Tassel Curtains // Similar Pillow Shams // Wood Bead Chandelier

      10. Spring Door Basket
      Make a spring door basket with branches or other botanical elements. Hang the basket from a hook on the door or a ribbon secured to the top of the door.
      Related Sources and Posts: Similar Door Basket // Similar Faux White Spring Flower Stems // See more photos of our spring entry here
      Bunny Salad Plates // Blue and White Floral Dinner Plates // Woven Charger // Napkins // Bunny Napkin Rings // Appetizer Plate // Bamboo Detail Flatware // Blue Vintage Etched Goblets (color options) // Linen Round Tablecloth // White Bunny Mini Candy Bowl // Famille Rose Egg (tiered treat dish)
      11. Set a Spring Table
      Have fun styling a spring table with a mix of dishes, linens and accessories. Find table setting tips and all of the sources here.

      12. Update a Lampshade
      Lampshades can be gently vacuumed to dust them or even covered with fabric or a new look! Or start fresh! See more pleated lampshades in my home, more inspiration photos and sources here.
      Related Posts and Sources: Pleated Lampshade // Similar Lamp // Tulips // See more of my bedroom here

      12. Spring Statement Pillows
      Make a spring style statement with color and pattern!
      Related Sources: Hydrangea Pillow // Floral Pillow // Faux Hydrangeas (in door basket) // Ceiling Lantern (color options)

      13. Spring Mugs
      Put away your winter mugs and swap for your favorite spring looks! Find some of my favorite mugs here.

      14. Rearrange A Shelf
      Swap out dishes, accessories, books for spring colors and style!

      15. Change Your Curtains
      Take down heavy or winter fabrics and replace with lighter, airier, and fresher colors and patterns
      Related Sources: Similar Curtains // Woven Shade on Door // Rug (machine washable) // Similar Tufted Ottomans

      16. Hang Plates on the Wall
      Plates can add style to your walls! See how we hung these plates here.
      Related Sources: Blue and White Plates // Striped Banqeutte Bench (fabric options)

      17. Spring Bunnies
      Hippity hoppity! Easter bunnies make adorable spring accessories and centerpieces.
      Related Post: Bunny Accessories and Easter Decor

      18. Swap Your Rug
      Fastest way to update your style for spring? Add a pretty rug or runner to the kitchen! These are washable rugs so they’re perfect for messy areas and pets, too.
      Related Sources: Rug // Blue Pan // Kitchen Details

      19. Add Spring Style to Your Brunch Table
      Make spring FUN for the whole family by baking something yummy with spring cookie and pie crust cutters! This strawberry crisp was so delicious and simple to make (an so adorable with those Easter shapes!).
      Related Post and Sources: Simple Strawberry Crisp Recipe // Bunny, Egg, and Chick Easter Pie Crust Cutters // Alphabet Cookie Cutters

      20. Faux Tulips
      If you love tulips but want them to last longer and to be able to use them all season, invest in some faux! These ones look and feel SO realistic! I have them in light pink, coral, and white.

      21. Fun Taper Candles
      Candles don’t have to be limited to winter decor, look for fun colors and shapes for spring! These twisty taper candles are so fun (they come in multiple colors), and there are even battery operated twisty taper candles like these!
      Similar Botanical Framed Art // Similar Floral Botanicals
      22. Change Your Art
      Hang botanicals, seascapes, landscapes, whatever your favorite spring scenes are!

      23. Add Charming Vintage Pieces
      Spring is for yard sales and antique shopping! Pick up vintage pieces that not only add character to your home but give you simple options for display and creativity, too! I love this fisherman’s basket I found at a thrift shop (here’s a similar one on Etsy).

