I love pillows (and I wish my husband let me have more). I recently managed to sneak in a few colorful pillows to the family room. The room, although bold, is a relatively neutral pallet of dark grey and white with a dash of wood on the mantle and built-ins. I have been craving more color in there and the pillows were a perfect opportunity. My family room inspiration board called for a bold pop in the accessories.
I am drawn to bold colors and patterns. Pillows are the perfect place for color and pattern, because when I tire of them I can swap them out easily and inexpensively. Since I know how to sew, and also own a wonderful serger, I refuse to purchase pillows. They are just too easy and inexpensive to make on my own to justify buying designer pillows. Plus if I make my own I can use any fabric I want. Note: You will notice in the pictures I am totally allergic to ironing. We lived in a very relaxed home when it comes to wrinkle control.
In this case, I used some regular home decor fabric (yellow zig zag by Premier Prints at Hancock Fabrics) and I used cloth napkins. The napkins are part of the DwellStudio for Target line and are actually designed to coordinate with the Prakesh tablecloth I used on the dining room chair slipcovers. I thought it was a great idea to bring the same colors into the family room, which is right next to the dining room (remember our floor plan?). The napkins were $9.99 for four. I used two napkins per pillow cover, so each cover was less than $5 to make. The yellow zig zag was on sale for 50% off. I grabbed one yard for $9.99. I only made one cover in the zig zag (which migrates from the Eames chair to the couch often), but I have plans for the remnant. I estimate the total cost for all three pillow covers was about $15. I already had the pillow inserts, although I am looking for recommendations on new ones…these got lumpy in a matter of days and no amount of fluffing brings them back to life.
I love the zig zag pillow!!! Looks very expensive. I thought I was the ONLY one allergic to ironing :D