HOW TO: SPICE UP YOUR HOME WITH THROW PILLOWS

Throw pillows are a must have for any living room.  Nothing else spices up your sofa or brings your colour theme together better than adding decorative pillows. Changing your decor can be as simple as changing your pillows to add a whole new feel to the room.   Decorative pillows come in multitude of colours, styles and fabrics; this makes for an easy way to decorate your home, without hassle, especially on a budget.  Throw pillows can be used anywhere you want to add a bit of style to the room. The sofa, chair, table, or bed are the most common places. You really can do whatever you want when it comes to throw pillows.  Big or small, pairs of two or three, or have a group of 4 or 5 of them together.  Don’t forget though, that you can have too much of a good thing. Remember to keep the size of your sofa in mind when choosing the amount of pillows to use.  Also, they don’t have to match as long as they all tie into you’re theme. 

5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THROW PILLOWS: 

- Show your style.  Pick something that fits your lifestyle at the moment.  If you have children and the living room is a place they use a lot, accommodate them with fun colours and make the living room a place your whole family will enjoy. In this situation the pillows should also be easy to clean, we know how children can be! Married no children? Remember nothing too feminine or too masculine, strike a happy balance.  Tie it all together so that you will both be happy with your selection. Single, then it’s all up to you! Ultimately it's about showing your personal taste and style. 

- Be creative. The throw pillow can be used ANYWHERE you want it to be.  They come in all different sizes, shapes and style so you can be as creative as you want to be. If you're into a more laid back look, line a wall with over-sized pillows for increased sitting space. If you're like me and like loud colours, girly styles choose pillows that are bold, have added accessories like a belt or some frills. You can also change the pillows on your dining room chairs, or add them if you don’t have any already. The good thing about throw pillows is they are also easy to make, for those of you who love a DIY project, you don't have to spend a fortune whenever your taste changes.

-  Have fun.  It’s your home you should be able to add or subtract as you like.  Experiment with colour and get a feel for what you like and dislike. Keep in mind whether you want to tone down your sofa, or spice it up. Choosing the right colour for the room and then your accent colours (throws, pillows, vases,etc) make both these options possible.  When in doubt, always go with the opposite.  E.g "I have light/neutral colours in my home (sofa, walls) I want to spice it up" use louder colours to brighten up the space. Same goes for if I had a bright colour sofa, I would use softer coloured throw pillows to tone down the bright colour and bring the look together.

-Make good quality choices.  Pick pillows that are going to look good sitting on your sofa.  A lumpy pillow is never cute, even with the best designs on it.  You should also fluff up your pillows to keep them looking plump and fresh.

Our website has a great selection of throw pillows available. View our collection of Canadian made throw pillows by clicking here. You never know, maybe you'll find the ones you love!

How do you use throw pillows to spice up your room ? 

Leave a comment and let us  know !


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NEWSLETTER CONTEST WINNER - DECEMBER 2010

THE WINNER OF THE DECEMBER WALL ART NEWSLETTER CONTEST IS...................

SIMONE WONG !!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

This Is What She Had To Say:

"Modern Sensibility Rocks.  Best Furniture Ever; Yo.

We Now Have A Great Couch + Awesome Art Work"

WANT TO BE A WINNER ?????? 

WELL WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! 

HOW TO: CHOOSE THE RIGHT COFFEE TABLE FOR YOUR SPACE

A coffee table is a main staple in anyone’s home. It is the center piece of the living room and usually a main focal point. A coffee table has many functions; a good place to kick your feet up (even though we know we shouldn’t do this, many of us still do), it is the home of your remote control, magazines, and drinks. What a lot of people don’t realize is that a coffee table is also a decorative piece in your home. That’s why so often people don’t explore the different types of coffee tables that are available and end up sticking to something standard and readily available. The best way to choose a coffee table is to combine style and function together. Here are some tips that are important when choosing the perfect coffee table for your space.

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

A general rule is to take some measurements before you buy a coffee table. Prevention is always better than cure. Just like you wouldn't buy a sofa without measuring what space you have to work with, you should apply the same efforts in purchasing your coffee table. Start by figuring out the correct measurements by measuring from the floor to the top of the sofa cushion. Generally, a good height for a coffee table is one that is levelled with your knees while sitting. Rule of thumb, a good size coffee table is 1/2 to 1/3 the size length of your sofa. Also, remember to measure the distance between the sofa and the space where the coffee table will be so you know that there is enough room to walk freely. The standard width is about 18" for comfortable movement. 

