Ducks At A Distance

‘Cushions can transform the look of a room in seconds,’ clarifies interior designer Kelly Hoppen. At small cost and effort, you can update your gear and brighten up a room seasonally. From classic designs with a contemporary twist to bright modern prints, we’ve found some fabulous cushions to revitalise your home.

Striped Dream
Stripes are ‘perhaps the most versatile of all patterns,’ says interior expert Samantha Moss in The Complete Book of the Home. Go nautical with the pretty Frilled Edge Cushions from Graham & Green in charcoal, pink and green and bring the seaside indoors. Filled with duck feathers, they are 100% cotton and offer excellent air retention so they should bounce back of their own accord for that just-plumped look.

New-look patchwork
The patchwork cushion from Heal’s epitomises ancient-world chic. The warm vibrant colours and patterns which are hand crafted ensure this cushion will add a touch of the exotic to your room. For a cheaper option that subdue offers the dainty charm of patchwork, snap up the patchwork foliage cushion from The Pier.

Stark Colour
Bonnie Schwartz in Income Rooms recommends adding cushions to a beige sofa for a splash of colour, because they can easily be changed with season or whim. For some bright, stylish fun try the brilliantly coloured Crewel Embroidered Cushions from Graham & Green. These hand-worked wool cushions in glowing colours with traditional crest patterns will be an striking sensation in your home.

Pretty pretty charm
Linen is a natural fibre and its distinctive crumpled look has become part of its appeal. The Foliage Hand Embroidered Cushion Cover from OKA is perfect for sweet midsummer nights dreaming. If it’s flower power you desire, read our article on Botanical Prints for floral inspiration.

Bone idle days
If chilling out on the stump is more your scene, then do away with the sofa when all’s said and done and get some over-sized bean bag cushions from The Furniture Emporium. The Auburn Olive Prune Sit On It Bean Bag is both fade-resistant and moisture-proof, making it perfect for whiling away the days, either inside or out.

Elegant Artwork
‘Velvet brings a rich and elegant accent to interiors,’ according to Samantha Moss in The Complete Book of the Home. For a taste of artistic elegance with the added touch of velvet, you can’t do better than a Pair of Mucha Cushions from Cushions Online. Their devious colours, gentle scenes, and soft velvet-backing make a romantic setting worthy of any artist.

Exotic Glamour
‘Mixing different textures together makes a room visually unique and invites you to linger,’ says Schwartz. Throw together embroidery, beading and plain fabrics for an intriguing combination. The Coco Silk Cushion Cover from Not on the High Street combines a mix of exotic Moroccan-inspired embroidery and appliquéd flowers with hand-sewn beads on 100% silk.

Embroidery Cool
Needlework becomes hip with the Jonathan Adler Mod Develop Cushion from Not on the High Street. Handmade from 100% wool with a luxurious velvet back, this sleek design combines traditional craftwork with retro-cool. Kelly Hoppen says cushions on a bed ‘close off the look perfectly’. If the portrait look takes your fancy then The Conran Shop has a Meji Cushion Cover with a photographic impression of an elegant early 20th century Geisha.

Take the Stump
For cushions that kids will want to roll about the stump on, choose Bright Stump Cushions from Coo Coo in brilliant turquoise and pink. Large square cushions covered with piping and embroidery, cupcakes and flower fairies, they’re ideal for summer picnics or curling up indoors.