How Accessories Can Add Flair

Enter the exciting new world of textiles for a flair of tone and color that is replacing a oncefamiliar selection of modern pillows. Designer modern room details are making news with an artistic flair that was once thought reserved for the stylish elite. No longer does one have to accept the same design and material pumped out by the millions to compliment a room.

With the 21st century, a new and creative group of designers are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to adding pizzazz to modern home decor. Swedish award-winning artist, Lena Bergstrom, led Swedish textile manufacturer, Designers Eye, into the millennium with soft, appealing designs, perfectly bringing an air of opulence to any living room group or rooftop garden. The felted, virgin wool in simple, yet elegant floral shapes or horizontal stripes have been noted throughout the world.

Another substantial contributor to the world of textile art is Madeline Rogers of Mibo, located in the UK. A TV and Film Art Director who was tired of the blasé greeting of her own flat, set out to see if she could create something new and exciting with modern home accessories. Attracted to the sea, the large striped lounge chairs and the peaceful outdoors, a picture of soothing blossoms in earth tones and colors prompted her to design pillow jackets that brought the outdoors inside with flair and her work is now recognized worldwide.

Nothing spells fun like a pair of friends who can envision a dream, have a great work ethic and absolutely love detail and textiles. Modern Basics came to life when Page Ikeda and Rhonda Holloway, at the wheel, decided to begin a business of bright, stylish and witty accessories for the home. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the functional, comfortable and very attractive pillows and bedding line have taken the nation by storm since 2001.

The Japanese have had a traditional type of seating for centuries that is referred to as the zabuton. Unlike American culture, the zabuton is a pillow type floor mat made out of natural muslin fabric. Because this mat is used daily and in the place of chairs, they are made to last an average of eight to ten years. Americans have become intrigued with this ‘seat-cloth-sphere’ (zabuton translated) and they are beginning to appear in homes across the US. The muslin fabric can be covered with any type of fabric to match the decor of your choice and will stretch its life even further.

Choices in modern accessories are huge and expanding even more each day. Decorators are experimenting with exterior fabrics of chic, colorful blocks, paisley and plain suede to reflect all types of styles. Pillows that are round, rectangular or square are gaining popularity in homes and offices to set the mood in furniture groupings. Comfort in style with pillows is a modern day theme not likely to end soon.