New Trend Alert: When Fashion Meets Decor

Hi Friends! With so many factors influencing today's trends, it's gotten near impossible to keep up! We find it best to balance the classics with nods to our favorite trends in an effort to keep things fresh without losing appeal. While we approach trends with caution and choose wisely which ones we'll incorporate in our work, there is, every now and then, a trend we are ready to run with at first sighting!

Today we're sharing such a trend we have recently come upon - and whether you're a traditionalist or a trend-setter, this is one we can see taking all of design by a storm! The best way to share it, we figure, is to show you!

There's a new phenomenon of dressing throw pillows in clothes. Silly as it may sound, it's actually brilliant! Add instant versatility to your wardrobe and get even more bang for your buck when you wear your clothes AND dress your pillows! Save on pillow covers and multiply the use for every article of clothing:

Afraid to step out in grandma's old fur for fear of animal rights activists? Pish-posh! Dress your pillow with finesse!

Getting ready for a cozy date-night-in? Set the mood with something a bit more....revealing.

Hosting a dinner party with mixed-company? Play it safe with a transitional piece that is sensible and sweet.

This trend is so versatile that you can also incorporate it in the bedroom.  It makes for a fun twist on his and hers pillows - no mistaking who's side of the bed is who's!

The proximity to your closet makes it even easier to color-coordinate your pillow's outfit with the other décor of the room. 

And as you switch out your wardrobe each season, you can easily do the same with your accent pillows.  We've been sporting the chunky sweater look for fall and winter, but just think of the countless possibilities!  

And as an added bonus, you can easily reposition the looks to keep things spicy...

Well we hope you all are having a wonderful joy-filled Easter with your loved ones.  And we hope you found this quick PSA both inspiring and insightful!  

Catch up past trend alerts:

2017

2016

2015

Oh and also...

Reader Design: Gemma's Artsy Home

Today, we're off to visit Gemma's bright and fresh home; this Boston place boasts a ton of quirky prints, color and texture, tons of natural light, and some seriously amazing art. Ready for the tour? 

Even the entry way smacks you with style right away! From the design extraordinaire herself:

“I have a hard time defining or labeling my own design style in my home; it’s more of a feeling. I definitely have certain shapes that I prefer; for example, I always pick furniture with clean simple lines, and art tends to be the same way. I prefer minimal designs, and I don’t like anything ornate which is probably why I’m attracted to mid century furniture pieces. By sticking with fairly simple shapes, it gives me a lot of room to decorate with other aspects like color, wallpaper, art, and lighting.”

Each room uses that basic formula - simple, clean furniture + geometric shapes + interesting accents - and just knocks it out of the park. The use of natural elements like wood also helps each space feel incredibly balanced. 

“One of my major design goals is to have the house be interesting and inviting but not cluttered. Some areas have really bold wallpapers, but I try to keep all the other elements very simple so as not to overwhelm the room. ”

Even the mudroom gives a major statement!

“My mudroom is a good example of an over the top wall covering, balanced by very little else in the space - necessities only. But that said, the house is comfortable. We have 3 little boys and they play all over and do what little kids do, so storage is a must. Every cabinet in our family room is packed with games, toys, legos, and stuffed animals so that they can easily access stuff they want to play with, but also put it away again. ”

One of the key ways Gemma adds interest is art.

“My favorite design elements in our house are our pieces of art. Looking at beautiful artwork gives me such genuine pleasure and an emotional connection. We’ve collected our art from all over the place from varying sources, and the pieces are all very different. Many are one of a kind items we’ve found in vintage stores, others are from estate sales, and others are from galleries. Art is the one place we are willing to splurge.”

In the bathroom, the star of the show (other than that tub...wow!) is the iconic Slim Aarons Palm Springs photograph (he's a personal favorite of mine). 

Two other ways to add detail? 

“Lighting is another great way to express yourself; it can be a forgotten element yet can bring so much interest into a room. And a personal favorite of mine, books - I read a ton and I love holding and having books. My next project in fact involves some serious shelving to house all of our books that are currently homeless!”

This house has to be one of the most original ones I've seen in a while. What a place to raise and spend time with your family!

Gemma, thank you so much for the tour.  Follow Gemma along on Instagram @gemmavanderswaagh for more! 

Neon || 2018 Flip List Item No.7

Guys!  I made a thing.  Well technically I made two.  Besides a new dresser, I've got another 2018 Flip List item to reveal:

Item No.7: Experiment with Neon

You were expecting me to do a neon paint treatment werentcha?  Well I'm not ruling that out just yet, but when I set this goal in mind I actually really wanted to DIY a neon sign.

I started researching my options and I found out there are actual kits for the stuff!  I decided to order this super affordable one from Urban Outfitters.

The kit instruction were very easy to follow and basically just involved lashing the neon rope to wire which I twisted into the word "Mutt" for obvious reasons.  It does have a very subtle hum when it's turned on (like the kind you can only hear if you're under 30 years) so it's a good thing I'm creeping up on the big 3-0.  HA!

Switch gears with me really quick and let's talk about the other new kid in the room: this white and walnut dresser.

The drawer fronts were in great shape so I really did debate highlighting the wood grain, but I was seeing a very specific vision for it in my mind so everything but the legs got painted a glassy white.

The original dresser did have some damage to fix - the big undertaking being the mystery gnaw marks in the left front leg.  Normally, I would putty that in and slap on some paint but I really reeeeeeeeally wanted to keep the base wood so I had to hand paint the filler with some acrylic paint to match the rest of the wood grain in the leg.

Can you tell?

I love the contrast of the dark legs against the white enameled body - a luxury finish!

You might actually recognize the unusual pulls on this piece from another StyleMutt refinishing project.  That's because this long-and-low is actually from the same line as that tallboy I did last spring.  Just like I did with that piece, I kept the original brass pulls as is 'cuz I mean, they are just. that. yummy.

As for the styling, I wanted to punctuate the bright neon sign with some bright-colored art like that enchanting Laura Gunn gallery-wrapped canvas print (cue all the heart eyes!).  Accenting with my usual quirky décor also seemed like a natural fit.

And if you're looking for a beautiful dresser to anchor your space, drop me a line (aka just shoot me an email) to discuss our pick-up or shipping options. 

White + Walnut Sideboard
Now Available for Sale
60"W x 18"D x 30.5"H
$595

If you are interested in this piece or a custom order like it, email me at cate@stylemutthome.com to ask about availability and our shipping policy.

Two down, five to go.  Catch up on the 2018 Furniture Flip Bucket List: