"Living on the Edge . . . "

SMW Design, Piedmont CA

Greetings,

You know, we talk a lot about 'the big picture' around these parts . . . highlighting the use of colour. . . or dealing with space planning . . . but, as they say, "The devil is in the details."  Interestingly, they also say that, "God is in the details."  So clearly, for better or worse - dealing with the details either gets you into heaven - or keeps you out of hell.

Today I thought I'd share some thoughts on one of my favourite details - pillow trim.  Maybe these can inspire you for some of your upcoming holiday decorating - or maybe even better - for the betterment of your life in general.  

Now, I love the exuberance of a classic tassel-fringe.  

But, I always use it sparingly.  There might be two, maybe three, pillows

in an entire room with this lush, extravagant detail.  

You can see in the room - the other pillows have a simple twist 

cording - or the lovely silk mattress-ticking with a brush fringe. 

This is a hand-frayed trim on a pair of monogrammed tartan pillows 

at my office.  And by hand-frayed - yes - I mean I spent several nights

in front of the TV pulling the weft threads out of the textile, leaving only the warping. 

Then I made sure that the pattern matched up from the face of the pillow

to the custom fringe.  Details.  Always details.

But, sometimes everything doesn't need to happen 'on the edge.'

We added this charming little trim on the face of the pillow,

creating a framing detail.  

Again - in use in the room - we made sure that the other pillows were a bit more

reserved in style - with a simple 1/4 inch self welt.

Another great use of placing a flat taping on the face of the pillow.

And this warm bark-coloured velvet trim added some whimsy

to a classic navy silk damask.  

I also love the lushness of a brush fringe.  Here in multiple shades

of blues, navys, and brown - on a vintage crewelwork botanical. 

But yes, Virginia, there is a 'knife-edge.'  And sometimes 

this simplest solution is the best.

For me - as I start laying out decorative pillows for any of my projects (and even 

in my own home) - I think it's best to mix together several trims and details.

Giving the flashier ones a stage to perform - and giving the

simple ones a more secondary role.

It's like casting a play.  

A few strong, sexy characters.

And a good supporting cast to surround them.

Cheers,

Scot