Want to give your couch a makeover? My daughter was feeling down about the state of hers before she had her sofa professionally dry cleaned (spot cleaning is great too if you can–I have sofa slipcovers that I wash). And read what else we did as it may work for you, too.
It’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
1. For Couch A Makeover: Add Designer Throw Pillows From Etsy
In spite of having a baby, a dog and entertaining going on (with food and wine) in their living room, our daughter, Alexandra really wanted nice designer pillows for Christmas and her birthday. I understand that, its one of the easiest ways to get a more modern look! The only thing is that other designer pillows that I had handed down to her had gotten trashed.
I said, “OK but the dog cannot curl up on top of them and you can’t just throw them in the washing machine!” (note: That’s how mine stay nice. Better to dry clean or gently hand wash and air dry the pillow covers).
Treating her like a client, Alexandra told me the colors she liked and I gave her four options on a mood board. This is the combo she selected for the sofa’s new life. I recommended 22″ square pillows.
Olive green linen covers • Rose stripe cover • Green linen floral cover • plush pillow inserts from Amazon
Purchase 24″ inserts for 22″ covers with feather and down fill (not stiff foam or poly-fil). Down alternative is also good. You may like Read This Before You Buy Another Throw Pillow!
Remember to fluff the back cushions and flip the seat cushions periodically. You may also like PILLOWS! My Ten Favorite Sources.
I saw this embroidered lumbar pillow in Pottery Barn the other day and thought it may be a nice addition to Alexandra’s collection (perhaps on their leather chair).
2. Using A Painter’s Drop Cloth To Protect Sofa Seats
This is the Jake sofa (The Sofa That Everyone Loves) and the upholstery can get dirty even though it’s in performance fabric. They had just had it professionally cleaned and I suggested covering it with a painter’s drop cloth. Alexandra is happy again with the fresh new look. Too bad I don’t have a before photo.
How cute is my little grandchild? I love her.
Notice the fiddle leaf fig tree in the corner? That was in our dining room in San Francisco. I’m glad it’s happy in Southern California!
When we had three dogs at our house for the holidays, I just spread throw blankets out on our sofa cushions while they were here. They could get a little disheveled but it kept the sofas clean.
3. The Power Of A Throw Blanket To Give Your Couch A Makeover
You may know that I love Quince cashmere throw blankets.The are well-priced for the quality. I wash them by hand with cold water, and let them air dry (don’t put them in the dryer). Not very often as they don’t seem to need it. I’ve also fluffed them in the dry on cool.
A throw blanket is comfortable and a pretty addition to your décor. And it makes a nice Valentine’s Day gift.
I also like Peacock Alley’s Cotton Throws (made in Portugal).
4. Mercedes’ Simple Arugula Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
The other night our friend Mercedes made this delicious salad recipe but omitted the raisins and used grated Romano cheese. The lemon shallot vinaigrette is a winner and similar to the one I make.
5. What To Watch: Tehran TV Series 2020
“An Israeli Mossad agent infiltrates Iran. But when her mission goes wrong, there’s no way out. Watch the series premiere of Tehran now on Apple TV+.”
Howard and I started this a while back and somehow stopped (probably due to lots of good things on television at the time). But we picked it back up and finished season two last night. It’s suspenseful…and I mean, tense! As in not a good idea to watch right before going to bed. I just read that there is going to be a season three.
6. Apple One
I know it’s difficult/expensive to have all these streaming services. We get Apple TV+ with our family plan on Apple One. Apple One bundles up to six Apple subscriptions (like the News, Music and Fitness) for one lower monthly price. I especially like Apple News as it includes most of my favorite magazines’ digital versions, such as (to show a few)…
To sum it up, give your couch a makeover for Spring by cleaning it and adding beautiful pillows and throws.
And one more thing…
Serena and Lily can be pricey so that’s why its good to check out their sales (up to 35% off right now). I could use another cute step stool (for my closet) and this wood and leather luggage rack is prettier than the one currently in our guest room (I would leave it out on display).
Also, I pulled the trigger on a chandelier, since it was on sale…stay tuned for the reveal 🙂
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Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Jennifer F Barry says
Can you please tell me the color and textile choice of the Jake sofa? The drop cloth looks like the exact same color! I’m really excited about trying this. I have a dog and I’m looking to purchase a new sofa and have been considering the Jake sofa from Pottery Barn. Recreating this look might be the answer!!! Yes, your grandchild is adorbs 😍
Mary Ann Pickett says
I believe it was the Ivory Premium Performance basketweave. You could buy the drop cloth and take it to Pottery Barn to view performance samples.
Annie Diamond says
I love all of the pillows! Your fiddle leaf fig looks perfect, just as it did in SF! Louisa is so darling!
We were watching Tehran as well and stopped…and I kind of forgot about it. It is so tense though…maybe afer the Australia Open is over….maybe…
Maeve says
You are the pillow maven!!! I have read (and bookmarked) your pillow posts. I thought you have room for another pillow on the couch, but, instead, totally adorable granddaughter! BTW, raisins are high carb and very sweet; i would leave them out, too — or put the add-ons in little dishes and let everyone add his/her own.
Debra Colpo says
Mary Ann,
Have you check the S&L outlet in Daytona? I love hitting it once a week or even every other week. You never know what will be there that you can’t live without.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I went to the one in Daytona once, Debra…it was pretty empty. It’s an hour away so not that convenient. That’s great you have had luck.
Francesca B says
Love the drop cloth idea how brilliant is that thank you Mary Ann! And your grand daughter is so darling …..l keep telling my married children to have a baby and they all say it’s in the five year plan !! Too long ! Happy Sunday 🙂
Melinda says
Would you seriously pay $398 for a luggage stand? When I went to Serena and Lily’s website and saw the price tag I gasped. That is totally ludicrous! How dare they think that is a fair price?
Mary Ann Pickett says
It must be really sturdy like hotel quality? Yes, more than I would want to pay but some people have the money.
Linda Salazar says
Love the pillow choices! Good idea for the drop cloth. We had our neighbors across the street over for happy hour and the first thing the wife said was “how do you keep a white sofa clean”? (It’s a Pottery Barn slipcovered in performance fabric which I bought once we had our first grandkid) However, we do not sit in that room often. We are moving out soon for our remodel. Since the place is furnished I will miss my pillows so I may bring a few. There are a lot of built in shelves in the living room so I do get to take a lot of my design books, decor, photos, etc.
What Apple One subscription do you have? Right now we only have Hulu and Netflix but I must admit we do not use very often. Some of the streaming services subscriptions are ridiculous. My husband likes Seal Team but then after a few seasons they put in on Peacock. Not worth the $45 a month.
It’s raining here but we really need it!
Linda
Mary Ann Pickett says
We pay around $40/month for four people on it. My son talked me into it…I do like the news.
Linda Salazar says
Not bad considering what is included with the subscription…something to look into. 🤔
cindy says
Allie’s sofa looks great! Jenna and Darius caved when Summer was younger and got a gray sofa. The painters drop cloth is a great idea!! Love the pillows!
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
The sofa and pillows look good. Your granddaughter is too adorable sitting on the sofa.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I miss that cutie!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Katherine!