      24. Collect Spring Statement Pieces
      I don’t have a lot of seasonal specific pieces (I don’t have room to store much) but I do think having a few statement pieces you can bring out (or even use year round) can be so fun to show your personality!
      Related Sources: Brass Bunny Candle Holder // Faux tulips in light pink and coral,
      Sources: Green Stoneware Vases // Rattan Bar Cart // Cement Bunny Planter (I have this!) // Windowpane Pillow // Sailboat Watercolor Art // Bird Art Print // Green Woven Plaid Pillow with Tassel Zipper // Blue and White Floral Lamp // Faux Ranunculus Flowers
      Find more spring decorating inspiration posts on The Inspired Room here! More

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      Spring Mood Board: A Charming Layered Look

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      Today we are featuring a spring mood board with a charming layered look that could inspire any area of your home. An entryway, an underutilized wall in a living room or bedroom, a beautiful backdrop for a reading corner…so many possibilities!
      A few ‘takeaway design tips’ from the mood board:
      I love the charming layered look with the soft color palette, textures and nature inspired elements such as the floral lamp (very similar to one I have in my bedroom!) and the heron bird art (I also have similar artwork to this in my bathroom!).
      The black candle wall sconce adds a layer of old house charm and ties in the black of the picture frame.
      This artificial lilac flower arrangement adds a hint of nature and interesting organic shapes. Plus the mustard vase the plant is in ties in perfectly with colors seen in the bird art, the lamp, and the pom poms on the basket and the brass whales!
      This brass whale object would be a fun third decorative item to place on the the console table. The rule of thirds in design is that items arranged in odd numbers are most pleasing to the eye. Not a hard and fast rule, but can be a helpful styling tip!
      The pom pom basket is just fun, and would look grate sitting next to the console table with a blanket draped over it (or anything could go in there…umbrellas in an entry, rolls of gift wrap, extra pillows…etc).
      The rug has such a beautiful pattern and colors that tie in nicely with the artwork.
      These shallow lidded baskets are one of my favorite Amazon finds. I use them to store remotes or other little things I want easily accessible but out of sight. They could be placed on the bottom shelf of that console table, or on top! Find more baskets I love in this folder in my Amazon shop.
      A couple of design books are always a welcome styling accessory in a space. I’d probably stack a few on top of the console (or underneath on the shelf!). This Patina Homes book is one I personally have and love. See more of my favorite design + garden books here.
      Mood board source links are below, and remember you can always use any of our mood boards as inspiration to design a mood you love with things you already have!

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      Two Drawer Console with Shelf and Cane Detail (multiple color options)
      Floral Chinoiserie Table Lamp with Brass
      Rug
      Heron Art Print in Frame
      Textured Solid Throw Blanket
      Patina Homes Book
      Lidded Shallow Storage Baskets (set of 2)
      Brass Whale Objects
      Black Candle Wall Light
      Lilac Artificial Flower Arrangement
      Pom Pom Basket
      Do you enjoy mood boards? You can find more HERE, and you can also follow my new Instagram @theinspiredroomstyle for more mood boards and decor finds. More

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      How to Pick Decorative Pillows That Go Together (5 tips on style, pillow inserts and saving money!)

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      One of my favorite decorating accessories for my home is PILLOWS! But how do you get decorative pillows that go together and make them all look pretty in your home? Today I am going to share some of my own “designer secrets” that will not only help you select decorative pillows that will go together and look lovely, but that can also save you money, frustration and space. These tips will also help you simplify decorating and create a more cohesive look in your home in any season.
      Most people struggle with pillows! Too many? They don’t look right? Not enough? Storage, style, sizes, pairings, mix and match, inserts, there is so much to think about and learn. But I’m here to share a few of my secrets today. I hope they’ll encourage you!
      Sources: Wildflower Pillow // Striped Pillow // Rug // Gold Floor Lamp
      The right pillows and pairings don’t have to be perfectly styled to look pretty.
      This is one of my best discoveries. This might ruffle the feathered inserts of some designers, but I will share my tips so that your pillows do not have to be perfectly styled to look pretty. They are known by many as “throw pillows” for a reason. My dogs throw my pillows on the floor. Every day. All day. Perhaps your spouse or children do, too. Ha!
      If I expected pillows to stay perfectly arranged, fluffed and styled at all times I would be forever frustrated. Pillow perfection is not reality at our home. But that does not stop me from wanting pretty pillows.
      I want to enjoy my home, laugh at my dogs and have pretty pillows. It’s a fact, they will likely be smooshed (the pillows, not the dogs). The pillows will not always be set up in the right order (according to designer rules). They probably will be tipped over or on the floor much of the day. But they can still look pretty if you incorporate a few of my secret tips which I will share today.

      A different approach to decorating for a lived in home
      There are many people who offer advice on home decorating. Even if they are considered an expert, that doesn’t mean what they say a space should look like is going to inspire you or even be right for you or your home. For my personal taste, I prefer a more casual “we actually live here” look.
      A more laid back style feels the most inviting to me. So with that said, some decorating rules I read online or in books don’t inspire me. I don’t want my home to feel so stiff or overly styled, so I have to take a different approach to decorating.
      I offer my own decorating tips simply to be of help to those who feel as I do. If you feel your home is meant to be a haven in the world, and want it to be a pretty and inspiring place where people and pets are comfortable, you are probably in the right place. Your style might be different than mine, but I hope the encouragement you find here will inspire you in your own lived in and loved home.
      Whether I follow known decorating rules or break them, make decorating mistakes or inspire an idea, my lived in home has always felt pretty, welcoming and cozy to our family. That’s who you are designing your home for, the people (and any pets) who live there. Perfection isn’t necessary and in fact, it can be a hindrance in so many ways.
      Source: Wildflower Pillow
      A signature style that is pretty and practical
      If you’re like me and have home that is comfy and lived in, you’ll see my tips for creating your own signature style with pillows that still look pretty when they are smooshed, not fluffed to perfection, or even when they are on the floor, too. 🙂
      Recently I bought a fresh new collection of pillow covers to add to our home. I thought it would be fun to show you what I got and how they look together in different pairings. You don’t have to have these exact pillows to learn from this post. I’ll share my tips to make your pillows look pretty together and in your room, regardless of your style of sofa or pillows.
      For inspiration I’m mostly showing them on our leather sofa. Many people are flustered if they have a leather sofa because they don’t think pretty pillows work as well on them. I hope you’ll find through my tips why that doesn’t have to be the case! I’m a big fan of using what you have and pulling together a look that is both pretty and practical for your family.
      Sources: Fall floral pillow cover // Windowpane pattern pillow cover // Navy plaid pillow cover // Blue hand blocked floral pillow cover
      Here are my tips for choosing decorative pillows that go together, saving money, avoiding mistakes and finding your signature style for your spaces.
      1) Choose your signature color palette for your home (or a room).
      I think my home decorating secret for a signature palette is a good one for so many reasons, if you can make it work. Let me explain why it’s helpful when it comes to pillows (I’ll share more on this topic in an upcoming resource, if you’d like to be notified when it’s available, make sure to sign up for my newsletter to be updated when it’s available HERE).
      When you have one base palette for your home, you will be able to swap, mix and match many of your pillows and accessories any room all year round.
      Sources: Fall floral pillow cover // Windowpane pattern pillow cover
      Your investment in pillows will go further and your need for seasonal storage goes down! If you have a cohesive palette you can then more easily shop your home for a fresh combination of pillows to update the look of any room (rather than having a full set of pillows that only work in one room or one season).
      A signature base color palette can feel fresh in any season by simple swapping textures of some of the pillows, or adding in a few pillows in your palette that you’ve chosen for a specific season. You can also play up one color or combination of colors in your palette more prominently in different rooms or seasons.
      Your home might naturally look best with a certain color palette, so go with what makes sense for your home! A signature palette doesn’t have to feel boring or redundant at all. There are so many ways to keep your spaces feeling fresh and up-to-date without redecorating everything all the time.
      Sources: Fall floral pillow cover // Blue hand blocked floral pillow cover // Wildflower Pillow
      2) Find a base set of decorative pillow covers that all go together.
      Let’s start with the basics. You’ll want to find pillow covers. I’m talking about decorative covers that usually have zippers and are used over the inserts (which we’ll talk about in another step). You can buy a large set for your home all at once, get a few to start with, or one and have a plan to add to your base set over time!
      I am sharing examples of some I have, and you can find more ideas and inspiration for pillow covers that might look good together here in this post!
      Have fun with your mix of colors and patterns, as long as you like how they look together and in your home. Ideally don’t mix very modern with very traditional patterns, it will feel better to go in one direction. Here’s a helpful guideline: I prefer to stick to mostly classic patterns like stripes, plaids, and traditional florals or fun botanicals.
      Sources: Wildflower Pillow // Similar blue stripe pillow cover // Similar Tufted Ottomans // Leather sofa is out of stock but here is the chair version
      I also like to mix in a couple of unique pillow covers such as a star pattern, polka dots, a traditional geometric or even a seasonal specific one, just to keep the style fresh. Vary the sizes of the patterns and don’t use too many. Make sure some patterns are bigger and some smaller so they aren’t in competition with each other.
      Here’s another tip, consider buying a set of two or even three matching pillow covers to make a cohesive style statement. Place them on the ends of a sofa, on a bed, or a bench. They can make your space feel more cohesive! Or even use them around the room, on two or three chairs to bring the room together. But sometimes I decide to use mismatched pillows and various sizes everywhere. This is up to you and just a personal or style preference, in my opinion.
      If you have a patterned or colored sofa, of course you’ll want to select pillows in complementary patterns and colors.
      Sources: Blue hand blocked floral pillow cover // Similar blue stripe pillow cover
      3) Choose the right sizes and shapes for your pillows.
      I suggest you pick at least a couple different sizes you can pair together or use in different ways.
      Bigger square pillows look better on a larger sofa (22 x 22 to 24 x 24 inches, or larger) or a deeper bench seat or beds. Smaller (19 or 20 inches) work better on smaller scaled chairs or when paired with larger pillows. Longer rectangles look nice in the middle of a bed or even a sofa. Shorter rectangles are handy for chairs (especially those that already have a puffy back cushion), or they can can be paired in the middle of two squares on a sofa. I use small rectangle pillows, 12 x 20, for my smaller scale chairs and sofas. You can also get round pillows to add to the mix!
      Source: Windowpane pattern pillow cover // Wildflower Pillow
      4) Consider your signature pillow cover fabrics, textures and details!
      Ideally your base set of pillow covers will be in textures that work for your home and style in most seasons. Maybe your home shines in the fall or feels best in the summer. Or maybe you like a cozier heavier feel or a lighter airier vibe! But no matter the mood of your home, you can also consider having some in additional textures (linens, cotton, denim, cozy woven, velvet, knit, flannels, chenille or wool) to allow you to have a fresh mix for various seasons. Whichever fabrics you prefer, if you can find a few with tassels or fringe it can make the whole mix more fun.

