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Just because your couch potatoes don't seem to notice anything beyond the TV doesn’t mean you should settle for style-free seating. Now that we are moving back inside, let’s see how we can update your sofa.

First, repurpose or stash the pillows that came with the sofa. Matchy matchy is a no no.

If you can make your own pillows, then by all means apply the following tips to your handiwork. If, like me, you lack sewing talent, then ready-made is the way to go.

We're looking to add texture, pattern, shape and colors. Stick with the mood of the room. Don't grab up jacquard silk pillows with crystal trim if you have a rustic lodge vibe going on.

Shopping List:

- 2 matching square pillows in proper scale with your sofa. They should come to the top of your sofa back or just below. These are your anchors for each corner and will pull your sofa style together.

- 2 different pillows of slightly smaller size and different shapes. One could be round and the other rectangle. If you have a more traditional room, the shapes could match.

- 1 focal pillow for the center. It should have a unique detail such an expensive trim or monogram. This should be your splurge. A lumbar shape will be the most comfortable to back up against.

Shopping rules:

While the pillows should look good, comfort comes first. If it doesn't feel good, it doesn't come home.

Easy care equals luxury in my book. If you have kids, pets or messy partners get pillow fabrics that can be cleaned.

If your sofa has a pattern, make sure the pillow pattern is smaller or larger in scale. Also, choose pillow colors that pull in your room's accent colors.

Type “throw pillows” into the search on QVC.com and you’ll find a plethora of choices. I love the Liz Claiborne set of two paisley 16x16 pillows and the reversible quilted cotton pillow by Valerie.

Couch caveats:

If you have a loose, pillow back style sofa skip all of the above. Otherwise, it will look like a pillow fight broke out. Go for one accent lumbar pillow for the center and a nice throw in an accent color over the arm. Go for fewer pillows and an off center placement.

A modern sofa might call for a more minimalist approach. Less is more, in this case. Pare your choices down to just two different pillows and place them just to one side.

I don't recommend breaking out the glue gun to add your own embellishments. That only seems to work on those TV decorating shows. Home ec can quickly turn to home wreck.

Now you're all set. Where's that remote?

Please share creative ways you’ve spiced up your seating.

Thanks,

Yours for a luxe life,

Susan Matthews