Looking for the hero to add color to your decorating story? Don’t overlook the humble pillow. Allowing you to sidestep the divisive discussions created by subtle shade differences on paint charts—to an extent, anyway—this simple-yet-effective soft furnishing can add a pop of color (and pattern), without forcing you to commit to a full room scheme. Yes, it’s true what they say: a scattering of plump pillows in myriad hues can alter a space in an instant. But where to begin when it comes to selecting shades or artfully arranging pillows? Our expert Interior Designers, Antoni Roig and Sarina Hawkins, share their tips on how to add color with pillows.

 

Stay open-minded

First things first, don’t shut down a color option out of hand. We all have shades that we instinctively reach for, and those we prefer to avoid, but allowing yourself to be objective will give you greater scope for creativity. “Don’t close the door on any color, because you might be missing out,” advises Roig. “That’s a mistake our clients often make. The pillows aren’t there to dictate the room, they’re there to enhance it, so try and stay open-minded.”

This attitude will help you find an arrangement that will endure; think long-term to land on a color scheme that you will like for years to come. “Understand where you are, who you are, and what moment in time you’re in, in order to understand whether these pieces will be with you in a couple of years, or just temporarily,” says Roig. “That has a big impact [on your choices].”

Use pillows to emulate your environment

While certain colors may be better suited to certain climates, you needn’t be afraid to experiment with texture, says Roig—no matter where you are in the world. “Remove any myths and phobias. For example, who said ‘no’ to using velvet pillows in the summer? I’ve decorated a whole terrace with turquoise velvet pillows in Cap d’Antibes,” he says. “Just because it’s velvet doesn’t mean it’s heavy; it can add real vibrancy.”

“With pillows, I think it’s always really important to have a good balance between color and texture,” Hawkins agrees. “You don’t want them to look too samey, but you do want them to be complementary.” In terms of fabrics, think supple velvets paired with stonewashed linens, and cottons teamed with tactile cashmere. Tassels, trims, and textured appliqué will add points of interest too, and also offer opportunities to experiment with color; try picking out the scarlet red of a pillow cover’s embroidery, for example, and highlighting it elsewhere in your arrangement.

 

Experiment with texture

While certain colors may be better suited to certain climates, you needn’t be afraid to experiment with texture, says Roig—no matter where you are in the world. “Remove any myths and phobias. For example, who said ‘no’ to using velvet pillows in the summer? I’ve decorated a whole terrace with turquoise velvet pillows in Cap d’Antibes,” he says. “Just because it’s velvet doesn’t mean it’s heavy; it can add real vibrancy.”

“With pillows, I think it’s always really important to have a good balance between color and texture,” Hawkins agrees. “You don’t want them to look too samey, but you do want them to be complementary.” In terms of fabrics, think supple velvets paired with stonewashed linens, and cottons teamed with tactile cashmere. Tassels, trims, and textured appliqué will add points of interest too, and also offer opportunities to experiment with color; try picking out the scarlet red of a pillow cover’s embroidery, for example, and highlighting it elsewhere in your arrangement.

 

Complement rather than color match

Rather than using pillow covers to add extra layers of the hues already in play in a decorating scheme, the trick, say Roig and Hawkins, is to accessorize with complementary shades. Look to pieces of art and décor, and consider tones that will elevate the colors found in these. Whatever you do though, don’t try to emulate their tones exactly. “I find it a tremendous mistake to pull colors [directly] from a piece of artwork,” Roig explains. “You’re taking away from something beautiful.”

Hawkins agrees on this point, adding: “It’s impossible to completely color match, and if you can’t get the exact same shade it just looks like something hasn’t really worked. I prefer to choose a color that will make an artwork stand out.”

For those working with a relatively neutral scheme, Hawkins suggests letting your window act as a real-life artwork, and seeking inspiration beyond the confines of your space. “If a room looks out onto the garden, I would pick colors reflected in the flowers and plants outside,” she says. Select tones that can be easily emulated with textiles, such as the verdant green of a freshly-cut lawn, or the subtle pinks and peaches of flower petals.

Really commit to a theme

Simply put, a half-hearted attempt at a vibrant arrangement will look incomplete; if you’re braving a brighter color scheme, commit. “Don’t buy two pillow covers today, and two after the summer because you weren’t sure; do it now and see it all together,” says Roig.

Hawkins agrees that you need to be brave. “If you walk into a room and see just one or two crazy pillows, you can usually see what somebody is trying to do—but it doesn’t really work because they’ve just dipped their toe in,” she says. “If you’re going to go bold, you’ve got to go all the way. At the end of the day, it’s just a pillow; you can always change the cover if you decide it’s too much.”

For those who cannot be swayed from a more muted scheme, however, printed covers with small pops of color are an effective way to brighten your interior in a more subtle way. “We have quite a lot of pillow covers that have a neutral linen base with lovely dashes or dots on them,” says Hawkins. “Although they’re more pared-back, they’ve got a [colorful] point of interest—whether that’s a print or a couple of tassels.”

 

Think about style, scale, and placement

While color, print and texture may be at the forefront of your mind when purchasing pillows, how you intend to arrange them should also be a key consideration. One useful thing to note, according to Roig, is that the brighter, bolder, and bigger the pillow, the less need there is for a curated arrangement. Meaning, don’t shy away from singular statement pieces. “Those are easiest designs, because one pillow does the job,” he explains. “Choose a statement style to go on an armchair or sofa on its own; it doesn’t need to be an arrangement. We have a lot of pillows like that at OKA.” In fact, with more than 200 designs to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice…