The Swedes were one of the first to arrive on the decorating scene using textiles in artful design. Designers Eye, formed in 1997, is a textile design company leading the way in using only the best in fine fabrics while working with artists, such as Lena Bergstrom. A combination of felted, virgin wool with clean lines and flowing floral mixes make their designer pillows portray elegance wherever displayed.

Madeline Rogers, founder of Mibo, is a TV and Film Art Director who saw a need for a refreshing new tone in home decor accessory products by taking inventory at her own flat in London. British seaside resorts dotted with lazy striped loungers gave her the idea for pillow jackets with large blossoms that resemble a painting instead of oversized flowers. Shaded greens, beiges and grays with only a touch of red create a mellow tone with just the right hint of fun. Handmade and quality fabrics give Mibo’s pillows a charming and chic appearance at the same time.

Nothing spells fun like a pair of friends who can envision a dream, have a great work ethic and absolutely love detail and textiles. Modern Basics came to life when Page Ikeda and Rhonda Holloway, at the wheel, decided to begin a business of bright, stylish and witty accessories for the home. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the functional, comfortable and very attractive pillows and bedding line have taken the nation by storm since 2001.

A favorite of the Orient and now appearing more and more in the states is the zabuton. Typically square and measuring twenty to thirty inches across, this Japanese floor pillow has been used as a form of floor sitting for centuries in Japan. Designed to have an interior life of eight to ten years with daily use, the muslin fabric is perfect for an active home. Covering the exterior with another fabric can only add atmosphere to your room as these friendly pillows invite casual guests to have a seat.

Decorative pillows are no longer common, factory generated pieces where duplicates are found in every store. Design teams from all over the world are learning that textiles are an exciting way to express fashion and design. Whether you are looking to add drama to a fireplace, fun to a game room or modern style to your living area, pillows, runners and many other small decor selections can make a huge difference in your contemporary home style.

Lena Bergstrom, an award-winning artist from Sweden, sailed into the public eye with her love of fabrics. Designs crafted out of felted, virgin wool holds simplistic, woven designs that can only be viewed as art. Designers Eye is the Swedish manufacturing firm, featuring Lena’s work, one that is vigilant in producing only the best of contemporary Scandinavian designs with clean lines and unique patterns.

Another substantial contributor to the world of textile art is Madeline Rogers of Mibo, located in the UK. A TV and Film Art Director who was bored with the drab surroundings in her own home, set out to see if she could create something new and exciting with home accessories. Attracted to the sea, the large striped lounge chairs and the peaceful outdoors, a picture of soothing blossoms in earth tones and colors encouraged her to develop pillow covers that brought the outdoors inside with flair and her work is now recognized worldwide.

Page Ikeda and Rhonda Holloway, co-owners of Modern Basics, started their business of contemporary home furnishings and gifts in 2001. An appreciation of quality and design sensibilities led them to create basic, popular designs that can be found in stores throughout the United States today. Functional, stylish, fun and comfortable, throw pillows by Modern Basics hits the spot for that extra feeling of freedom.

The Japanese have had a traditional type of seating for centuries that is referred to as the zabuton. Unlike American culture, the zabuton is a pillow type floor mat made out of natural muslin fabric. Because this mat is used daily and in the place of chairs, they are made to last an average of eight to ten years. Americans have become intrigued with this ‘seat-cloth-sphere’ (zabuton translated) and they are beginning to appear in homes across the US. The muslin fabric can be covered with any type of fabric to match the decor of your choice and will stretch its life even further.

Choices in contemporary accessories are huge and expanding even more each day. Decorators are experimenting with exterior fabrics of chic, colorful blocks, paisley and plain suede to reflect all types of styles. Pillows that are round, rectangular or square are gaining popularity in homes and offices to set the mood in furniture groupings. Comfort in style with pillows is a modern day theme not likely to end soon.