PILLOW FLUFFERS, UNITE!
Awhile back my mom was at a party. When she happened to tell a new acquaintance what I do for a living the woman said, "Oh, so she is a pillow fluffer? " Come to find out this woman was a snooty high end interior designer. People like me who work with what people already have are just Pillow Fluffers. Clearly she had an attitude and was trying to make light of my work, but who cares? I love what I do.
I think everyone deserves to have a lovely home, and I like to find
beauty in every opportunity. I rarely come across a room I cannot find
hope for! Most people have great stuff. They just feel stuck about what
to do with it. Or what they should buy to bring it all together without spending their life savings. Everywhere I look in people’s homes I see
potential, it just requires a little pillow
fluffing to get there.
So if you are feeling stuck and want a little inspiration to fluff your space, I offer the following Top Ten Pillow Fluffing Ideas:
10. Take a picture of the area you are struggling with. Study it
like it was a magazine cover. Is it boring? Is there something ugly in
the way? Does it need a punch of color or a bit of texture to liven it
up? Using photos can help you zero in on the issues so you can refine your space.
9. Empty the space and start over. Add things back in one by one if you find they are needed, helpful or lovely.
8. Don't overdo it. Give some things the ta-da factor, but not EVERYTHING. Let special pieces take center stage and other things be in supporting roles.
7. Update your colors. For a fresh and updated look, try a
neutral background with a punch of color in accessories or fabrics. Or, use a new wall color to refresh a tired room! For summer, how about a pretty citrus hue? Be adventurous and try something new!
6. Don't overlook texture. Texture can be far more interesting and subtle than color.
5. Have some fun. An element of surprise or whimsy will take the stuffy factor out of an overly designed or outdated formal room.
4. Bigger and bolder is better. Trinkets don’t make a room. Statements will make the room.
3. Mix things up a bit. If your style is easily identifiable or everything matches, mix
things up a bit. Maybe add a more
contemporary lamp to your shabby chic sofa to add that new dimension. Add a rich wood table to a room full of painted furniture.
2. Try taking down curtains and rugs. Sometimes those items are dated and stifling your creativity. With those things removed, you can see a room with fresh eyes and envision new potential.
1. Make the most of what you have. Don’t let a snooty interior
designer tell you that you need all new stuff. Or that you are just a
Pillow Fluffer. Pillow Fluffers make the world a more beautiful place, so take pride in Fluffing Your Stuff!
Melissa Michaels can be found sharing practical ideas for fluffing up houses at The Inspired Room.
Photo: Melissa Michaels
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Here, here Melissa
Fellow pillow fluffers unite…guess I'm one too! Oh, those snooty designers, who needs them?
Lots of good ideas here…
Rhoda
Great ideas – I especially like the idea of taking a picture of the space – it really does help you see it better.
I'd take a pillow fluffer any day. Much less pretentious, and their ideas would probably fit in with my personality more anywho.
Thanks guys. My self-esteem has been restored by your kind comments. I'll keep my head high.
Happy Fourth!
Melissa
I would love love love a pillow fluffer. I can't get my look right at all.
xo ~K