STYLE

Now that you have your measurements out of the way, consider the type of look you are going for. There are many options available now-a-days in many different styles and shapes. No longer are you limited to a square or rectangular wooden or glass top standard coffee table. You can choose something that shows your personality and is modern and fun. Or you can go with something that is more laid back and simple. As long as you have an idea of what it is you’re looking for before you go out, it is completely up to you. I made this mistake when I moved into my apartment. I had no vision of what I wanted in a living room, I thought ‘hey, a coffee table is a coffee table’ I ended up buying a modern coffee table, but it didn’t fit the functions that I needed it too and the legs ended up weakening quicker than I had expected them too. 

SIZE

Consider your size before you buy a coffee table. You just spotted a beautiful coffee table; on impulse you buy it only to discover when you get home that A. it doesn’t look as good as it did in a big showroom, or B. You have no space between your sofa and your coffee table for easy walking. Not only will this make your already small space look more cluttered, the frustration it will cause to be stuck with the coffee table will be much more worse. If you are short on space try pairing two smaller side tables together. It is a great option and still looks modern and fresh and offers variety.

FUNCTION

This leads me to function. What is your coffee table going to be used for ? Are you the type of person who likes to sit on the ground and read a book, write, or eat on your coffee table? Choose a sturdier model in this case, one without separate legs so that you won’t have to worry about them wearing down over time, or becoming loose. Do you have children or pets that will be knocking into the coffee table? Are you a clumsy person? I’d suggest rounded edges so that no one is harmed during an accident. Do you need a coffee table that can double as storage, or place decorative pieces on? Or do you just want it to sit there and look pretty in the middle of your living room. If that’s the case, you’re lucky! You have millions of styles and options available to you and don't have to worry about how it will work in your space. 

DON'T FORGET

subscribe to our newsletter by clicking herewhere we will be showcasing our new coffee tables line up. We have some really modern and fun options. So stay tuned! You will also be entered into our monthly draw. Winners are announced EVERY month.

COMMENTS + THOUGHTS WELCOMED! 

MONTHLY UPDATES: WHATS NEW + GREAT DEALS!

HEY EVERYONE! :)

Time for some store updates.  Read and Pass it along!! 

So.... The 'Newport' has FINALLY arrived!!   

Can we say excited ? E-X-C-I-T-I-E-D!
I am absolutely in love with this piece, I plan to purchase one myself in Indigo. They are amazingly priced, are so comfortable and look fabulous in a room.  The picture does not do it justice, I suggest everyone come down and take a look, sit back and *sigh*   This happens to almost every customer who has come in and sit on The 'Newport', myself included and I guarantee you will feel the same! We are now calling this the *sigh* effect!

Its the perfect item to just kick your feet up on sit back and really relax.   The arch in the sofa not only adds distinction to the piece, but adds to the comfort of this piece as well.  You can watch TV, read, lounge, it is even comfortable enough to take a nap in.

See for yourself, visit us at

380 Alliance Ave Toronto ON M6N2H8! 

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The newsletter went out last week.  If you haven't already done soJOIN!
It's a great way to find out whats been going on in the company, whats new, great deals
and tips all in one spot.   Plus, you get a chance to win wall art and find out who the previous winners
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It's really simple just join our newsletter!

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SHIPMENT IS NOW IN !

WHAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ! 

  See your favorite sofas in brand new and old colours. Join us on twitter and facebook because we will always update on what is NEW, HOT and FRESH in our store.  We want to make sure our customers are always "in the know"

WHATS NEW  ? 

1. THE 'INCA' IN PEARL

2.THE 'CITIZEN' AND 'AUSTIN' IN TURQUOISE

(If your wondering turquoise ?  I like the idea but don't know how to match it click here or read the newsletter at www.modernsensibility.com! 

3. THE 'ORION' IN LAVENDER

4.THE 'SAKURA' ACCENT CHAIR IN TURQUOISE + NAVY BLUE

MONTHLY UPDATES: SHOUTOUT AND THANK YOU'S!

I hope everyone had an amazing long weekend!  Just some updates!

NEXT BLOG TOPIC:  Buying Online Vs Buying In Store. Any suggests please feel free to message me, add me on twitter, or visit our website at WWW.MODERNSENSIBILITY.COM

So, just a few Modern Sensibility updates: 

1. There is now a greater chance to be the winner of our contest all you have to do is join us on twitter, add us on Facebook, or join our newsletter!  More options, higher chances!!!  Winners are announced every month!  

Winner #1 September 2010 - Tammy

I subscribed to the newsletter because I was truly interested in know whats new with Modern Sensibility, I love hearing about the deals and new items coming in. Not only do I get a wonderful newsletter every month but I also won beautiful painting to go with my new sofa. Thank you Modern Sensibility"

Winner #2 October 2010 - Ashleigh

"I'm so excited about being a winner, I never win anything!(laughs) Modern Sensibility you guys are the best" -

2.  We have a new piece coming in, it's beautiful satin material.  I love them! I will definitely be buying one myself, maybe even two!  and for $299 ?  That’s too good to pass up.

