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House_beautiful_jill_brinson_square72 More_ways_to_waste_time_chair_cover_throw_square72 Vicente_wolf_chair_covers_square72 More_ways_to_waste_time_img_3703_square72 Bridget_kelly_s_livingroom_via_kidstodayonline.com__square72

This time of year, as I long for spring and try to ward off the cabin fever that usually accompanies frigid February, I like to look around my home for easy updates— ones that will make my home feel cozy and fresh without requiring a trip to the store. So what's the quickest and easiest update of all?

Drape a throw or shawl (or rug!) over your sofa or chair to add warmth, texture, and/or color. An easy concept for sure, but as you can see, depending on how and what you are draping, the look can vary widely. Let's explore some options...

• 1. Try as I might, I could not help but work Jill Brinson's incredible home, featured in House Beautiful December 2009 issue, into a post. Yes, it's been featured all over the blogosphere, but for good reason, lots of good reasons. Today let's just focus on one: her use of the cow hide rug. While surely many of us will disagree on the ethical nature of using an animal skin as decoration, I hope we can all agree on the pleasing visual impact that its texture and irregular form has in contrast to the pristine formal look of the upholstered settee. A large shawl in an ethnic print could have a similar effect when draped over a formal piece of furniture— bold and unexpected and full of contrast.
• 2. Leah of more ways to waste time added a bold punch of color and pattern to her white slip-covered chair by simply tucking a throw blanket into the back of the seat cushion. I love the casual simplicity of the look, and also appreciate it's stain-preventing cleverness.
• 3. Vicente Wolf uses green shawls to tone down the formality of two white wing back chairs. Draping the shawls over the back and down the middle of the chairs has a similar effect to a large stripe.
• 4. One more from Leah of more ways to waste time. For her sofa, she chose to drape a multi-patterned throw blanket over the seat back, which completely changes the look of the all white sofa, and detracts from the drama of the bold accent pillows.
• 5. There's no need to stick to one pattern or type of accent throw. Although all the base furnishings and walls are white, this room is bursting with energy thanks to a successful blend of colors and textures: sheep skin, faux animal print, and ethnic weaves.

(Images: 1: House Beautiful, 2, 4: more ways to waste time, 3: Vicente Wolfe, 5: Bridget Kelly via Kids Today Online)