Custom Throw Pillows & Home Furnishings | NC Triad

At Melissa Creech Designs, our pillows aren’t mass-produced—they’re thoughtfully designed and made with a designer’s eye, small-batch intent and craftsmanship you simply won’t find in chain stores.

From expert pattern placement to versatile fabric selections, every pillow is created with purpose. We design mix-and-match collections that let you build your own story over time—combining styles that feel personal, layered and fresh. Many of the fabrics, combinations and trims we use aren’t available in retail stores, which means your home won’t look like everyone else’s.

With over 20 years of experience creating custom decorative throw pillows and luxury soft furnishings, we understand how to balance style with real-life practicality. Whether it’s pet-friendly performance fabrics or classic designs that transition through life stages, we aim to make design that works for the way you actually live.

Most of our clients come through referrals and word of mouth. Many are repeat customers we’ve worked with across homes, families, and life chapters—and we love helping their spaces grow along with them. Our client base includes design-savvy homeowners, second-home owners (think mountain, lake, and beach houses), and those furnishing first homes for college students or young adults.

We specialize in designs that hold up beautifully in homes with pets, kids, and grandkids—and we believe truly custom design starts with the individual, not what’s already been done. If it’s already been done, it was done for someone else—and that’s exactly the point. Our custom designs start with you, your home, and your why.

Want to know more? Learn about our story, our design philosophy, and what we offer → Check out our story.

If you've visited Martin's Mercantile recently, you may have noticed our designer throw pillows are no longer there. Martin's Mercantile is expanding their own retail and workshop space—good news for Lauren and Darryl and the community they're building. That growth means our pillows have moved from Summerfield to our Greensboro studio.

We're grateful for the client relationships that grew out of our time in Summerfield, and we're looking forward to seeing what Martin's Mercantile offers next.

You can shop our handcrafted pillow covers online or visit our Greensboro studio by appointment to browse pillows, pillow inserts, and designer fabrics.
Schedule a studio visit or shop throw pillow covers online—new listings coming soon.

Learn more about what studio shopping by appointment actually feels like—and why clients prefer it.
→ Read: Why Our Best Client Experiences Happen in the Studio

Yes—we proudly sold our decorative and outdoor pillows at Aubrey Home for nearly 13 years, from shortly after they opened until their closing in 2024.

Yes! You can shop our ready-to-ship decorative pillow covers and Custom Collection online. It’s a great way to get inspired before your visit—or buy directly from wherever you are. Shop now.

We ship pillow covers across the U.S. and offer local pickup either at our Greensboro studio or at Martin’s Mercantile in Summerfield, NC—whichever is more convenient for you.

We're a design-first sewing workroom & design studio focused on creating exactly what you need. Our boutique pillow shop at Martin’s Mercantile in Summerfield, NC and our online pillow collection represent a carefully curated sampling from the nearly 1,000 handcrafted pillow options possible with our current in-house fabric collection. See a pillow you love? We can create it in different sizes, modify the styling, or use it as inspiration to build a complete pillow grouping tailored to your space. Because nearly everything we create is made-to-order, you get exactly what you envision rather than settling for available mass-produced inventory.

We prioritize exceptional fabric selection and intentional design over rushing to list our entire inventory of possibilities online. Curious what other pillows and fabrics we have available and what makes our fabric guidance different? Get in touch—we might have exactly what you're looking for.

Yes! Gift cards are available in multiple denominations and can be used for ready-made pillows, design appointments, or custom work.

Give Melissa Creech Designs Gift Cards.
Perfect for housewarming, newlyweds or design enthusiasts.

We offer custom sewing and design support across the NC Triad. Whether you need a few new decorative pillows or a complete room makeover, we can help you bring it all together. Options include:

•Custom pillows (your fabric or ours)—including luxury pillows with intricately embroidered fabrics, versatile go-anywhere lumbar pillows, indoor-outdoor pillows, and family-friendly pillows with stain-resistant performance fabrics

•Bedding: euros, shams, statement lumbar & bolster pillows, bed skirts, duvets

•Cushions: seat, back, bench, or banquette cushions (including new foam)

•Dining chairs: re-covering or skirting removable seats

•Window treatments: panels, café curtains, valances, & cornices

Learn more about our services:
• Customize Our Pillow Designs

• Create Your Perfect Pillows

• Complete Home Furnishings Service

• Design Visualization Service

• Fabric Strategy Consultation

• In-Home Design Services

Yes, we can help you select and source fabric so you can effortlessly update your space. We offer one-on-one guidance tailored to your space, vision, and lifestyle.

Most clients choose from one of these approaches:

1. Discovery Meeting – We meet at our Greensboro studio for collaborative planning.
   - This option is best when you'd like help choosing fabric for a single item or a small project. It’s a great way to see what fabrics we have in-house and get a feel for the direction that fits your project.
   - These meetings are complimentary for quick selections—but if things evolve into a fuller design consultation or we explore ideas beyond the original scope, our hourly design rate will apply. We’ll always let you know before that shift happens, of course. Just want to be transparent upfront!
2. In-home Measuring & Design Consultation – We offer in-home measuring and design consultations in the Greensboro, Summerfield, and greater NC Triad area.
   - This option is best when you'd like help choosing fabrics for multiple items or a larger project.
   - This helps us best understand your space, take precise measurements, and offer personalized advice.
   - Our hourly design rate will apply.
3. Shop Together – We shop with you locally to source materials.
   - Our hourly design rate will apply.
4. Full-Service Sourcing – We select options and present them to you.
   - Our hourly design rate will apply.

Please get in touch to discuss and schedule.

Absolutely. We have many more pillow and fabric options beyond what’s available online.

All of our pillows and custom home furnishings are crafted in our Greensboro, NC sewing workroom and design studio, where we host custom design consultations by appointment. If you’d like to explore our full fabric library or see additional pillows not yet listed online, just schedule a studio visit—we’d love to show you what’s new.

Absolutely. We offer in-home measuring and design consultations in the Greensboro, Summerfield, and greater NC Triad area.

We offer in-home design consultations and measuring services so you can avoid measurement mistakes and get a truly custom fit. Seeing your space helps us understand your style and existing furnishings so we can create pillows,
cushions, or home accents that blend beautifully and function perfectly.

Please get in touch to discuss your design needs.

Yes! Many of our clients live outside the immediate area. If you’re in driving
distance or visit Greensboro / Summerfield occasionally, we can work together in person and then continue the process remotely with swatches and photos.

We also offer virtual design consults and ship nationwide, so no matter where your home is, we can help.

Please get in touch to discuss your design needs.

We offer custom sewing and design support across the NC Triad. Whether you need a few new decorative pillows or a complete room makeover, we can help you bring it all together. Options include:

•Custom pillows (your fabric or ours)—including luxury pillows with intricately embroidered fabrics, versatile go-anywhere lumbar pillows, indoor-outdoor pillows, and family-friendly pillows with stain-resistant performance fabrics

•Bedding: euros, shams, statement lumbar & bolster pillows, bed skirts, duvets

•Cushions: seat, back, bench, or banquette cushions (including new foam)

•Dining chairs: re-covering or skirting removable seats

•Window treatments: panels, café curtains, valances, & cornices

•In-home measuring & design consultations (Triad area only)

To learn more go to Complete Home Furnishing Design Services

Yes! With our Complete Home Furnishings Design Consultation, you receive personalized pillow recommendations and guidance on how to integrate pillows into your spaces and your existing or planned décor.

And since you're local to us, you can schedule a studio visit to our Greensboro studio, where we design and fabricate all our products.

Get expert advice from an experienced custom home décor specialist and pillow designer. Personalized hands-on help with choosing fabrics that match your lifestyle, mixing and matching patterns, selecting pillow combinations—and tips on pillow arrangement makes refreshing your space simple and easy.

Please get in touch to discuss your design needs.

Definitely. We’ll guide you through choosing the right pillow size, insert type, and fabric—whether you’re shopping for decorative pillows, indoor-outdoor pillows, or high-performance fabrics for family and pet-friendly homes.

With our Complete Home Furnishings Design Consultation, you receive personalized pillow recommendations and guidance on how to integrate pillows into your spaces and your existing or planned décor.

And since you're local to us, you can schedule a time to meet Melissa at Martin's Mercantile or in our Greensboro sewing workroom and interior design studio.

Get expert advice from an experienced custom home décor specialist & pillow designer. Personalized hands-on help with choosing fabrics that match your lifestyle, mixing and matching patterns, selecting pillow combinations—and tips on pillow arrangement makes refreshing your space simple and easy.

Please get in touch to discuss your design needs.

Yes, our pillows and pillow covers are made-to-order, and most can be made in other sizes as well.

