Add color, pattern, comfort, and style to your space with throw pillows.

Love the idea of throw pillows to help pull the decor together, but not quite sure how to make it happen? Read on for some easy tips for how to mix and match throw pillows to make your space comfy and stylish.

Ideas for Mixing and Matching Throw Pillows

1.Stripes and Prints

Image: Pottery Barn

The first rule of pillows is: don’t be afraid to go for it and mix and match stripes and prints. Whether going for the classic dots and stripes mix or mixing stripes and bold florals, go for the drama of mixing and matching boldly.

2. Fun Color Combos

Image: Mod Cloth

Your living space should reflect you, and if you are a wild and fun loving, then your space should mirror your qualities. Love turquoise and bright yellow? Go for it. Think bubble gum pink and mint green are a match made in heaven? Then make it happen!

3. Big Scale, Little Scale

Image: Anthropologie

One lovely way to mix and match the prints and patterns of your throw pillows is to vary the scale of your prints. Adding smaller scale prints is a great way to temper the overwhelming effect that can happen with larger scale prints.

4. Monochromatic

Image: West Elm

When in doubt, go monochromatic. It’s easy enough to mix patterns when you keep to the same color. It also can make a dramatic and elegant impact.

5. Complementary Colors

Image: World Market

If you want to introduce more color into a room, consider going with complementary colors. Complementary colors are opposite one another on the color wheel and usually go well together. Reference a color wheel if you forget which colors are complementary.

6. Pillow Sizes and Shapes

Image: Crate & Barrel

Alternating the size and shape of throw pillows is another easy way to mix and match decorative pillows in any room.

7. Prints All in the Same Family

Image: Anthropologie

Pick a print theme and replicate that throughout your room. Choose a pattern like floral, tribal, chevron, and others and mix and match colors and sizes along that theme for a truly stylish look.

8. Vertical and Horizontal Patterns

Image: West Elm

Mix and match vertical and horizontal patterns for the ultimate in visual interest and to really help bring a room to life.

9. Matte and Metallic

Image: West Elm

Using different textures is also a great way to mix things up and one perfect example is mixing matte and shiny metallic throw pillows in the same color family or of similar a pattern.

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Fearless Home Decor: Mix and Match Patterns

Image: West Elm

The post 9 Ways to Mix and Match Throw Pillows appeared first on EcoSalon.

Menswear is invading more than just the women’s fashion world this year–it’s making a mark on the home decor world as well. Among the new year’s home trends, menswear inspired decor is among one of the hottest to be seen.

Traditional fabrics and patterns like herringbone and houndstooth, plaid and pinstripe never go out of style–they are classics. They do have a bit of a stodgy reputation though, but they are being re-imagined in new and modern ways in 2014.

Not exactly sure what is considered menswear? Wondering just how to incorporate the 2014 menswear trend into your home? Read on!

Houndstooth

Image: Overstock

Houndstooth is a broken check pattern and is most common in black and white, but is found in other colorways as well. This black and white chair with its oversize houndstooth pattern is a classic example with a modern twist.

Pinstripe

Image: Osborne & Little

Pinstripe is a pattern featuring a solid color broken up by very thin parallel lines of a contrasting color. It makes for a very sharp suit. Pinstripe is also a great way to add a little pattern and visual interest without going crazy. It makes for an elegant neutral wallpaper.

 Herringbone

Image: West Elm

Herringbone is related to the chevron pattern. It is a v-shaped pattern, but it features a break where chevron does not. Some describe it as a broken zigzag.  To use herringbone in a modern way, consider adding herringbone accessories, like this herringbone patterned mirror.

Plaid

Image: Ralph Lauren

Certainly the most well known pattern, but probably the most underestimated as well. You can choose a plaid that fits the type of room you want to decorate. Choose Tartan for some Scotch-inspired flair, Madras for a bit of preppy color or gingham for some lightweight fun.

Check

Image: Ikea

The check pattern features two bands of color–one horizontal and the other vertical to create a checkerboard pattern. The check pattern can add a bit of whimsy when mixed with other patterns, like florals.

Argyle

Image: Anita Roll Murals

Argyle is a pattern features diamond shapes and inter-crossing lines. Most people probably think of argyle socks, but the pattern can be used in unexpected ways in your home–like the argyle accent wall above by mural artist Anita Roll.

Related on Ecosalon

The Dude Would Approve: 8 Graphic Rugs to Tie Your Room Together

5 Sparkly Ways to Get the Glam Home Decor Look

Create a Moroccan Style Home with These Gorgeous Destination Accessories

 Top Image: Ethan Allen

The post Houndstooth, Plaid, Pinstripe: The Menswear Pattern Trend for Home Decor (High Five!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ikat and tie-dye have both made a comeback–especially in the world of home decor. While I know many of you associate these patterns with hippies, and 1960s 1970s acid culture, today’s ikat and tie-dyes are fresh, modern and unexpected. I promise!

Wondering where these two prints come from exactly? Both are created using a resist-dyeing method. The word ikat is a Malay (one of the many Indonesian languages) word that means to tie or bind. It’s a traditional fabric weaving and dyeing technique that has existed for hundreds of years, dating back to at least to the pre-Colombian era. Tie-dye is also an ancient dying technique that involves binding, however the main difference is that ikat involves dying before the fabric is actually woven, whereas tie-dying is done with already woven fabric. As a result of the differences in technique, there are variations in the patterns created. 

So, how is it possible for these two ancient techniques to present as fresh and modern? I assure you it is possible.

1. Indigo Tie-Dye Napkin

Image: Furbish Studio

These gorgeous indigo napkins are a perfect example of modern tie-dye for the home. The monochromatic palette elevates the technique and indigo is such an elegant color.

2. Pretty Tie-dye Pillow

Image: Wayfair

Want a fresh and elegant example of updated tie-dye? Perfect to freshen and brighten up the bedroom or living areas, there’s not even a whiff of Haight-Ashbury in this pillow’s light design.

3. Tie-dye Duvet Cover

Image: One Kings Lane

This pretty purple and white tie-dye duvet cover is from Diane Von Furstenberg and it’s very hip and chic, just like her famous wrap dresses.

4. Ikat Sofa

Image: Anthropologie

To incorporate some modern ikat into your home, this two-color ikat sofa can add bit of texture and freshness, and is completely on trend.

5. Ikat Duvet Cover

Image: WestElm

Here’s another duvet option, this one from West Elm, featuring a gorgeous three-color linked ikat pattern.

6. Ikat Curtains

Image: maisonboutique

And for the windows, how about these gray, yellow, white, and chocolate brown window panels? Make a statement and add a playful vibe to your home.

7. Shibori Tie-dye Sheets

Image: riversidetoolanddye

How would you like to climb into these relaxing shibori tie-dye sheets at the end of a long day? I sure would! They are gorgeous and calming.

Top Image: West Elm

Related on Ecosalon:

How to Use 5 Bold Design Patterns to Make Your Home Pop, Gorgeously

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The post 7 Modern Ikat and Tie-dye Home Decor Prints without A Hint of Hippie appeared first on EcoSalon.

Graphic patterns, whether used for a wall or an accent, can make or break a room’s interior design, but so many people shy away from incorporating them. There’s no reason to be intimidated—many graphic patterns are actually of ancient origin and have a long history of use—some for thousands of years. Here’s a primer featuring 7 on trend graphic patterns for you to consider adding to your home—and now you’ll know exactly what you’re talking about when you hear the buzzwords! 

Damask

Image: Cutting Edge Stencils

Damask originally comes from Damascus (Syria) and its origins are rich, woven textiles. The defining characteristics of the damask pattern is that it features a reversible (mirrored) decoratively ornate focal point. Two-color contrast damasks are the most popular. Damask is very ornate and can be used when you want to add some drama, so it should be the star of any room that incorporates it, so be careful with damask as it can overpower a room.

Faux Bois

Image: Sew Gracious

Faux bois is French for “fake wood” and it attempts to depict the graininess of real wood. Faux bois is part of the trompe-l’oeil family—designs meant to fool the eye. It can be used to create a wood-paneled look via wallpaper , used on faux bois throw pillows and textiles, and more. Faux bois can be a great way to incorporate a pattern in your home decor but have it present as a neutral. It’s also a pattern that lends itself to both casual (urban cabin!) and more sophisticated interiors.

Quatrefoil

Image: designed beginnings

The word quatrefoil means “four leaves” in Latin and it describes a symmetrical shape made up of circular and overlapping segments. It has its roots in Christian symbolism and can take the form of a single quatrefoil shape or in a repeat pattern of quatrefoils (like the wallpaper shown above). The quatrefoil is also a common theme in Moroccan-style patterns.

Chevron

Image: royal design stencils

The chevron pattern is a bold, geometric inverted v-shaped pattern that can be traced back to ancient times. It’s seen some recent popularity in the home design world and can be used on walls, furniture, accessories and more. It does well in both modern and contemporarily decorated homes, and works as a dynamic pattern without getting too fussy.

Greek Key

Image: FestiveHomeDecor

The Greek key pattern also comes to us from the ancient world. It consists of a continuous line that folds into itself to create blocks. It’s often used as a border for curtains or molding, but can be used more comprehensively in smaller doses too (like the pillows, above). It’s also a bold, geometric pattern like chevron (also above, shown with ikat, in the middle, as well).

