| ’Tis better to have loved and layered, than never to have layered at all.’ (Apologies to Willie Shakespeare.) |
| As Cupid readies his bow and arrow, businesses worldwide are gearing up for one of the most lucrative holidays of the year: Valentine’s Day – the day where everyone has an equal chance to be emotionally disappointed. And why is it that, on this night, we have four glasses of wine when we feel like we need so many more? You know that I have a soft spot for Valentine’s Day. Not an infatuation, not an attraction, but an obsession. Truly irrational. Especially when it comes to heart-shaped pancakes, chocolate covered strawberries with those little tuxedos, and most importantly – “heart” toss pillows. |
| True Confession. I have a decorative pillow habit. It makes me feel like I’m contributing to my community. So for Valentine’s Season I am bringing out all my “heart” and “LOVE” pillows, cause I’m a grownup who gets things done. Given I have no significant romantic obligations (I have only been married once which was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person.), I can dedicate all of my extra time and attention to styling my numerous toss cushions, while finding new and innovative ways to keep them plumped. Many have rolled their eyes at the sayings on my decorative pillows, but they’re really missing the point. I don’t particularly care if my pillows are clever, only that they’re there, cherished for the very fact that I own them. |
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| I never met a throw cushion I didn’t like. All of us have a different take on turning a home into our refuge of choice. Some of us like a place we only have to dust once a decade. Some of us are still trying to figure out what our “grown-up” interior design style is, and some of us have the true goal of turning our home into an interior design haven; to find the intersection between what the heart wants and the best toss cushions. For example. Should you choose the one called “Apple Cider Smash” or the vermillion one? They have been sitting on your sofa for months, but you know how colour changes with the light—of course you do!—so it’s been hard to decide. One shade is a little cooler, one a little warmer. Your friends refuse to discuss it any further, and they’ve begun to (unfairly) characterize your gentle queries every time they come out of the small bathroom as “gotcha” questions. They’ve actually stopped using the small bathroom altogether, which is fine, because none of them remember to jiggle the handle just so (even though you posted a detailed schematic on the wall and have shown them how to do it numerous times). So the colour choice is up to you, but I’m sure you could use a second opinion. You don’t want to overthink it. |
Not all pillows are created equal. The benefits of having accent pillows are endless. A multifaceted tool. Unsung heros. From a symbol of status and wealth, to mood-altering, to showing off your personality, to improved health. I mean, seriously. Toss pillows have provided significant contributions as early as circa 7,000 BCE in early Mesopotamia. Although they were probably made of stone. Reasons… One: Good posture. Because among small people I am the tallest, I often stack two cushions on top of the other to use as a footrest. And to prop up my laptop.After all, you want to look great and be comfortable. Two: Toss cushions are the perfect size for emotional comfort. i.e. sobbing, fainting, screaming into, as well as supporting specific body parts. Look, I’m all in favour of emotion. In fact, I’ve been using this newsletter as therapy for years. One day I hope to someday publish a book on their calming effects. Three: The anti-throw pillow crowd, based on experiences at various aunts’ homes, asks if you really need these “scatter cushions” if you aren’t into the whole design process? In short, yes. And I’ll tell you why in one word: naps. Four: It’s an easy way to zhoozh up a space – if you want to veer on the classier side of Bed Bath and Beyond. It’s a tactic that always has increased the aesthetic value of a room and protected your loved ones, especially the pillows have eye-catching sequins, tassels, beads, or pom-poms. |
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There are certain inanimate rules and questions to ask before expertly deploying toss cushions. Questions: Is karate-chopping the centre of the pillow de rigueur? Easy answer. Don’t. Are they going to stand out too much and distract from the containers on my kitchen counter? Rules: The Rule of Threes. Whether you’re looking at pieces of the same colour, pattern, texture, shape, or size, make sure it’s a trio. But if threes just aren’t working, aim for other odd or even numbers instead. It’s an opportunity to try out your most interesting layering ideas, encouraging robust gatherings and harmonious social interactions. Size Matters. Why? According to the The International Society of Furniture Designers, 78% say that choosing various dimensions elevates the arrangement. For example, mix a 22” square organic cotton pillow with smaller rectangular pillows with round pillows with some shaped like hearts to enhance flow. Remember: this is your space. It should reflect the holiday. Textures and Patterns. Neutrals and pet hair are not good relationship material. |
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| Final Thoughts. I also recommend living life on the edge with a bed covered, but usually next to (hence the word “throw” cushion which requires particular actions), with at least eight wrinkle-free tiny pillows. I mean, can you ever have too much love? It’s a phrase I live by, and not just because it’s needlepointed on three of my throw pillows. Which also makes for a great topic starter when conversation lags and unity is lacking. Just remember. February 15 is “National Put Away Heart Pillows Till Next Year.” Day. Please. |
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