I have been a custom window treatment professional for sixteen years, have fabricated lots of draperies, valances and Roman shades and sold a lot of Hunter Douglas blinds, shades and shutters. I thought of pillows as accessories, as a sort of add on or didn't think about them much at all until I started to update the decor in my own home. We built our house 22 years ago, and after two decades of kids, dogs and elderly parents, things were starting to look a little shabby. I'm very fortunate to have accounts with a number of decorator fabric distributors and fortunate to work with my upholsterer, the Custom Shoppe in Ansonia CT and with my designer friend, Lynda Reid. At a charity fund raiser event I fell in love with a multi-colored kilim. Didn't get it but found another; that was the first piece in our decor update for our family room. We put it on top of an old berber rug, and of course. it didn't go with the furniture, which was getting pretty Old. My upholsterer, Andy Apuzzo, suggested it look for vintage pieces of furniture at a Goodwill Super Store in Bridgeport CT. Over time I found three pieces, a sofa, loveseat and ottoman. I was determined to have a purple couch and. after ordering several samples and half yards, found just the one I wanted; very durable. With the help of my friend, designer Lynda Reid of Lynda Reid Designs in Shelton CT, I chose a teal velvet, also very durable and also from Kasmir for the loveseat. I upholstered the ottoman in the purple fabric, partly in an effort to make the sofa look bigger (Lynda's suggestion). Next I looked for fabric for pillows. I found some fabulous fabrics from Vervain (purchased from Fabricut, and also used a Romo fabric for the bolsters. Eventually, we had the ugly old berber replaced with a hardware floor. Next years project in her: new paint, draperies and wall art.

This moody formal family room creates moments throughout the space for conversation and coziness. This piano is used by the children to practice their craft. Surrounded by art, it's a place of inspiration and creativity.

This moody formal family room creates moments throughout the space for conversation and coziness. This cozy chair exudes texture, creating the perfect spot to relax with a book. The custom table adds visual interest and function.

This moody formal family room creates moments throughout the space for conversation and coziness. This chest was purchased from the previous owners and is a nod to the tradition of the home.

This moody formal family room creates moments throughout the space for conversation and coziness. The gallery wall situated near the piano is a collection of family memories, an instant conversation started and a reminder of a life well-lived.