Fabric choices are instrumental in creating a desired theme in any interior, be it classic, country style, masculine, modern or unique. There is such a vast array of fabrics and textiles on the market today – from simple calico to rich velvets and elaborate, delicately coloured prints. There is a fabric for every budget, every desired effect and every interior application. Fabrics lend essential colour, richness, texture and comfort to an interior. Soft furnishings can be used in many forms throughout a space.
Fabrics should be selected with the utmost care. The fall of the fabric, shrinkage, maintenance, stain-proof, fade free, colourfast, fire retardant, mothproof, non-static, upholstery and drapery are all factors that need to be considered.
There are a few simple rules when it comes to using soft furnishings throughout a room. Patterns can be mixed, as long as colours harmonise and there is an affinity between the patterns. Fabric patterns should complement fixtures such as architectural details and floor finishes. The scale of the pattern should be consistent with the size of the space. A busy pattern may look better as cushions rather than a large floor rug. The overall colour scheme and theme of the interior also needs to be considered.
Once you have taken everything in to consideration, the challenge of coordinating different fabric choices to create the look you’re after begins. This is where the skills of an experienced interior designer may come in to play. Once you have settled on a style, the process of designing and sourcing fabrics can begin. Firstly, the major decisions such as drapery and upholstery need to be made. Then finish with accessories, such as cushions and throws.
Another option in the decision making of soft furnishings is to choose a floor rug first. It becomes an integral part of the room’s décor, pulling all the elements together and anchoring them down. Choose a floor rug that you love, it’s going to be around for a long time! If you can start with the rug and build a room around this anchor, you will realise how many options of fabrics in all colours and styles, wall treatments and finishes are available to coordinate with it.
Overall, adding more texture and layers to a room increases that room’s warmth.
I have found that the latest trend is all kinds of fresh and pastel. Grey, lemon, mint and melon mix with natural textures, spliced fabrics, metallics and wood elements. Over-scaled weaves, woven chunky stripes, houndstooth and shag textures are found across cushions and throws. Oversized pod cushions in grey while mint is the new hue for bed linen, against monochrome grid patterns and herringbone prints or layered with soft pastels in oversized graphics. Throws are spliced with a mix of fabrics, geo prints and micro textures.
Contact us for all your soft furnishing advice and needs.
By Kim Lowe Interiors