Interior designers are often accused of just picking patterns and chopping cushions. They will often object and reel off a long list of important and complicated things interior designers are involved in: space planning, electrical specifications and adhering to complex building codes and planning constraints. Which they absolutely do, but sometimes cushions are needed and designers have to pick them.
At TML, we’ve picked our top 5 favourite cushions on the market right now. So chopped or unchopped, your properties will be styled to perfection and those marketing photos will look amazing!
#1 - Cushion Combos
The failsafe combo by H&M. When styling properties, especially Buy-to-Lets & HMOs, you don’t want to be spending a fortune on accessories. One way to achieve a luxurious feel without spending loads is to buy a few less expensive, plain cushions and then finish the area off with something more eye-catching. This pair shows exactly how it’s done with a subtle backing cushion and a more interesting accent cushion.
#2 - Colour Coordinate
We’re starting to see in a lot of developments a “same, same but different” approach to the interiors. Where the basic scheme is the same throughout the whole property but certain elements are switched, like an alternative colour palette. You can absolutely do the same with your styling. Keep the cohesiveness across the whole property but add interest with different colours.
That’s why we love this from John Lewis, a beautiful abstract pattern that comes in three colours that pair with so many different schemes.
#3 - Get in Shape
Bolster cushions are your friend. The longer and slightly thinner cousin of the normal square cushion, great for adding depth to your styling. But don’t just take our word for it, our distinguished designer at roost - Interior design told us...
"Mixing and matching different sized pillows create both a relaxed and a curated feel. When it comes to styling a bed or sofa, choose two or three pillow styles to layer, creating height at the back then sizing down."
#4 - Go Bold
Go bold whenever you can. Now I’m not saying you fill the entire property with busy patterns, bright colours and crazy ornaments (super cool for a home, less good for your developments) but occasionally going big can make a space more memorable and grab the attention of the scrollers on Rightmove or AirBnb. This pink and red rainbow cushion from Joules will certainly stand out, and although slightly more expensive it’s worth it for your feature pieces, to really pack that punch!
#5 - Fill ‘em up
These cushions don’t have an exciting colour combo nor are they going to win any awards for design, but they are absolutely essential to your styling. It’s what's on the inside that counts!
These cushion inserts from IKEA are inexpensive and come in all the shapes and sizes you’ll need, but we'd always recommend feather ones, especially for photography to give a nice plump finish.
Remember that you can swap covers easily so if you're only styling for a photoshoot, you only need as many fillers as you’re planning on having in one shot.
IKEA Cushion Inserts - Perfect for all shapes and sizes.
TOP TIP: Buy your inserts in a slightly bigger size than the cover, it’ll look a lot more plump and luxurious!
Armed with our Top 5 we hope your properties will be styled immaculately. Show us your favourite cushion over on our instagram. Next time we can make the list a top 10!
