Updated April 3, 2018
According to this recent article in The Chicago Tribune, needlepoint, particularly pillows, is a new decorating trend.
And I couldn’t be happier.
Anyone who has been to my house knows that there are three things you can count on, besides good food — colorful walls, eclectic decorating, and needlepoint. While I’m not sure colorful walls are staging a big comeback, two hallmarks of the new decorating trends are eclectic style and needlepoint.
Take that modern chair and mix it up with a very traditional needlepoint pillow. Or, do as I have done in my living room, pictured above. This very traditional wing chair has a needlepoint pillow on it. But it’s needlepoint with a difference. Instead of the traditional florals you might expect, the pillow is bright, modern, and geometric. Some have been designed by me, some by others. But what’s key is the mixture of styles.
I have made several of these pillows from Maggie Co and they sit on traditional chairs and a Mission style couch. My scrap bag needlepoint pillows, which are also very geometric, live on a big wicker chest or a chintz armchair. The needlepoint on my walls spans every style I do. I pick them because I like them — who knew I was being trendy?
Some other ideas to add needlepoint into an eclectic decorating scheme:
- Make needlepoint in the same style as some of the art on your walls and hang it nearby.
- Do you have a collection of something? Why not include some needlepoint in the same style and mix it in?
- Showcase framed needlepoint as part of tablescapes, mantle decor, or gallery walls.
Look around, how can you make your home look more modern by mixing styles and adding needlepoint?
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
I agree—needlepoint is making a comeback in terms of home accessories. I recently wrote a post on Bargello needlepoint in hopes of raising further interest. Artist Emily Mackey (a.k.a. Maxemilia on Etsy) does the craft justice with her gorgeous Bargello embroidered cushions!
Am in the middle of downsizing/organizing. Came across several partly finished needlepoint pillows. On one pillow, it only needs 1-2 days more of stitches. Have set it aside to finish ASAP. After finished, I’ll take it to a seamstress to assemble it as I am not as skilled with regular sewing. Who would have thought that downsizing would make me smile and also ‘gift’ me with an almost finished needlepoint pillow? Wonder what other special things are to be found when I look around? Thanks!