      5. Invest in good quality inserts and buy what you need for each room / piece of furniture.
      You can do this step over time, or get them all at once. Make a list of what sizes you want if you plan to add to the collection as you’re able. Keep a list of what you have or still need (put it in your phone or small notebook you carry with you) in case you see inserts or covers anywhere at a good deal. If you stick to your chosen sizes for your standard collection of pillows, you will feel free to buy new covers without having to invest in new inserts or find storage for the extras.
      It’s important to keep in mind for the best look, the general rule of thumb buy inserts one or two sizes bigger than the cover. So if you have a 20 inch cover, you’ll want a 22 inch insert. That will give it a fuller, higher quality look.

      Pillow insert quality is important because if they are are flimsy and lightweight, or not firm or fluffy, full and heavy enough your pillows will look lifeless! Plus if you have a leather sofa the lightweight cheap ones will also just slide right down or fall off. They need enough weight!
      You can decide if you prefer a fluffier pillow, like down or hypoallergenic down, or firmer style. I often choose mine based on what I think I’ll use them for the most. I like firmer pillows for the back of a bed to lean on. My favorites for sofas are the squish-able soft chubby fluffy ones, they just look so relaxed, cozy and casual, like you can grab them to take a nap! That’s the look I prefer for my home and suits my style, but you can choose what you like the best.

      Sometimes you can find inserts affordably but with a cover you don’t like. Watch for those, you can give away the cover and keep the insert, or if they don’t have zippers some of your pillow covers may be heavy enough that you can use them over the original pillow.
      I hope you found my ideas on pillow pairings and a pretty and practical signature style helpful! This is a preview of an upcoming home decorating resource, would you like to be the first to know when it is available? Sign up for my free newsletter here to be in the loop!
      Where to get decorative pillows and my pillow sources
      I got a set of my favorite pillow inserts at PB here and also have bought pillow inserts on Amazon, too. See some of my favorite pillow inserts here in my Amazon storefront.
      Here are the links to the pillow inserts I bought if you want the same sizes: 20 inch square insert // 22 inch square insert
      Here is a big round-up of decorative pillows and pairing ideas to inspire!
      Below are the pillow covers I bought more recently for our home, so feel free to buy the same ones as long as they’re available. But you can even just use this collection as inspiration for finding your own pillow covers over time!
      Sources: 1 /// 2 /// 3 /// 4 /// 5 /// (6 is sadly now out of stock, here is a similar one)) … You can also get 3 as a set (click here)

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      Pin this post for later so you can look for similar patterns and styles. We also keep our Amazon storefront stocked with current and seasonal styles we like (see our Amazon pillow shop HERE), so be sure to bookmark it for easy reference and you can always watch the blog for fresh ideas.