Ikat

Image: toni marie designs

Ikat is a pre-Columbian resist dyeing and weaving technique that is still utilized today. The prints that technique produces can be described as exotic by some, and do offer a lot of variation, although the most popular features repeat patterns of jagged or blurred oval-like shapes. It can be used to add a bit of bohemia or looseness to your graphic pattern decor.

Houndstooth

Image: Antiquated Revolution

Houndstooth makes one think of Sherlock Holmes, although it has its beginnings in Scotland. It’s a variation of the checked pattern and features skewed or broken checks. It’s a traditional menswear fabric pattern and subsequently imbibes a more masculine or distinguished  feel to rooms that include it. It can be more stately, but also used in fresher, modern ways as well, depending on the room and furniture style that accompanies it.

Top Image: Pat Print by Amy

Related on Ecosalon:

How to Use 5 Bold Design Patterns to Make Your Home Pop, Gorgeously

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The post 7 Graphic Patterns For Home Decor You Don’t Know the Names Of—But Will Now! appeared first on EcoSalon.

African-inspired prints are perfect for summer. Mix them all together or make a statement with one bold piece.

African-inspired prints are a trend that’s been around for a while, but we think it deserves some attention since it’s so perfect for summer. Be daring and mix your prints, there’s no such thing as too much – anything goes with this trend. You can even wear all these picks together if you want to. Support sustainable development in Africa by ensuring that you buy pieces that are made by local artisans who make a fair living wage.

ASOS Africa Bra Top in Rhino Print
A quirkier take on the print trend, this handcrafted stretch bra top features a cute hand-drawn rhino print in poppy greens and oranges. The ASOS Africa collection looks to traditional East African fabrics and prints and reworks them with a modern sporty aesthetic in a punchy acid color palette. It’s produced in collaboration with several small communities in Africa, enabling them to earn a sustainable living through their craftsmanship.
$41, ASOS

Light Gives Heat Bold Moss Pearl Necklace
This necklace is the perfect complement to your African prints. It’s hand-crafted by the Suubi women in Uganda from beads made from recycled paper. By making and selling these beaded necklaces, these women are able to make a living wage, helping them create better lives for their families.
$20, Light Gives Heat

Della Treasure Hunt MacBook Case
Since you’re looking all stylish, your computer should too, right? Dress your MacBook up in this fun, protective case from Della. It’s 100% vegan, made from sustainable materials, lined with local Ghanaian fabric, and thinly padded for protection.
$38, Della

Doreen African Print Peplum Top
The ultimate convergence of two trends – print and peplum – this African print peplum top is one-of-a-kind and handmade in New York. Made from 100% cotton blue printed fabric with gold detailing it works really well with a pair of skinny jeans.
$35, Ann Jodes/Etsy

Wrapped Bangles by Mikuti
Mikuti‘s original banana bark bracelets have been all dressed up with local Tanzania wax fabric. Made using a unique wrapping technique, the vibrant colors of the fabric enhance the natural earth tones of the bark, creating gorgeous printed bangles that are surprisingly versatile. They come in stacks of three and should really be worn together.
$68, Mikuti

AFIA Staple Skirt in Neon
AFIA’s bright, colorful staple skirt is the perfect summer piece. It’s easy to dress up or down, but always makes a statement. It’s made from handpicked cotton wax fabric from the markets of Accra and hand-sewn by cooperatives in Ghana who are paid a fair wage for their craft.
$100, AFIA

The post On Trend: African Prints appeared first on EcoSalon.

What you should look out for at the thrift shop right now.

To be a successful thrift shopper you need to be able to quickly weed through rows and rows of racks to find those special pieces that will make your friends green with envy. While thrifting requires an open mind, it helps to have a general idea of what you are looking to find. Here’s our tips on things that you should keep an eye out for at the thrift shop right now.

Color

Color is still a major trend we’ll continue to see through spring and summer. Color blocking, brights and pastels are all equally on trend and fairly easy to find in any well-stocked thrift store. The ones that sort their merchandise by color are especially good for scoring colorful finds. Look for solids like burgundy (wear it head-to-toe or match with pale pink), pastels and especially tangerine.

Anoraks & Bomber Jackets
Army/surplus jackets were seen on many runways this season, Jason Wu and Isabel Marant included, and are a great way to toughen up any ensemble. Score extra brownie points if you manage to find one with a Camo print.

Prints & Patterns
The biggest trend this season, without question, is prints. Whether you are mixing patterns to create a head-to-toe print look or using one patterned piece to add contrast to a simple monochrome look – prints will do the trick.

Lace
Valentino’s lace dress from the F/W 2012 collection really brought lace back into the realms of high fashion, and has everyone looking to recreate this hit look. There are currently six magazine covers, among them W and ELLE, featuring this dress. Look for lace tops at the thrift shop to create your own dreamy lace look, in black, white or neutral.

