Color and pattern are very interesting things especially when it comes to home décor. For many people, decorating with neutral, muted colors and minimal patterns provides a calming space free of the visual noise of everyday life. For others, like me, such an environment actually creates a lot of stress as the lack of color and pattern feels harsh, sterile, and completely uninviting. It’s like being utterly exposed in the hot, dry, unforgiving desert with no shade in sight.
A quick perusal of magazines, showrooms, and store fronts suggests that most people do prefer a quietly subtle and refined color palette when furnishing their homes, but I suspect that there is a not insignificant number of people who would secretly like to add a little color and pattern to their homes but are afraid of being too bold or garish. Home furnishings can be expensive, and it’s hard to invest in pieces if you’re not sure you and your loved ones will love them now and in the future. Fortunately, there are easy ways to add a little bit of color and pattern to your home without breaking the bank.
Pillows and throw blankets are two incredibly versatile home décor items that can add a wonderful punch of color and pattern to any room. Set against neutral backgrounds, they allow you to experiment with bright colors, interesting patterns, or unique textures without overwhelming your other décor or your budget. While they offer great functionality, they can easily be switched out for more subtle options or simply packed away when you want a quieter look.
One of my favorite tricks for throw pillows is to purchase a quality pillow insert in the size of your choice, like 16 inches x 16 inches or 18 inches x 18 inches, and then sew or purchase a variety of zippered covers that I can be switched at a moment’s notice and stored in very little space. I love celebrating the seasons, and this pillow trick allows me to enjoy the colors and special motifs of each season in the comfort of my home without spending too much money. The same strategy applies with a small selection of both warm and cozy and very light-weight throw blankets.
Etsy, Spoonflower, Zazzle, and Redbubble have a huge variety of unique blankets and pillows to choose from, and if you have a favorite photograph or drawing that you’ve made, you can have them turned into pillows or blankets on a couple of those sites. It’s a fantastic way to add color and pattern that means something to you and really expresses your unique point of view. The important part is that you have fun and allow yourself to play with a little bit of color and pattern even if it feels a bit scary.