We’re under no illusion that updating your home with a scattered pillow — or two — is some kind of earth-shattering style advice. Changing pillows (or pillows, as they’re known in the UK) with the seasons was a quick and always interior update. Many of us opt for pillows in playful shades during the summer and go for a cozy feel in the depths of winter.
When it comes to interior design trends and choosing the right throw pillows, choosing the perfect colors is probably the first thing you’ll think of, however the selection process shouldn’t end here. The custom-made pillows were for those with the time, money, or desire to dust their sewing machine. These days, artisans and artisans make beautiful, affordable handmade designs with added embellishment, embellishments, embellishments, and buttons.
Is one of our interior design tips for 2022? Spend a little extra time searching for the right pillow for the right room – it’s all in the details and it will make a noticeable difference to the space.
Over the past year or so, pillow trends have focused on decorative motifs. We expect 2022 will continue to celebrate the details but focus on good design for a style that will last.
1. Choose frills for a feminine touch
(Image credit: Studio Janettie)
Textile designer Charlotte Beaufort and upholsterer Michaela Sharp met in 2020 while filming the TV seriesMaster’s Degree in Interior Design from Alan CarrWith similar professional backgrounds, the creative couple share a passion for color and design, and so they teamed up to launch furniture and accessories brand, Studio Janettie.
The inspiration for the company’s name came from the duo’s grandmothers; Janet and Etty. These women played a huge role in the lives of Charlotte and Michaela, which also influenced the brand’s first design collection; Paisley stripe, heirloom twill and modern florals. Shown: Striped pillow, olive, from $166.38 / £125, Jannetti Studio
These shapes and silhouettes are classic. We designed them to be new heirloom pieces that will be cherished through generations, so our designs must go beyond trends. Stripes never go out of fashion. Frills add a sense of playfulness and whimsy, as they break up traditional straight edges, explain Michaela Sharp and Charlotte Beevor, founders of Studio Janettie.
When asked about the benefits of choosing well-made pillows, the husband added, “We’re a sustainable brand, so our furniture is made from sustainable British woods, and our indoor pillows are a recycled plastic bottle with a square scatter of over 15 plastic bottles. We paint our fabrics by hand. The company may be small, but their ideas are big.
So, not resting on their laurels, this designer duo shares what they have up their sleeves for 2022: “We have more limited edition furniture coming up, which will include a bench and lounge chair.”
2. Add a frill for a lively “royalcore”
(Image credit: Susie Bellamy | Photography: James Ballston)
Known for her vibrant patterns, designer Susie Bellamy understands what it takes to create a rich and colorful interior. Susi has a master’s degree in fine arts from Northumbria University and produces original and unique artwork that is painted in her studio and then turned into household items. Suzy uses traditional techniques to create many of her designs, such as in marble. Ruched Cobalt Strata Velvet Cushion $166.38 / £125 (front), Cobalt Strat Velvet, $139.75 / £105 (rear), by Susi Bellamy are two fine examples of her artistry.
We asked Susi what the inspiration for this collection of pillow designs was, and she explained, “The gorgeous marble pattern in this range has circular cuts and patterns just as found in the gemstone layers and is an extension of our Malachite collection. No two pieces of malachite look alike as every mineral Its unique composition and design.
“For those who like an extra touch of decadence, we cut some of our pillows with our signature ruffles.” She adds.
Susi believes that the trend toward more luxurious interior design is on the rise, noting: “Royalcore is a style that has gained popularity over the past year fueled by the cultural influence of the Bridgerton teardown. It may seem counter-intuitive that such a trend has experienced a revival at a time when any A display of wealth as dumb or tasteless – but the trend isn’t just about luxury for luxury’s sake.Royalcore resonates today because it’s all about indulging in interiors that go beyond the purely practical and feel playful, romantic and extravagant.
Golden details, sexy damask flock, rich velvet, plush edges and frivolous florals. Intricate details and tactile textures make the space lively yet welcoming, truly fitting for a princess, which are the main features of Royalcore, says Susie.
Heading into 2022, Susi revealed what we can expect from her upcoming collection: “We hope our candy range will appeal to your inner romantic (or maybe just your inner sweet tooth!) with its soft colors and frivolous design details.
We’ve created a collection that strays far from signature velvet just enough to feel brighter and more summery, without losing sight of the importance of color, depth, and our basic motifs. We did this in three ways. First, by coordinating a sherbet assortment of pastel colors. Then we combined our ink marble designs with geometric iterations inspired by vintage plaid fabrics. Finally, we’ve included one bundled pillow to round out the overall tone: a toucan that is a sense of escape from mesmerizing tropical reality—something we all need right now! “
3. Get the message with embroidery details
(Image credit: Wicklewood)
We believe that every piece in your home should tell a story, and most commonly, pieces that are well crafted with attention to detail that contain that story. Whether it’s the inspiration for the details or the person who made them themselves, it’s important to know where the pieces in your home come from and how they’re made, says Carolyn Downing, founder and creative director, Weekwood.
