Power Poufs!
No matter what you call them, pouffes, floor pillows, cushions, poufs -- whatever -- these beauties are the it accessory for the home right now, and I'm willing to bet into the new year and beyond. Loved for their versatility (foot stool, place to sit, or table), within reach pricing (at least most of the time), and overall cuteness factor, it's hard to go wrong with something so right. Take this felt pouf from one of my favorite designers, Chris Labrooy. How can you not desire one of these in your home?
With so many hunting for durable pieces that perform double duty without taking up much-needed floor space, the pouf is perfect because you can easily tuck one away beneath a table. I think they look so stylish and often bring in the pattern, color, or texture that a room needs - the icing on the cake. In all its available shapes and sizes, why not check out a few of my favorites to see if anything clicks with you, perhaps you'd like one for yourself? I've included a few inspirational images from Living Etc. so you can see them in actual spaces.
First off, the Morrocan pouf - it's the first thing I think of the moment I hear the p word. I love them in soft leather with the handstitched patterns, they're very bohemian I think, they have that come relax in my casbah appeal. White leather is my favorite, but a close runner up is pale pink and then the turquoise ones - or something in a pale mustard. Aren't these beauties from Graham and Greene the best? I like them around a coffee table for dining with friends. Also great for the patio in the warmer months, with candlelight of course.
This one from Shabby Chic is gorgeous, I saw it up close and personal in their new Boston/Natick store and it's worth every penny. Even if you do need several hundred pennies to buy one. :)
Of course, you can get them in felt too, which really appeals to those living in colder climates I think. Leather is nice, but if you live in a region that is cold for most of the year, then you may be more inclined to find something in wool or cotton. I like this felted pouf from Danish Bohema (a site I found thanks to Leah) because it has an embroidered pattern much like the Moroccan ones above. This one is made by En Gry & Sif of Copenhagen, distributed by Danish Bohema in the U.S. for $113 - which I think is a terrific price.
Shirdak out of the Netherlands also has some in felt showing off some bold ethnic patterns. I see floor cushions and poufs everywhere in decor over here, in all the magazines I flip through they're in so many rooms - and also in the homes of my friends.
The Alseda is another that I really like, it's a very affordable option for under $30 at IKEA and it's very natural - made from banana fiber so it's eco-friendly, too. Top it off with a silver tea tray set, Danielle from the Style Files uses hers for this purpose and I think it looks great near her fireplace.
Big on color and pattern? Although these are ottomans, they're a great alternative if you seek something soft with a decorative pattern. I like these three from Anthropologie, some are under $300 on sale, so click here for the full scoop on that. Or this floor cushion made to resemble an ethnic style pouf from Urban Outfitters for only $40.
And of course, some more pouf inspiration in case you wonder about how to place them in your home. They aren't just for the living room, you can use them just about anywhere you'd like.
And you can even sew a few up yourself. Amy Butler recently released a new pattern called Gumdrop Pillows, aren't these the best?
And blogger Yvestown from the Netherlands got her hands on a pattern and using fabric from Cath Kidston, she crafted one for her home. (By the way, if you like CK stuff, you can now order a catalog right here at no cost.) Yvestown said that many more gumdrops will follow, as she seemed to really enjoy making this one. Isn't it gorgeous? Here's her photo below. I purchased fabric from Amy Butler to make one for my own living room when I'm back in the states (a winter project).
Looking for additional seating options that are pouf-like? Try Fat Boy, Livingstones by Smarin (shown below), and Blog Beanbags.
Hope this pouffe post gave you some decorating inspiration for today. I know it did for me, now I have to reupholster my ottoman and make a few gumdrop pillows. :)
{Sorry blogging has been light the past day or so, I'm still getting settled here in Germany, our schedule has been nonstop since we landed. I'll see you tommorow!}