Peplums
When it comes to details, peplums are all the rage right now. If you find one – you’ve hit thrift paydirt! Dig thru the 80s section to find a peplum dress, skirt or jacket (just make sure you remove those inevitable shoulder pads).

Denim

Denim never goes out of style, which is why it’s such a great thing to thrift. When it comes to pants, look for a straight leg boyfriend fit. Denim jackets and vests are also great right now, and make sure you stock up on denim shorts for summer. If you can’t find shorts, just look for jeans that fit well and cut the legs off.

The post What To Thrift Right Now: Color, Anoraks, Prints, Lace, Peplums & Denim appeared first on EcoSalon.

How to wear polka dots without looking like a 50s pinup.

Polka dots. You’ve seen them on the runways but aren’t quite sure how to wear them without looking like a 50s pinup or your grandma’s apron. Fear not, there are plenty of ways that this classic pattern can fit into a stylish eco-fashionista’s wardrobe.

Stella Wedge by Calleen Cordero, $455, Juno & Jove // Stella Stars Necklace, $128, Hovey Lee // Lina Rennell Recycled Leather belt, $165, Beklina // Polka Dot Sweater, Approx. $550, Chinti & Parker // Stella Vino clutch by Raven Kauffman, $325, Juno & Jove // Baby Toes Cactus polish, $12.50, Priti NYC // A Line Mini Skirt, on sale for $104, Edun

Let’s start with a Polka Dot Sweater from Chinti & Parker, a basic, versatile piece perfect for a first envoy into this polka dot trend. The mixing of patterns is very hot right now. Don’t be afraid to try ones that you wouldn’t think at first glance will go together — that’s where the magic happens. Mix your polka dot pattern with more pattern, like this woven mini skirt or a bright floral pattern or – why not – a smaller polka dot print on a dark background.

Stars are all the rage right now and just happen to be a great complement to those dots. This necklace from Hovey Lee will ensure your look is more tough than sweet. Add visual interest with with a burgundy bag by Raven Kauffman and shoes by Calleen Cordero. Finish off the look by adding some bright yellow – one of the hottest colors this spring – accents like a belt and nail polish.

If you’re still not convinced that you can rock the polka dots, try a dotty manicure (here’s a tutorial on how to do it yourself).

The post How To Wear It: Polka Dots appeared first on EcoSalon.

Embrace life as an uncomplicated tomboy in classic oxfords and feminine button downs.

As the leaves and temperatures start falling across the country, it’s time for us to get comfy and cozy. Good news for us ladies is that flat shoes, especially oxfords and brogues, are all the rage right now. Worn with thick socks, they’ll be good through the winter, and your feet will thank you for giving them a break from heels. Plaids have been around for a while now, but are still going strong in the trend-department. Instead of just a plain plaid shirt, try a figure-hugging skirt, á la Mad Men-era secretary, a below-the knee shirt dress, or steal a shirt from your boyfriend, belt it, and make it a dress (or just wear it to snuggle up in the sofa, under a cozy eco-wool blanket).

Herbert Organic Light Twill Shirt by Nudie Jeans
This shirt was made for boys, but looks equally good (or better) on their girlfriends. Just add a belt, and wear it with a short skirt or shorts.
$199, shop.nudiejeans.com

Black & White Spectator Lace-Up Oxfords
These classic two-tone oxford brogues are made in contrasting black and white man-made leather, for all you stylish vegans out there.
$28, lulus.com

Pendleton Eco-wise Plaid Easy-care Blanket
From the sheep to the shelf, Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool® passes strict standards of sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. It’s made in the U.S., machine-washable and sure to only grow softer and more beautiful with age.
$108-198, pendleton.com

Maggie Shirt Dress from People Tree
This casual below-the-knee dress is hand woven in Bangladesh. Match with a weathered belt and vintage boots.
approx. $118, peopletree.com

Vintage 50s Skirt
Plaid skirts from the 1950s are usually pretty easy to find in well-stocked second-hand stores. Up the trend-factor by making it a pleated one. This one, from Etsy seller Small Earth Vintage, has a classic plaid pattern in red, Kelly Green, white, indigo and yellow and is made from durable linen.
$26, etsy.com/shop/SmallEarthVintage

Vegan Brogues
These classic vegan brogues are made from breathable Vegetan Bucky material, which is a breathable microfiber that looks, feels and creases like supple leather and only gets better with age.
approx. $110, vegetarianshoes.co.uk

Organic Plaid Scarf by Sundance
This mellow-hued plaid scarf is made from soft organic cotton. The diamond shape makes it highly versatile and the raw, unfinished edges add a touch of casual cool.
$38, sundancecatalog.com

TOMS Black Suede Women’s Desert Botas
For a more casual alternative to oxfords, try this adaption of a desert boot from TOMS. For every pair you buy, TOMS will donate one pair of shoes to a child in need.
$68, toms.com

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