She was on a trip to Paris a few years ago when Caroline fell in love with the beautiful clothing and bag collection CSAO (Company Senegal and West Africa). CSAO provides training, recruitment, and stability for embroiderers. So, when I was thinking about the people I work with when it comes to embroidery, they were very first in mind and we contacted them about designing a set together, combining CSAO cult embroidery with eye-catching Blithfield prints and our signature edges, explains Caroline.
The two creative brands combined to produce the Csao x Wicklewood pillow set, priced at $299.47 / £225, Wecklewood, and the results are rather beautiful.
It’s easy to get confused when it comes to designing bold pillow patterns, so Caroline gives her advice: “We always suggest picking one up and working out from there. Experiment and choose other colors inside this centerpiece cushion, then find what we like to call “connector cushions” to sit next to. Typically only one color, two max, these ‘connector cushions’ compliment bolder designs and really make them shine.’
When researching handcrafted designs, Caroline recommends: “Anything made in the factory looks wrong and can affect the way people perceive the overall style. Additionally, it is important to support artisans who still use weaving techniques such as hand embroidery so that they continue to Inheritance through generations.
Well, we will be launching another Wicklewood X CSAO range in early 2022 and we are also experimenting with mixing technologies. Think template printing + embroidery for more layers, textures, colors and fun! Caroline shares.
4. Supporting cooperatives by choosing handicrafts
(Image credit: Montes and Clark)
The Narrative appliqué cushions, from $126.44 / £95, by Montes & Clark, were created with the intention of keeping the traditional techniques alive. Hand embroidered in an artisan community within Gujarat, the west coast of India, the pillow showcases decorative stitches and a design that tells the artisan’s story.
We can’t take any credit for the design of these gorgeous pillows. Handcrafted in an Indian co-op, we were immediately drawn to the narrative form that depicted the lives of the people who made it,” explain Kate Clark and Emily Pinsent, principals Montes and Clark.
There is something extraordinary about having a piece of work in your home that personally expresses the life of its maker. They’re personal, touching, unique, and often funny pieces. The decorative pillows have been worked with naturally dyed and hand-draped fabric and enhanced with exquisite hand embroidery. The rich colors reflect the richness of India’s cultural heritage,” Kate and Emily share the benefits of having handcrafted designs in your home.
They add: “A unique piece of hand embroidery is always an investment and often heirloom pieces handed down from generation to generation. Because of the handcrafted element, and because these pieces aren’t the trend, they are timeless artisanal pieces that will be treasured.
5. Mix and match patterns and colors
(Photo credit: Projektityyny)
“With florals, I think more is more, and you can mix and match everything to create your own lawn—with graphic prints and textures that might look better on their own.” Nora Nelson, founder of Projektityyny says.
With a career spanning over a decade working in the buying offices of major UK fashion retailers, Nora knows a thing or two about design predictions and trends. Finland-born, UK-based Nora started Projektityyny (translated as “pillow project” in Finnish) because of her passion for beautiful products, as well as her skill with the sewing machine.
Created in 2020 in early spring, this range was certainly inspired by our growing immersion with nature and the pleasure we received from the flora and fauna around us. Nora explains. The Leinikki Smokey Ruffle Pillow, $90.51 / £68, by Nora Nilsson at Projektityyny, is a beautifully quilted design made to match the design of corporate quilted bedding.
Nora says investing in well-made pillows “is better, faster, and less expensive to update a space and give a different feel — or a different effect.”
When asked about trends, Nora said that frills are ubiquitous in fashion and interiors — 2020 has been a tough year for everyone we’ve all been longing for adding drama, fun, and magic to our daily lives. It’s still fine and I don’t think it will happen soon.
Nora says she won’t “disclose any information about the new range,” however, she tells us she has “two exciting new classes unlocking” – watch this space!
6. Add creative flair with widescreen print designs
(Image credit: CommonRoom)
“This set of pillows is inspired by the idea of gift wrapping and is a way you can ‘tie’ your interiors together.” says Kate Hawkins, founder and creative director, CommonRoom.
Launched in 2014, CommonRoom is the brainchild of London-based artist Kate Hawkins. The company launched with the idea of creating and presenting high-quality art to a wider audience, commissioned by contemporary artists with the original design. The companies’ latest launch was the Ribbons Wrap You Up Pillow, $126.44 / £95, from Susie Green for CommonRoom.
All of our pillows are somewhat conceptual and we like to think of them as works of art in their own right. The fact that they are hand-printed and handcrafted expands on this idea. Kate explains.
She adds, “I think creative pillows are having a moment because they’re an easy way to get some serious personality into a room without committing to an overhaul. And they’re fun—and we all need some fun now.”