6 outdoor pillows I love!

It's finally happening here in Maryland — the warm, hang-out-on-the-deck weather is here!

I'm always impressed with how far outdoor fabrics have come. We are no longer stuck with just solids and stripes to pick from and the color options are broad too! Both high and low end retailers are offering a variety that can fit any decor.

Here are a few faves I found online. Enjoy!

{Fun, traditional and modern outdoor pillows -- something for everyone!}

1. Red Ruffled outdoor throw pillow from Frontgate. Love, love, love. Add one to a sofa and create a focal point! Carry the look into the garden with red flowers.

2. Pool-themed embroidered throw pillows from Frontgate. These are happy pillows for fun in the sun, perfect for a pool deck or a beach house.

3. Marona Latte outdoor throw pillow from Home Decorators Collection. This traditional pattern is updated with its large scale. Mix and match patterns and colors from this collection to create a cohesive look on your patio.

4. Backyard floral outdoor pillow, yellow, from Pottery Barn. I can picture this in an English garden, full of blooms, metal furniture and comfortable chaises. Mix it with stripes and plaids or more florals!

5. Thomas Paul Starfish Outdoor Pillow from Velocity. It's no secret that I love Thomas Paul fabrics. This bold pattern doesn't disappoint. Use it with other neutrals or add pops of primary colors for a warm, modern look.

6. Venetian Artisan Throw Pillow in Gingko from Frontgate (again, I know, but they have lovely options!). This is so clean and simple and lovely. Pair it with solids and let is shine, or mix in other pillows with blue patterns for a monochromatic look. Refreshingly refined!

What is your favorite? How would you use it? Please leave a comment and let me know.

Happy decorating.

Outdoor pillows add a pop!

Tis the season of outdoor living and entertaining. We've been creating outdoor spaces that have many of the comfort elements of our indoor rooms — sofas, lighting, rugs, artwork and pillows all give our spaces that added comfort.

I recently worked with a client to add custom pillows to her outdoor covered porch. This porch is so peaceful. It has a beautiful stone floor and overlooks a lovely garden.

Her furniture bases are neutral, with red upholstered cushions (red is also a neutral, as it goes with almost every color!). She wasn't interested in bold, tropical floral patterns, so we selected a few outdoor fabrics to add a touch of class without bringing in bold colors (allowing the red to be the star!).

{Sofa that lines one side of the long porch. Polka dots add fun and the tan fabric has tiny black dots to match the dots.}


{Coordinating, but not matching, pillows accessorize this red sofa.}

The client didn't want tons of pillows that they had to toss around in order to sit down, so we stuck with 3 on the sofa. Custom also allows you to select the filler for your pillows. In this case she went with down because it's softer on your head (especially good when napping!).

{Two chairs and ottomans across from the sofa.}


{Lumbar pillows add comfort while sitting without getting in the way!}

As always, when shopping for pillows (indoor or out), take any existing fabrics from the room with you when you shop (for both custom and retail shopping). This way you can match and coordinate colors exactly.

Also figure out what sizes you want before you go so you narrow down what you are looking for. When buying pillows for outside it's best to get an outdoor fabric that can weather the elements. You can also use this fabric indoors if you have an area that gets a lot of use.

Happy outdoor living!