Top to bottom: Lily Pulitzer Rousseau Ottoman at Horchow; Mushroom Pouf at Anthropologie; Jennifer Delonge Leather Baby Poufs at Petit Tresor; Kilim Ottoman at Anthropologie; Lily Pulitzer Rousseau Ottoman (inside view) at Horchow; Gold Leather Morrocan Pouf at Neiman Marcus
When considering living room furniture or how to outfit a small space you hope to entertain in, seating is an important piece of the puzzle. Ottomans, poufs and storage cubes are three ways I've found maximize space while maintaining design quality.
Poufs are by far my favorite way to add some savvy style to a room, as they are not only on-trend, but are totally versatile. Look for leather, metallics and velvet for a Moroccan flavor on a patio --or in any chic space for that matter, as a plush footrest, and comfy addition to a living room or child's nursery. See Petit Tresor, here and here, Serena & Lily, and Posh Totsin particular for some charming options that work well for children's spaces.
Donna Emma and Larry Davis’s Manhattan apartment, designed by Adam Rolston
An ottoman is a great traditional coordinating piece with a sidechair, to rest your feet, but also serves well as extra casual seating, pulled up next to a coffee table for a party or intimate gathering with the fam, and is super-cozy and inviting beside a fireplace. Ottomans are great in grand spaces as well and can add drama too, as shown below in ELLE Decor's feature on Nanette Lepore's home, who is absolutely one of my favorite designers! Jonathan Adler designed most of the space, which is so feminine and effortlessly chic, like Ms. Lepore's clothes, and so Parisian! The poodle is optional of course. But I've got mine so I like to think I'm halfway there!
I discovered storage cubes and storage ottomans offer a practical and pretty alternative at a vanity table. I bought mine, a lovely buttoned style in ivory for my vanity table (currently sold out but see Urban Outfitters for some cool affordable choices), from Rachel Ashwell's Simply Shabby Chic line at Target. It stores my hairdryer, hair accessories and more, and is comfortable and compact.
Nanette Lepore's poodle Bunny in the Dressing Room of her Manhattan home
photo credit: William Waldron for ELLE Decor
Nanette Lepore's Manhattan home designed by Jonathan Adler
photo credit: William Waldron for ELLE Decor
Ottomans get really glamorous in larger sizes or in velvet or with fringe, in a bedroom, dressing room, living room or even a closet. Under a window, in a pair at the foot of a bed, or as a table stacked with some lovely reads, are all chic ways to arrange ottomans, poufs and cubes when not in use. I'm craving the floral-lined storage ottoman by Lily Pulitzer shown at the top of this post as its made to store many a glamorous pair of heels or I'd love a dramatic plush velvet one like Ms. Lepore's but first I need to supersize my closet! Until then, my vanity cube from Target works as an affordable buy & nice alternative to a traditional chair. Now, pull up a seat and have a look at some of my favorites ottomans, poufs & cubes out there now.
