Luscious velvets, cozy chenilles, cool linens; plaids, polka dots and stripes – fabrics evoke a sense of warmth, beauty, and endless possibilities. The earliest known fabrics date back to ancient Mesopotamia and were handcrafted from natural fibres. Overtime, with advances in technology and trade, the production of textiles became easier and resulting in today’s vast array of beautiful choices, inspired by designs from around the world.
Fabrics are so accessible today that we often take them for granted and overlook the profound impact that the right fabric will bring to a space. Not only do textiles add to the aesthetic of a room, but the tactile nature of fabric creates a sensory experience that can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort and safety.
Luxurious fabrics have the power to transform a space
There have been a number of times I have been on a consult and the client thought they should replace the sofa in order to spruce up the room. Unless the sofa is worn or uncomfortable, I will often suggest custom cushions made from a designer fabric. No matter how beautiful or not beautiful a sofa is, the eye goes to the custom cushions first. They add new life to a tired space and give the room a beautiful focal point, and can also fool the eye into thinking everything is high end. For this reason I like to make them little jewels.
The mix of patterns in this space are balanced by the solid green sectional. Because of the beautiful amount of light that filters into the room through the large windows, I choose a more intense pattern for the cushions on the sectional to ground the space. These cushions are custom made with beautiful Schumacher fabrics and a down fill.
Beautiful fabrics add softness to a space and invite use
Kitchens, bathrooms and hallways are what I call hard spaces, meaning there’s a lot of hard surfaces and not a lot of softness. A well placed runner, beautiful hand towel or a pop of colour from a down filled cushion can do so much to soften a room and make it inviting. If there’s a space or corner of your home that isn’t used but should be (and we all have those rooms or corners) then try adding some textiles. It’s surprising how a few well placed textiles can change the flow of a space.
This eating area has become a well used space for breakfasts, homework and relaxing with a cup of coffee. We chose a bright wallpaper to liven up the space and brought in softness with the plaid valance and floral toss cushion. Banquette fabric is 100% polyester that can be easily spot cleaned.
Fabrics introduce texture and warmth to a space making it feel complete and pulled together
Window treatments are a wonderful way to introduce fabric in the home. Aesthetically valances and draperies add to the room, creating warmth and softness as well as allowing for the expression of individual style. Function can be easily addressed through the selection of fabrics, be it a simple sheer to dim light, blackout draperies for better sleep or a combination of fabrics for optimum light control. In the past few years I have been doing a lot more drapery installations because of the versatility they offer and because it’s a simple way to inject a whole lot of personality to a space.
This kitchen renovation turned out beautiful with it’s creamy white cabinets and countertop. To add a dash of whimsy and personality, I chose a fun monkey fabric from Zimmer + Rhode for the roman shade.
Our surroundings deeply affect our emotions and we need to use this to our benefit
Soft cozy fabrics such as velvet, boucle and cashmere work well in a bedroom or relaxation corner. These textures have the power to reduce stress and anxiety by triggering the release of serotonin and dopamine. Investing in the right bed sheets, be it linen, cotton or flannel, is an important part of mastering sleep hygiene. Soft bedding will reduce friction on the skin, bringing feelings of relaxation, which leads to a deeper sleep.
Calm colours work best for a bedroom, but that doesn’t necessarily mean boring. Select a colour palette that is soothing without being dull. Look for different textures and natural fibres like cotton, bamboo or linen.
Bold patterns can energize a room while small scale prints or plain fabrics can promote relaxation. For a designer look, mix both large and small scale patterns and throw in some solids. This adds visual interest to any room and it’s a lot easier to do than it appears. Use similar colours to create harmony and always have one pattern that stands out as the star. Try playing with different combinations and you’ll begin to feel what patterns and colours balance with each other. Depending on the mood you want to create, the balance can be tipped in either direction.
This colour palette was put together for a client who wanted pink in her living room but didn’t want it to look cloyingly sweet. Using a soft white on the walls keeps the look fresh and adding green and brown accents give this look a bit of punch.
A thoughtfully selected fabric that appeals to the senses and enhances the mood of a space is a worthwhile investment
Investing in high quality, beautiful fabrics can be a sustainable choice. These fabrics tend to last longer and reduce the need to change them out. When you find something you truly love, the love affair will last a long time. When a client says to me they get bored easily so they buy disposable, it makes me shudder. What they are really saying to me is that they didn’t take the time to carefully consider what the room needs, who they are and what makes them feel good. Beautiful fabrics are an important part of a well designed home and more than that, they are a way to enhance feelings of comfort and sanctuary.
