Pillows can instantly change the look of a room. They're an easy way to take your decor from winter to summer, quicker (and less work-intensive) than a coat of paint, and far more inexpensive than a new couch. My current favorites are pillows made by local designer Diane Kappa. Her fresh, bright, hand-painted silk pillows will excite a dull couch or wake up a boring bed.

Kappa marries her love of paint, pattern and fabric to create gorgeous pillows in lush and exotic designs and rich colors. "They're like functional art for your couch," she says of her pillows. Through a seven-step process Kappa turns out 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-inch pillows in contrasting combinations such as turquoise, chocolate and taupe; powder blue, chocolate and salmon; orange, red and gold; and chocolate and lime. The pillows are reversible—one side typically features an organic motif of flowers, leaves or vines, and the other side is striped or geometrical patterned. You're really getting two pillows for the price of one.

Have a specific color palette in mind? Select an existing design, give Kappa paint chips or fabric swatches and she'll mix up dyes to match. If you have young children or ill-behaved dogs who like to tear up pillows, consider Kappa's hand-painted wall hangings. A 24x36" hanging is $170.

Pillow prices range from $100-$200 and are available at Venue and through Kappa's website.

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