Yes, we offer custom decorative bolster pillows, handcrafted to order and available with either a fiber or feather insert (sold separately). These are designed as accent pillows for beds, benches, and sofas—not as support or yoga bolsters.

Our clients love using bolster pillows to add structure, dimension, and a designer touch to their spaces. Whether styled with other pillows or used as a bold standalone piece, bolsters are one of the most versatile accents we offer.

Check out Customize Our Pillow Designs & Create Your Perfect Pillows for our pillow cover customization and custom pillow creation options.

Yes, our pillows and pillow covers are made-to-order, and most can be made in other sizes.

Learn more Customize Our Pillow Designs.

Yes, our pillows and pillow covers are made-to-order, and most can be made in other sizes and completely customized.

Customization options:

• pillow size

• pillow shape

• fabric combination for front & back sides of pillow

• ¼” flange

• self-cording or contrasting cording

• addition of decorative fabric border or tape trim

• addition of Customer’s Own Materials (COM) trim 

To learn more about this service go to Customize Our Pillow Designs.

For custom pillows in your own fabric you can share your pillow specifications on our Create Your Perfect Pillows Quote Request Form to request a quote. 

For all other custom orders, simply get in touch to get started. Once we confirm your fabric, details, and measurements, we’ll send a quote and an estimated timeline.

To learn more about our custom services check out:

Create Your Perfect Pillows

Customize Our Pillow Designs

Complete Home Furnishings Designs

Most custom orders are completed in 2–4 weeks, depending on fabric availability and complexity. Rush options may be available—please get in touch to discuss timing.

Yes! We specialize in custom pillows using either our designer fabrics or your own material (a.k.a. Customer’s Own Materials - COM). We'll help you confirm if the fabric is a good fit for your project and calculate how much yardage you'll need.

Learn more at Create Your Perfect Pillows.

Yes, we offer a curated selection of premium feather down and hypoallergenic down alternative inserts in standard and custom sizes.

Shop our Pillow Insert Collection.

Get in touch to discuss options beyond those currently listed on our site.

The type of pillow insert you want depends on personal preference, as well as how and where the pillow insert will be used. We love the relaxed feel of feather down or synthetic down alternative inserts.

The insert type depends on the look you want and how the pillow will be used. We offer guidance in our Pillow Insert Type Guide, but here’s a quick overview:

• - 95/5 Feather Down: Soft, supportive, and ideal for decorative pillows. Great for the “karate chop” look. Indoor use only.
• - Synthetic Down Alternative (Faux Down): Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, washable, and our preferred insert. These offer the same weight and softness as feather down—without feathers poking through. Ours hold the “karate chop” look beautifully.
• - Outdoor Inserts: Designed for indoor-outdoor use, water-resistant, and non-allergenic. Best for covered patios and porches.

All inserts are not created equally—we recommend generously filled inserts sized 2–4 inches larger than your pillow cover for a plump, supportive result.

Shop our Pillow Insert Collection.

Flat or lumpy pillows are usually caused by low-quality inserts or incorrect sizing. Poly-fill inserts, for example, are stiff and can’t hold the iconic karate chop shape. They also tend to lump and don’t fill the corners of pillow covers well.

For a full, luxurious look and feel, we recommend high-quality 95/5 feather down or synthetic down alternative inserts that are 2–4 inches larger than the cover. These sumptuously plump inserts give your pillows the designer-style fullness you’ll love.

The insert type depends on the look you want and how the pillow will be used. We offer guidance in our Pillow Insert Type Guide, but here’s a quick overview:

• - 95/5 Feather Down: Soft, supportive, and ideal for decorative pillows. Great for the “karate chop” look. Indoor use only.
• - Synthetic Down Alternative (Faux Down): Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, washable, and our preferred insert. These offer the same weight and softness as feather down—without feathers poking through. Ours hold the “karate chop” look beautifully.
• - Outdoor Inserts: Designed for indoor-outdoor use, water-resistant, and non-allergenic. Best for covered patios and porches.

All inserts are not created equally—we recommend generously filled inserts sized 2–4 inches larger than your pillow cover for a plump, supportive result.

Shop our Pillow Insert Collection.

Cut yardage is available for select in-stock fabrics.

Some limited-availability or special-order fabrics are not available by the
yard.

Please get in touch to inquire about specific fabric availability and/or request a time to see what fabrics we have in-house at our Greensboro design studio.