      Here is a post on lots of pretty fallish pillow collections!
      ^ Pin this for later! ^ More

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      My Secret Decorating Tip (and my blue glass lamp is in a new spot!)

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      Shopping for new things in a store or online can definitely be fun (especially when you’re excited about fall decorating or making your home cozier for winter!) but I think rearranging what you already have can be just as (if not more) rewarding! Do you agree?
      If you’re new to decorating, I’m glad you are here to learn. Today I’ll let you in on my favorite decorating tip…a secret decor strategy you may have always wondered about (and I’ll talk a bit about why I moved my blue lamp to this room!)
      Of course, if you’re a seasoned decorator, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. And if you’ve been following me for years, you have watched me decorate this way over and over AND OVER AGAIN! It works and it’s fun, too. You’ve seen me decorate this way over time, through makeovers in a variety of rooms, homes, in all of the seasons.

      When you are new to decorating, you might wonder (like I did years ago) if you have to buy things all the time in order to love your home. Have you wondered how some people’s styles can look so eclectic and unique, while some look almost identical to a few others you’ve seen?
      Or maybe you’ve wondered if people have to redecorate to keep up with certain trends. Perhaps you have noticed how some people seem to pull together in room in a hurry without buying anything new. Maybe you (like I did!) wonder how others were able to afford all of that new furniture or decor!
      It might seem like it’s all a mystery, or maybe just an endless cycle of spending a fortune is required to decorate or stay in style.
      Sometimes people are able to spend a fortune on all new furniture or seasonal decor. It’s true. That’s one way to do it! But those of you who’ve been collecting their furniture or accessories over time know my style secret. Once you go this direction, it not only saves money but gives you a more unique and collected look that can stand the test of time. This secret offers you the opportunity to refresh your home every season without spending a fortune.

      My secret decorating tip is to collect pieces you love over time. When you decorate this way, it’s fun to update a room even without buying new things because YOU LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE. When you chose wisely to begin with, your look doesn’t go out of style. You get to go shopping in your own home and quite often you’ll find just the right piece to complete a space or decorate for the new season.
      And when you don’t have what you need but you have the funds to add to your collection or you find something special enough to buy, you can do that, too! Every time you add a new piece (or several) to what you’ve have collected over the years, you get a fresh updated new look and can quickly pull your home together in any season.
      This is precisely what I’ve been doing in our new home, just like I have repeatedly in every home we’ve lived in. Sure, I might buy a new accessory, a rug, or even furniture if the budget allows and right item is discovered. But I also love when I do NOT have to buy something new. I enjoy mixing and matching and rearranging what I have until the room feels right to me.
      If I stumble upon something somewhere that I love (or if what I have just does not work well in a new space), then hooray, I thoroughly enjoy adding the new item.
      Source: Reversible Blanket on Back of Sofa
      As you can see, I moved my blue glass lamp here from my upstairs office. I loved it upstairs (I love it in every room to be honest!), but I wanted a round lamp in this corner. I felt l like it needed a larger round lamp as a statement piece, but something that wouldn’t block the light from the window.
      For a week or two I had a beautiful tiffany style lamp sitting there that we’ve had for several decades (and is apparently back in vogue!). We love it, but after living with it in that spot for awhile, I decided I’d like it better in the other corner. (Even if you’re a seasoned decorator, a lot of times decorating involves moving items around until you love them where they are!) So off I went to shop for something in my home that would work.
      Turns out, the blue glass lamp was just right! It’s weighty enough to fill some of the space there, but airy enough to allow light and color from the outside window flows through the glass. I do miss this lamp upstairs, but I only have one so this spot took priority!
      I bought that lamp on sale a few years ago for my last living room because it just felt like ME. Remember the blue glass lamp I made myself? I feel like blue glass lamps will always work somewhere in my home. Around the same time as the blue lamp was added, I bought this blue rug and now here they are, paired together again.
      Buying new things over time expands your options and updates your current look. Pairing things you have collected over time, or with any new item you choose to get, is what creates your unique STYLE!
      Do you like to decorate this way, too?
      More Inspiration:
      How to Decorate a Fall Mantel (Using What You Have)
      Favorite Design Books + Video on Finding Your Style
      How to Decorate: The Slow Process to a Style You’ll Love
      Traditional and Collected Coastal Style: Get the Look
      One Essential Decor Element You Probably Need More of In Your Home
      The Secret to Finding Your Style and Feeling More at Home Where You Live
      4 Important First Steps to Take When Designing a Room
      My Decorating and Homemaking Books

