My good friend Liz over at The Arthur emailed me the other day to tell me that she had found two kilim pillows on one of her vintage hunts. She suggested that they might make a nice addition to my living room and wondered whether I would like to buy them before she put them up for sale on her website. Liz knows a push-over when she sees one and I easily acquiesced to her suggestion!
There’s something about floor pillows that makes a living room more relaxed and intimate. You’re kind of inviting your friends to take their shoes off and get comfortable. They also provide great extra seating in a pinch which is definitely a plus in narrow or small living rooms like ours.
Some of my favorite rooms feature kilim floor pillows:
Artist David Bromley’s home
Marie Olsson Nylander’s home
But I have to admit that it was these images, from Commune designer Roman Alonso’s home, (first seen over on Simple Lovely) that convinced me that adding a couple extra kilim pillows would be a good addition to my home. I find this simple, relaxed bohemian style works well for a family (where nothing is too precious) while still having a bit of an edge.
The other thing I noticed in these photographs was the dark brown trim and woodwork. This is very common in Toronto homes and often a bone of contention for new homeowners. Many people feel in order to modernize their home they either have to paint the woodwork out or be happy decorating in a style that is suited to the period of the house. I think these photographs are proof that you can keep the dark woodwork and still have a eclectic, creative up to date home. Don’t you think? Do these rooms speak to you?
Oh and if any of you out there are looking for a specific vintage treasure for your home, say a kilim pillow or vintage artwork drop Liz a line. She’s happy to do the hunting for you! What would you send her hunting for?
Photo credits: 1) The Marion House Book 2) Mikkel Vang 3) Sara Svenningrud 4,5,6) Amy Neunsinger
14 Comments
Oh, that’s exactly what I did with some damaged Moroccan rugs, I sewed them into pillows for our TV room. It looks fantastic and pretty unique [and it's recycling!]
lucky you! i am waiting for some kilim pillows to arrive from turkey via etsy – had i known liz had an eye out, i would have snagged yours!
@Jenn – the pillows from Turkey will be amazing I’m sure. Looking forward to seeing them.
I love floor pillows…I think they make a space homier, it just says “here we spend time together, where ever we fit” luv it!
Floor pillows are so cozy … and these are beautiful! Great addition to your room!
I live in Toronto too. How funny that I was looking at Roman and Williams’s interiors the other day and came to the same conclusion as you about those early 20th century Toronto houses. My husband and I still regret not buying a house a few years ago that had a lot of panelling. I was convinced it should be painted grey and he wanted to keep it. Now we live in a beautiful modern box, but think wistfully of that house still. I keep decorating it in my mind in this style!
I have a kilim pillow and more than a couple of kilims that are still rugs. Some purchased here and some while I was traveling through Turkey, and always enjoy using them where ever I live. Regarding the woodwork: I’m happy that in the last three old houses I’ve owned the millwork had already been painted white. I prefer it that way and I didn’t have to do myself. ;o)
GAH, I love them!! I’ve been on a vintage kilim visual kick for weeks, pinning them on pinterest, drooling over them. They look STUNNING in your home.
They work really well in your home. I want to come over and lounge with a glass of tea. I am similarly obsessed – I did a recent post here: http://veneerdesigns.com/blog/?p=1172
but you my friend are living the dream.
No way! Liz should have contacted me first! (:
They look lovely in your home Emma. And they are so you (and me!).
Warm hugs,
Mon
Well! Looks like your love for all things Kilim is shared by many! i’ll keep my eyes peeled for more and will spread the word next time i see them! And they look lovely (of course) in your living room!
oh…yes! Absolute perfection….and my favorite image? the first one. your home. hands down. It is so warm and so lovely Emma….and those pillows are the perfect addition.
xo
Melis
Thank you for mentioning the woodwork issue! I have been grappling with what to do with mine for years now. I decide something new each day. These images are definitely going into my “wood panelling inspiration” folder! Wood definitely works with kilim rugs.
@Claire – I know it’s a hard call – there is something about painting over original woodwork that seems wrong although I admit I have done it many times. (i”ve always been pleased with the results mind you!) I think if I had seen something like this though I might have given it a second thought.