Trim: The Jewelry You Didn't Know You Needed

While we were visiting the Boston Design Center last week, we spent some time in The Martin Group’s showroom (if you haven’t been, you definitely need to check it out - talk about a feast for the eyes!). And of course, we were there to see some of our favorite reps and meet the famous Jane Shelton (her fabrics are so chic and fun, but she is even MORE fun in person!).

As we were perusing the showroom, we noticed a pillow sitting on a sofa by Thibaut and thought, “wow……”. It was a standard pillow with a knife-edge, but rather than simply stitching the front and back together, they added an insert fabric to create a “cut-out” look. Check it out:

This got us thinking: we’re so busy each and every day sourcing fabrics for clients, we sometimes forget all the different ways trim and accessories can be used!

ONE: DRAPES

Of course, the go-to for trim is always to use it on drapes. But there are even unique ways to do that as well! Take the picture to the right from Samuel & Sons: a simple tape (a wide and narrow) was added as a double border to not only the leading edge, but to the bottom and top as well, creating a beautiful frame to the already inviting portal.

DESIGNER: BILLY CEGLIA WEBSITE: WWW.BILLYCEGLIA.COM PHOTOGRAPHER: NICHOLAS MELE PHOTOGRAPHY — DESIGNER: BILLY CEGLIA
WEBSITE: WWW.BILLYCEGLIA.COM
PHOTOGRAPHER: NICHOLAS MELE PHOTOGRAPHY

TWO: PILLOWS

Of course, you can add trim to frame the outer edges of a pillow. But there are other ways to add a little pizzazz to your pillows. Try adding a central trim that creates a focal point on your front pillow. Layer it with pillows that has a fringe trim or pom-poms which add a softness to a space!

TRIM FROM THE SAISONS COLLECTION FOR SAMUEL & SONS

TRIM FROM THE COUTURE COLLECTION BY LORI WEITZNER FOR SAMUEL & SONS

THREE: TABLE COVERS

This is another great way to add a little detail: creating a table cloth or runner which adds a softness to a space. If you find you have too many “hard” surfaces, this is a great way to offset that.

DESIGNER: MARK D. SIKES WEBSITE: WWW.MARKDSIKES.COM PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY NEUNSINGER — DESIGNER: MARK D. SIKES
WEBSITE: WWW.MARKDSIKES.COM
PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY NEUNSINGER

FOUR: CUSHIONS

Adding trim to cushions helps to create a “horizontal” visual line, which helps to focus your eyes on a specific point. Doing this allows you to create a focal point for the viewer, especially in an otherwise “simple” room (though, there’s nothing ever “simple” about a space!)

TRIM FROM SAMUEL & SONS

FIVE: BEDDING

Bedding is another area that trim can be added, whether in pillowcases, a duvet cover, or a Matelassé. Either way, adding a little trim is a surefire way to coordinate a spectacular bedroom!

TRIM FROM SAMUEL & SONS

SIX: TO PULL A SPACE TOGETHER

This is perhaps an extension of the previous “three”, so I suppose we’re cheating a little bit here. But this is where the “magic” happens - by adding trim to the areas listed above and using coordinating (or complimentary!) colors, you can pull together an entire space just by adding a little trim!