Knowing how to mix throw pillow patterns is one of those design skills that looks effortless, that is until you’re knee-deep in swatches and something just feels off. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. And while I’ll be the first to say that design rules are meant to be broken, having a loose system in place can be incredibly helpful.

The formula I’ve come to rely on? A small print, a large print, and a texture or solid.

That trio almost always works, bringing balance, interest, and polish to any combo. Of course, the magic is in the mix: playing with scale, tones, and unexpected pairings. I’ve rounded up a few examples so you can see for yourself below. They are ones that feel layered and considered without being too precious.

Design: KTG Design | Photography: Stephanie Russo

{you can click on all of the pillows below to go to their direct source}

EXAMPLE Nº ONE

PLAID PILLOW | FLORAL PILLOW | MOSS GREEN PILLOW

EXAMPLE Nº TWO

STRIPED PILLOW | FLORAL PILLOW | PLAID PILLOW

EXAMPLE Nº THREE

FLORAL PILLOW | GINGHAM RUFFLE PILLOW | STRIPED PILLOW

EXAMPLE Nº FOUR

GREEN GINGHAM PILLOW | BLOCK PRINT PILLOW | PRINTED PILLOW

The post The Formula I Swear By for Mixing Throw Pillow Patterns appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

The other day, I shared a client reveal (here if you missed it <3) and was genuinely blown away by the response. It’s always a bit vulnerable putting my own work out there; it’s so much easier to share the work of others! But it felt so nice to post about something that I’m incredibly proud of, and it was a great reminder that I really do need to prioritize photographing more of my own work. It’s time consuming and costly and often falls to the back-burner at the end of the job, which makes me sad in retrospect. So many have quietly come and gone without their moment to shine, but no longer! I am officially turning a corner on this front. Saying it out loud will help hold me to it haha.

SHOP TIMELESS LIGHT FIXTURES:

In the meantime, I thought I’d chat about timeless lighting. I’m in the thick of finalizing a ton of it on a current project, and I recently stumbled upon my mom’s kitchen again. It’s still one of my favourite spaces after all these years. Proof that picking timeless light fixtures is often the right move. Even though the project wrapped over five years ago, those lights still feel just as fresh and classic today as the day they went in.

If you’re on the hunt, here are a few other fixtures I’ve used and loved over the last couple of years. Each one gets my personal Lark & Linen stamp of approval.

When in doubt, choose pieces that will make your heart sing. You won’t regret it <3

Design: Lark & Linen | Photography: Lauren Miller

1. Grande Pendant | 2. Single Sconce | 3. Table Lamp | 4. Wall Sconce | 5. Semi-Flush Mount | 6. Aged Brass Wall Sconce | 7. Large Chandelier With Linen Shades | 8. Wall Sconce | 9. Functional Wall Light | 10. Small Table Lamp | 11. Aged Iron Floor Lamp

SHOP TIMELESS LIGHT FIXTURES:

The post Timeless Light Fixtures I Still Love (Years Later) appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

Our neutral cabinet paint colour: Benjamin Moore – Inukshuk

While I’m loving the trend of moodier kitchens with rich walnuts, olive greens, and deep blues, I believe you can never go wrong with neutral cabinet paint colours. Especially in the kitchen. When done right, they’re simply timeless and versatile, complementing any style and decor changes over the years.

We renovated our kitchen not long ago, and I can’t get over how much it’s improved our daily life—everything in there is now more enjoyable, from cooking to entertaining. The top question I get asked is about my cabinet colour—the perfect neutral. So, I’m sharing that, along with 8 other classic options that designers love for a reason. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just a little refresh, these colours are sure to inspire.

read about our kitchen reno here

SHOP MY KITCHEN:

SHOP my KITCHEN

The post The Best Neutral Cabinet Paint Colours: My Top Pick & Eight Designer Favourites appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

As a professional interior designer with nearly two decades of experience under my belt, it’s safe to say I’ve learned a thing or two about creating beautiful living spaces over the years. I have a deep passion for design and often find myself wishing I could better share my expertise in a more affordable way (ie: free! Let me design your space for fun!) While that’s sadly not possible, I like to do what I can when I can. I’m excited to share some of my best tips for designing a living room that truly shines.

Living Room Design Tips

First and foremost, when designing a living room, I always like to incorporate various layers of lighting. Utilize a mix of floor and table lamps, along with wall sconces and overhead lighting, all on dimmers to help create flexibility and multiple ambiance options.

Next, don’t underestimate the power of texture – when finalizing your fabrics, try to incorporate a combination like velvet, linen, and wool. The various materials help add depth and visual interest.

Photo & Design Above: Caitlin Flemming

Photo & Design: Studio Mcgee

In addition…

I almost always add black element as I find it helps anchor the space. A wall sconce, a vase, a drapery rod – an essential.

Furthermore, laying that foundation in neutrals is always a safe bet, and then having fun with various patterns through pillows and throws is my favourite move. This way you can switch things up super easily as your taste inevitably ebbs and flows. (This post needs to be updated, but it’s still my favourite pillow mixing trick)

Moreover, in addition to the various fabrics and textiles, I always like to play around with materials. In all of my living room designs you’re likely to find a combination of wood, metal, fabric and stone. I feel like these elements add richness and diversity to a space.

Photo & Design: Studio Mcgee

Lastly…

Pay attention to the legs of your furniture. Incorporating a few pieces with visual weight (ie: low to the ground) helps tremendously. You want variety and interest in leg heights, shapes, and sizes, to create a captivating space.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to create a living room that’s aesthetically pleasing, functional and inviting. Here’s a little round up to give a sense of where we could land with these living room design tips in hand:

Wall Sconce | Floral Pillow | Stripe Pillow | Vintage Boat Print | Botanical Art Print | Printed Rug | Velvet Sofa | Coffee Table | Striped Storage Ottoman | Aged Terracotta Jar | Faux Olive Branch

SHOP living room DECOR

The post Designing a Living Room: Pro Tips from a Seasoned Interior Designer appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.