3.  I did a post not too long ago on how to decorate with a turquoise sofa,now you can put it into use because......WE'RE GETTING TURQUOISE SOFAS! 

I'm very excited for them to come in; turquoise is just such a beautiful colour and compliments many colors as well.  I hope you check it out, and love it as much as I do!

4. BIG FAVOR?  Please visit www.modernsensibility.com look through our sofas, pick your favourite one and share them with your social networks.  It's really easy, the "share it" button is underneath every sofa. Also, if you use stumbleupon do a quick comment with the link to our page.  Help support Modern Sensibility.  Thank You :)

5. Unfortunately, I am retiring my Hubpage and moving all posts to our official Modern Sensibility blog.  No worries though because you can get all my updates here, and it will be easier to communicate.  Thank you for everyone who has made my hub page such a success in such a short space of time.  I was recently voted a winner on hubpages for my tips on how to make a room feel larger *check it out here -- http://hubpages.com/hub/BrightenUpSmallerSpaces* I couldn't have done it without all of "YOU" who read and appreciate my tips.

HOW TO: DECORATE YOUR HOME WITH A TURQUOISE SOFA

AS SEEN IN OCTOBERS NEWSLETTER* 
     
      With Turquoise becoming such an increasingly popular color in the living room, what better time than to introduce a turquoise sofa!  Along with the “how to guide” to decorate the room for people who are curious as to “what can I do with this bright sofa?”

First you should decide what type of look you are going for. As I listed in my last post, turquoise is a color that goes with almost every color.  I will break down the categories using the color wheel. So, complementary colors, Analogous colors, and Neutrals.

COMPLEMENTARY COLORS:
            Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.   The complementary colors of turquoise (blue-green) are red-orange.   However, this color does not work with turquoise as the main staple of the room.  It is better suited with turquoise as an accent color or grouped together using pillows, curtains, throws, vases, paintings, wall coloring etc.   

ANALOGOUS COLORS 
 Analogous colors are any three colors on the color wheel that are beside one another. The analogous colors of turquoise would be dark blue to purple on the color wheels, and green, blue green to yellow.  Any colors in between these colors also work perfectly with turquoise. Also, mixing and matching the analogous colors (i.e. Dark blue, turquoise and green) together will create a really vivacious room.
 
Darker Colors (dark blue-purple)

Pair your turquoise sofa with dark shades of blue and blue-violet.  Adding your turquoise sofa to a dark room instantly brightens up the room, adds a calming feeling because of the lightness of the turquoise color.  Offset the dark shades with accents of white and other shades of turquoise.  Remember to keep the purple in the bluish hue or risk having a tacky tie-dye room. 

Lighter Colors (green-yellow)
            When working with green, you need to be cautious of shades. Different shades of green will give you entirely different results.  Lighter greens such as green-yellowish, and bright greens combined with turquoise will give the room an overly bright feeling, boarding on tacky if not accented properly. Others might contribute the feeling as ‘too much’ which might not be the best when used in a living room unless it’s a place used to entertain rather than to relax. However, combining calmer shades of green to a turquoise sofa really allows the turquoise to shine through and flatters the room. 
Tip: Combine turquoise/green combos with shades of neutrals

Yellow is another analogous color to turquoise.  Pairing a turquoise sofa with yellow accents makes the room eye-popping and both colors represent happiness.  Add colors of green to the room to add to the inviting and warmth of it.  Also pairing it with black will create a more sophisticated look.   The green adds to the brightness of the room while the black tones the bright colors down.
Tip:  Add plants, vases, and rugs, pillows, etc in the analogous color will truly add to the feeling of the room. Taking it from “ok” to “absolutely amazing”

NEUTRAL COLORS/NATURAL COLORS
Colors in this category fall under neutrals/shades so think beige, whites, blacks, and brown, grey.  

Brown is the first color people automatically think of when envisioning what color to match with their turquoise sofa.  We all know brown and turquoise are perfect together but you have to remember shades.  Think deep browns like chocolate, cocoa, mocha, or a sandy brown color if paired with a deep turquoise.  Pair your turquoise sofa with deep brown furniture and add accents of either gold, silvers, whites or other light colors to have an incredible finish. 

White is a classic shade. When paired with turquoise the white looks cleaner and more fresh and crisp leaving the turquoise to be the focal point of the room. It really leaves the room feeling calm and soothing. Adding plants and neutral tones to the room keep the area classy and light. While adding burst of colors like deep reds/pinks make the room more playful and fun.

Tips:  Having neutral colors in your home with a turquoise sofa gives you more lead way to decorate and add cheerful colors.  Get creative, or play it low key.  It’s up to you.  You know yourself best.  All depends on style and preference.