      Catch up on more posts in our Fall Nesting Series! More

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      How to Decorate a Fall Mantel (Using What You Have!)

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      White Slipcover Chair Details // Blanket on Couch Details
      Whenever I look online or in magazines for how to decorate a mantel for fall, I run across lots of ideas that feature tons of seasonal specific decor! Mantels can be so beautiful with bundles of wheat and piles of pumpkins lining the surface and seasonal garlands and wreaths hanging! But you’ve probably noticed (if you’re a long time follower here!) that I tend to mostly decorate with just a touch of any season and then use a mix of non-seasonal specific items I already have.
      That’s just how I’ve always done it (check out this fall mantel blog post from 2010). The decorating advice I share here has stood the test of time and been used effectively through many homes, so I’m sticking with it :). I hope you find it helpful.
      I love to set a mood with pieces I already have, while incorporating mostly gentle nods to the season. Now and then I might go a little more crazy with decor if I’m feeling inspired, but a bit more restrained is my preferred vibe. I get easily overwhelmed by too much.

      For this mantel, I brought over artwork that had a palette that felt “fallish” to me. It is of a coastal town we happen to love nearby, so it feels appropriate to the season, to our home and tells a bit of our story. The frame played nicely with the rustic framed mirror, so I loved the two together. By leaning it in front of the mirror, it created a pleasing “stair step” layered arrangement that keeps it feeling connected and more interesting.
      I had some “not necessarily fall” branches in a deep green that helped set the right mood for how I want my home to feel in this changing season. By putting them in a blue glass vase, it still retained a bit of summer as it felt lighter and airer. The height of the branches filled up some of the space, too, so it balanced the mirror out and didn’t feel dwarfed by the size or shape of mirror. Then I just tucked in a hydrangea from our yard as a gentle nod to the season.
      Here are a few thoughts on how to decorate a fall mantel using what you have (and some touches of the season!):
      1. Gather items you already have. To decorate an early fall mantel, I don’t necessarily start with a traditional theme (like fall pumpkins, for example!). I just start pulling together items I already have around the house. I think of this process as fall nesting! It’s about honoring the current season in your home while preparing yourself and your home for the next season.
      Even if the weather where you are isn’t the same as ours, the seasons will be changing in one way or another. What inspires you right now? What combination of elements or a color palette would feel inviting for this season in your home? You don’t even have to use “fall colors.” Maybe you will keep your existing palette but just incorporate an item or two in a deeper hue than you did in June. What textures feel cozier and more inviting, but not too heavy for this transitional season?

      2. Consider the mood you want at home in this season. As you are preparing for fall, I encourage you to read my book A Lovely Life. It will help you feel inspired and motivated by a purposeful and meaningful perspective on each of the seasons. The items you use to decorate your home or mantel right now will help you set intentions as well as create the atmosphere of your home. Have fun with decorating and by all means don’t take it all too seriously! But it is true that how you decorate your home can nurture your family in unique ways in each season. It’s not a waste of your time to decorate for the seasons. In fact, change can be therapeutic and so beneficial.

      3. Pace yourself to savor the present season.
      I have always felt my best when my home flows with a gentle rhythm for the seasons. That’s why I embrace subtle changes in how I decorate. I want my home to reflect the current season and always be inspiring to me, so I will likely update my mantel as the season evolves, too. For example, I might switch out the branches to ones with a golden hue. Or add pumpkins in October!
      With that said, I don’t mind decorating for fall or Christmas a little earlier in the season than some might, because it can inspire me to feel prepared! When my home is ready, I am able to give my full attention to other more important things (like hosting gatherings or spending time with family!).
      But if I were to decorate with Christmas trees on October 1st just to get it done, rather that feeling extra prepared I’d for sure feel burned out on it all too soon. I’d want to take it all down by the time the season actually arrived. I like to decorate for Christmas to create a festive mood for our family. So I will decorate for Christmas early enough that we can relax and focus on the meaning of the season, but not so early that we are bored of the decor when Christmas arrives.
      That’s why I like to pace myself with in any season, such as the addition of pumpkins, or any other really specific seasonal decor. I want to fully enjoy and be present in the season we’re in rather than tire myself (or our family) of a future one before it even happens. That’s just how I approach seasonal decor! You do you — let your home be a reflection of you and your family!

      See more of our Fall Nesting 2022 Series:
      Start here > > A Slower Rhythm Through the Seasons
      Fall Decorating: 7 Simple Tips to Slowly Transition Your Home
      Reversible Blankets for Sofas, Chairs, Beds and More! (our mud cloth layering blankets)
      Affordable White Washable Slipcovers: Ikea Ektorp Chairs
      How to Be Intentional in Planning for Fall and Holidays
      Savoring the Last Sunsets of Summer from Our Porch!
      **************

      Cozy Fall Shop
      Shop My House & Latest Decor Finds
      Our Amazon storefront More

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      Inspired By: A Cozy Island Home on Martha’s Vineyard

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      Photos in this post: New England Home
      Before I begin to decorate or remodel a home, I first try to picture how I want it to feel to be there in every season. Now that we have our new home, I’ve been spending lots of time daydreaming about our life here (as I’m packing up our old house to move our belongings in, that is haha)…
      For fall and winter, I visualize our home feeling like the most inviting charming bed and breakfast hotel in a seaside town. A place where you’d come in from a day of adventuring to get warm by the fire. You’d be able to curl up in a comfy spot to spend the evening in a cozy chair reading a book, listening to music or having lively conversations over hot spiced cider and hors d’oeuvres. 
      I already love calling our new house our home, and I know I’ll have so much fun making it our own. As I’ve been looking for inspiration, I found this amazing guest house on Martha’s Vineyard in New England Home (where all the photos in this post are from) and it got my creative wheels turning for cozy ideas. This home also gives me lots of fall feelings and ideas…hope you are inspired by it, too!
      I’ve shared many times here on The Inspired Room that I like to observe interior design from many different sources and styles. This practice helps me to begin to think of my own style in fresh ways and inspires me to create more interesting spaces.
      Enjoy the photos in this post! Below each photo I share a few design elements that stood out to me. I call this the observation game (I’ve been sharing posts like this from the beginning of The Inspired Room back in 2007!). If you observe and study good classic design, it will inspire you for years to come!

      Observations: Grasscloth wallpaper, green painted doors, substantial statement lighting that also adds contrast, an interesting pattern mix, a cozy sisal rug, botanical artwork, lots of texture, paneled ceiling and wood beam

      Observations: inviting wood dining table, mint green vase, candle-style lantern for mood lighting, rustic tray

      Observations: soft blue/green painted paneled ceilings, fun teal chairs, nautical stripes, cozy lamp in corner, black lights, walls of windows/doors

      Observations: simple mantel styling, cozy fireplace, texture and pattern combinations

      Observations: island paint color in a soft minty blue, warm wood floors, green Dutch oven on display, casual woven baskets, interesting architecture, covered range hood, covered dishwasher, mostly clear counters, dramatic greenery

      Observations: rich wood furniture, simple linen window treatments, cozy conversation area, simple coffee table styling with stacked books

      Observations: matching navy twin beds, footed nightstand, simple greenery, fun blue and white patterned bedding, botanicals throughout home, coastal striped rug

      Observations: interesting wallpaper, unique but simple black light, cute reading chair with side table and brass pharmacy lamp, plaid rug, four poster bed, blue and white bedding, little round mirror, substantial lamp, wood secretary desk, simple curtains with black rods

      Observations: charming rocking chairs on the porch, shingled exterior, beautiful glass French doors, black pendant light

      See more of this lovely guest home here: New England Home
      Do you dream about how you want your home to feel before you start decorating? 🥰 Tell me about your home over in our free community Facebook group or in my Instagram comments! What do you envision your home feeling like? I’d love to know!  More

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      Six Favorite Tips for Decorating a Summer Bedroom

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      This post is in partnership with Walmart
      One of the most enjoyable things for me in decorating is to focus on enjoying the season we’re in! Why keep your spaces the same all the time when you can feel inspired with a few simple changes? We aren’t headed off on a tropical vacation this summer, but the sun is out right here so we’re savoring every moment of it. Last week I brought in some fun elements to our bedroom from Walmart Home to give it the feeling of a tropical retreat!
      The things I chose for our space from Walmart Home are so cute and super flexible so they’ll work in other areas of the home and in other seasons, too. It’s really easy to switch the whole feeling of a room by simply changing a few accessories, so you don’t have spend a fortune.

