There’s something profound about bringing an antique piece into a room, and for me, it’s the stories woven into these objects that make them so special. Among the pieces that captivate me most are the extraordinary pillows created by Rebecca Vizard of B. Viz Design, each stitched from the world’s finest textiles—antique Ottoman embroidery, tapestries, and rare clerical robes sourced from across the globe. These pillows are more than just beautiful accents; they are investments in history, preserving intricate patterns and delicate fibers that have traveled centuries to be here.
At Marie Flanigan Interiors, we often look for ways to weave depth and character into our designs, and these pillows are one of my favorite ways to do that. When you hold one, you can feel its history—the weight of it, the rich colors, the textures that speak of artistry honed over generations. They have the rare ability to transform any room, drawing the eye, inviting you to linger. Each pillow has its own soul, infusing spaces with a kind of reverence that only objects with real history possess. In a living room, a pair of antique Ottoman Empire pillows can elevate a linen sofa, adding instant sophistication. In a bedroom, one antique lumbar pillow perfectly situated on a bedscape or a tapestry pillow on an armchair can set the tone for the entire space, grounding it in warmth and elegance.
Rebecca Vizard, the creative genius behind B. Viz Design, shares this love for history. Raised in Louisiana, Rebecca has a long-standing admiration for the textiles of bygone eras, inspired by her roots and the region’s deep appreciation for preservation. Her journey into pillow-making began as a personal exploration and grew into an art form. She became captivated by relics, particularly textiles, and began sourcing historic fabrics that tell the stories of empires, liturgical rites, and the lives of people across continents.
Each B. Viz pillow begins with a meticulous selection of textiles that once graced clerical robes, Ottoman garments, and other storied pieces. These aren’t mere scraps; they’re carefully curated sections of history, lovingly preserved. With her team, Rebecca transforms these textiles into pillows, retaining as much of the original design and material integrity as possible. The result is an heirloom-quality piece that bridges past and present. And when you bring one into your home, you’re not just investing in a decorative item; you’re investing in a piece of the world’s history, preserving it for future generations.
Designing with these pillows feels almost ceremonial. Placing one on a bed or a chair is a conscious decision, one that reminds us of the power of timeless design and the stories objects carry within them. It’s a reminder to slow down, to appreciate not just what’s new but what has been tested by time. It’s a privilege to bring that sense of enduring beauty into every home, and I’m endlessly grateful to artisans like Rebecca, who make that possible.
SHOP MY CURATED COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE TEXTILE PILLOWS ON MARIEFLANIGAN.COM