"Cushions to a room are like jewellery to an outfit: the finishing touch", Melissa Penfold and Isabella Walker-Smith share their favourite cushion selections  and styling tips in the June issue of House & Garden magazine.

"Cushions are one of a decorator's most adaptable tools. They can be a great remedy to boost a sofa, chair or bed's morale. If a room seems too dark, cushions can lighten it up. If it's boring, they can add flash and pump up the volume. A mix of different designs is more visually interesting than a uniform set. Contrasting shades and styles add depth." 

"Our love for Living by Design is well-documented, and the brand has a robust selection that ranges from wool, cotton and linen, to jute, alpaca and suee. For a subdued coastal vibe, we like the chunky wool covers. The designer's go-to for homewares, and reliably good value and quality. Subtle patterns and detailing add variety to the collection of attractive textures. Look up 'Ricca' hand-woven cushion in Rust + Ivory Stripe, $34.99, and 'Johan Regency Stripe' in Ice Blue, $39.99."

"People often go wrong by cluttering  sofa with too many cushions of the same size. Overstuffed cushions can also be off-putting. They shouldn't be so intrusive that you can't sit on the sofa. We prefer softer, less structured ones that you can sink into. 

Scour antique shops and markets for scraps of tapestries, needlepoints, mud cloths and other fabrics, then have them sewn in to cases - something that's easy enough to do with a sewing machine. 

Go for contrasts and mix big and small patterns (same-sized patterns together look wrong) Opposites are also attractive. Team stripes with checks, florals with plains. Old with new. Smooth and rough".

Australian House & Garden June 2025

View the Living by Design cushion collection here.