Mixing pillows and patterns; 7 different ways

Today we are mixing a bunch of pillows (and patterns) and then you are going to vote for your favorite pillow combo (using our fancy voting poll widget at the bottom). The winning pillow combination will win a helicopter ride to Aruba, and then a chance at one-on-one hot tub date with Prince Farming. They are so excited and have been tanning and highlighting their hair for WEEKS, so please be sure to weigh each combo properly and vote with your heart.

Here’s how it went down: when I was MANIACALLY organizing and cleaning our house over the break I realized that I had approximately 47 decorative pillows, just hanging out in closets, on furniture, etc. That doesn’t even include what is at the studio. So, before I took them all over to the studio (some to keep for future projects, some for our EPIC garage sale that is coming soon) I figured I’d shoot a little pillow post.

We started with two solid 24″x24″ white linen pillows on both sides and just changed out all the smaller pillows. We didn’t have any big solid pillows to help anchor the corners (which is what you need on a bench like this) – but for most sofas you are fine with 20″x20″ or 16″x16″ even, as long as the other pillows vary in sizes.

Lets get into it:

This first one is the ‘Grey Gardens meets Steven Alan, with a side of subtle’. Hilariously enough, this might be the most masculine. And by masculine I mean, like Adam Levine, totally muscular but he would rock a floral shirt. And women across America would faint.

Cream Ruffle: vintage | Blue Floral: vintage | Grey and Yellow Geometric (no longer available) | Teal Blue Yellow Striped | Grey and Yellow Cross | Cream Linen

Blue, grey and white, with a bit of country. It has texture and pattern, but with that limited color palette it still feels really pulled back and clean.

Cream Ruffle: Vintage | Blue Stripe | Grey and White | Blue Half Circle | Floral: unknown (If you know where this is from please comment) | Cream Linen

She’s pink and feminine and with enough restraint to make me want to get to know her and not be annoyed by her.

Cream Ruffle: vintage | Pink Woven | Floral: custom | Pink Silk: vintage | Pink Yellow Abstract (no longer available) | Cream Linen

Gold and glam and yet totally calm. We have three different metallic pillows, with three different patterns. Throw some rose golds or copper tones in there and you have a total metallic bonanza, suitable for New Years eve, or just every day if you are a party girl. Again, I love how calm and clean this is while still having a personality and a point of view. It’s not just all white, but it feels that calm.

Cream Ruffle: vintage | Gold Chevron (no longer available) | Gold Woven | Gold Dots: vintage | Gold and White Squares (no longer available) | Cream Linen

A never fail, always happy, gender neutral blue and white world with both pattern and texture. All different patterns with different scales (remember that if the scales are too similar then they compete and are confusing/chaotic for your eye). Do the blue tones match exactly? Nope. Which is why this person doesn’t look like they are super uptight and instead just looks a little more intentional. Less crazy, more sophisticated but still totally fun.

Cream Ruffle: Vintage | Blue and White Geometric | Blue Pinstripe | Blue Half Circle | Blue and White Woven Stripe | Cream Linen

This chick is bringing Shabby Chic back, and she is convincing me that I might indeed one day eliminate all color in my house. Its neutral and warm with some simple patterns and lots of washed linen. It might look boring here, but picture a whole room of just wood, worn leather, and lots of washed white, neutral and gray textures. I could get into it.

Cream Ruffle: vintage | Circle Print | Tan and White Striped: vintage | Tan and White Striped: vintage | Cream Linen

This is the chick you date but don’t marry. Unless you want to marry the drunk, fun girl at the party who may or may not dance on the table. Its full on ‘Crazy lady; and its seriously wonderful. I wish my house could be like this all the time, I truly do. But if this was EVERYWHERE in my house I would go a bit more nuts than I already do. The thing is that visually I’m so attracted to this pillow combination, and I love all of the pillows individually a lot. There are 5 different patterns, and lots of tones of blues and pinks. It’s so exciting and fun, if not totally lunatic. Sign a prenup. This chick will take you for all your worth or publicly accuse you of something weird.

Cream Ruffle: vintage | Blue and Green Floral: vintage | Multicolored Striped: vintage | Floral: custom | Blue and White Geometric | Pink Yellow Abstract (no longer available) | Cream Linen

We should take this game to Vegas and book bets – because I feel like I KNOW which one you guys will choose. I know that picking a  ‘favorite’ is tricky because maybe there is one you love instantly but another that you would ultimately like to be around the most.

So make it a gut reaction, an impulse – a first impression rose.

If you are wondering how to style pillows together watch this video I made YEARS ago. The tips and rules still apply, also I still wear that shirt every day. And if you are new to the blog check out my full living room tour and the story behind the blimp. 

So get your vote on, folks.

*All photos by Tessa Neustadt for EHD.