Outdoor and performance fabrics are both durable and stain-resistant, but they’re designed for different uses:

Outdoor fabrics (like Sunbrella and InsideOut by Thibaut) are made to resist fading, mildew, and moisture. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them a versatile option for high-traffic or family-friendly spaces.

Performance fabrics (like Crypton) are designed for indoor use only. They offer powerful resistance to stains, spills, and wear — perfect for everyday living, pets, and kids — but are not made to withstand the elements like outdoor fabrics.

We’re happy to help you select the right option based on how and where
your piece will be used.

Yes! We love working with Customer’s Own Materials (COM). We’ll help you determine how much yardage is needed and whether your fabric is a good fit for your project.

We offer custom sewing and design support across the NC Triad. Whether you need a few new decorative pillows or a complete room makeover, we can help you bring it all together. Options include:

•Custom pillows (your fabric or ours)—including luxury pillows with intricately embroidered fabrics, versatile go-anywhere lumbar pillows, indoor-outdoor pillows, and family-friendly pillows with stain-resistant performance fabrics

•Bedding: euros, shams, statement lumbar & bolster pillows, bed skirts, duvets

•Cushions: seat, back, bench, or banquette cushions (including new foam)

•Dining chairs: re-covering or skirting removable seats

•Window treatments: panels, café curtains, valances, & cornices

•In-home measuring & design consultations (Triad area only)

To learn more go to Complete Home Furnishing Designs

We offer custom sewing and design support across the NC Triad. Whether you need a few new decorative pillows or a complete room makeover, we can help you bring it all together. Options include:

•Custom pillows (your fabric or ours)—including luxury pillows with intricately embroidered fabrics, versatile go-anywhere lumbar pillows, indoor-outdoor pillows, and family-friendly pillows with stain-resistant performance fabrics

•Bedding: euros, shams, statement lumbar & bolster pillows, bed skirts, duvets

•Cushions: seat, back, bench, or banquette cushions (including new foam)

•Dining chairs: re-covering or skirting removable seats

•Window treatments: panels, café curtains, valances, & cornices

•In-home measuring & design consultations (Triad area only)

To learn more go to Complete Home Furnishing Designs

We don’t offer full upholstery, but we do re-cover dining chair seats and create custom cushion covers for seat and back cushions, benches, and banquettes—including new foam if needed. We focus on loose or removable pieces only.

Learn more at Complete Home Furnishings Designs

Yes. We offer custom sewing and design support across the NC Triad.

We also help with basic repairs and alterations like:

•hemming draperies

•replacing a broken zipper on a pillow or cushion

•selecting new pillow inserts

•replacing foam in seat cushions or re-stuffing tired looking back cushions

Please get in touch to discuss and schedule.

Our pillows and pillow covers are individually custom made-to order, and our lead time is typically 1-3 weeks. Lead time and turn-around time fluctuates with order volume.

Your confirmation email will provide a production time estimate and/or notification of any circumstances that could lead to longer lead times for your order.

If additional fabric quantities must be sourced for your order, this may delay shipment of your order as some fabric manufacturers have long lead times.

If you opt to customize our standard pillow covers, then longer turn-around times are to be anticipated.

Since you're local, you can opt to pickup your order instead of having it shipped. You can choose local pickup either at our Greensboro studio or at Martin’s Mercantile in Summerfield, NC—whichever is more convenient for you.

If you opt for shipping then once your pillow cover(s) are created and we have shipped your order, you will receive an email with tracking information. Delivery to continental U.S. addresses takes approximately 2-5 business days.

Please get in touch prior to placing your order if you need your pillow covers within a certain time frame. We may be able to offer Rush Service.

For details on our shipping options & order fulfilment timing please go to Order Fulfillment & Shipping.

Definitely! You can choose local pickup at our Greensboro studio.

Please get in touch to schedule.

We do NOT accept changes or cancellations to custom sewing orders once they are submitted.

Once your order is placed, we may immediately begin cutting the material necessary for your order.

If you realize you’ve made a mistake, get in touch as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate changes if production hasn’t started.

For the details of our policies please go to Return and Cancellation Policy.

We love working with designers! We offer trade pricing on custom work.

Get in touch to inquire about our to-the-trade discounts and collaborations for custom design work.

Online orders are priced the same for everyone, but we aim to offer competitive pricing comparable to trade-only brands.

Our best discounts and promotions are shared with our email and text subscribers.

Want in? Get in touch or text JOIN to 844-787-4206 to join our list.