      Here are my Six Favorite Tips for Decorating a Summer Bedroom:

      1. Decorate with what you love, but be willing to try something fresh and new! I got this floral white ceramic lamp with a teal shade. I’ve had simple white lamps in my room for a long time, but I have to say, I ADORE this quirky colorful lamp. I’m so glad I tried a new look! The style really spoke to me and gave my room a really fun personality!

      After I fell in love with the lamp and brought it home, I saw one similar at a high end shop. Don’t you love when you get a deal on something you love and then find one similar but more expensive elsewhere? You have to know where to shop, be true to what you love and yet willing to try something new, and window shop often enough to jump on good finds when you discover the gems.

      2. It’s OK to decorate spaces so they are pretty now, even if you think you are just going to change them later. I got this botanical wall art set because they are just so fun! This wall has felt uninspiring to me for a long time, but I kept debating what I was going to do about it. Now it makes me so happy to see it looking so finished, fresh and cute! I thought these pieces would be great as an accent anywhere you want a little splash of color. I think sometimes we are afraid to get or hang art because it seems too permanent or it makes a statement we might not be sure we want to commit to! I learned a long time ago to just HANG THE ART! You can always change it later, but you might also wonder what took you so long to fall in love with your space.

      3. Try throwing in a touch of moody to a space, even in the summer. You don’t have to do all light and bright in the summer. A deeper tone in a shade you love can bring more contrast and dimension to the space. I got this faux suede peacock color pillow. I loved the color because it ties in so well with the lamp, but also it brings in a contrasting tone and a slightly more moody vibe which will be really nice as we head into fall, too.

      4. Look for versatile layers. I got this white chenille 3 piece duvet and sham bedding set. I really wanted a simple lightweight textural white coverlet for our bed that would be easy to layer with other bedding throughout the year, or could be folded up and stored in the winter. When I saw this duvet cover I knew it was going to be perfect! You can use it like a coverlet, but it also has a button closure with ties so I can put in my faux-down insert to make it extra cozy and FLUFFY when I want to, or as we head into fall! I’ll show you how that looks next week. This will be really fun and cozy to use all year round. It came with the shams, too.

      5. Don’t forget texture! I loved this little round wicker tray for texture, but also the versatility. Texture is an often overlooked element that really transforms the feeling of a room. I love setting up a little tray like this on a bed for guests, but it could also work on the wall as pretty decor or as a basket to corral anything on a counter or dresser.

      6. Look for pillow covers with zippers. I was thrilled with the pillow covers I got in this blue and white patterned pillow set. They look so great with my style and can work in any room of our home. Plus, they have zippers, which I love for two reasons. One is you can fill it with the fluffiest pillow inserts so it’s super plump! Plump is good when it comes to pillows :). The other reason I love pillow covers is when the season is over or you just want to change the look, you can easily switch out the insert and put the cover away until next time you want to use it.
      I loved how these pillows looked in our living room too (below).

      Walmart Home has so many fun accessories for the home!
      By the way, there is also a new Wow and Now category at Walmart with fun trendy home items at really affordable price points. You can check it out here!
      Shop my bedroom look:

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      Sources:
      Floral White Ceramic Lamp with Teal Shade
      Fronds Wall Art Set of 2
      Round Wicker Tray
      Rattan Open Weave Round Storage Basket
      Rattan Weave Woven Storage Crate
      Natural Fiber Rug
      White Chenille 3 Piece Duvet and Sham Bedding Set
      Faux Suede Peacock Color Pillow
      Ceramic Floral Round Wall Hanging Mirror
      Metal and Glass Terrarium
      Other source: Blue and White Patterned Pillow Set
      More Walmart Decor Favorites (click thumbnails below for details): More