A room without textiles is a room without visual and tactile warmth. Yet we often consider textiles as an afterthought when planning an update to our decor. We might paint our bedroom in a fresh new colour, for instance, but continue to use our faded bedding and window coverings. Perhaps the living room has been updated with new furniture but the area rug, toss cushions and draperies are original. Textiles play an important part in most rooms in the home so they require attention at the onset of a decorating plan.
Inspiration
Fabric can be a wonderful inspiration for your colour palette and overall design scheme when planning a redo. Whether you happen upon scrumptious curtains or fantastic bedding, fabric can be the jumping off point for an entirely new décor style. If the pattern and colours are attractive then the colours will work well together as an overall colour palette. The right-fabric design, like Toile for example, may inspire you to take a whole new direction with your décor.
Tactile comfort
Plush carpeting, sumptuous bedding, cozy furniture throws all combine to make a room comfy. The physical comfort and visual beauty of the right textiles make for a beautiful and soothing space. Just look at our tranquil bedroom photograph, courtesy of Dulux, for example. The plush bedding, bed skirt and pillows, the soft, upholstered furniture and rich carpeting all signify plush comfort in this well-appointed bedroom. Softness abounds in this lovely space. The monochromatic colour palette creates a serene oasis, which is perfect for a restful bedroom. Fabric even provides auditory softness because it absorbs sound.
Room by room
In a bedroom consider including a padded headboard covered in a luxurious fabric like faux suede. Soft curtains that pool on the floor might be an excellent choice in lieu of or in addition to linear blinds or shades. Consider installing a padded, fabric covered valance for additional visual softness.
A living room without textiles can be cold and stark. Toss cushions are an easy fix as are plush furniture throws. Fabric upholstery versus leather is a visually warmer choice and allows for the infusion of pattern and colour. If you have leather furniture consider including a fabric-covered ottoman and/or accent chair in a fresh, new pattern to bring in some warmth and colour. A plush area rug under the furniture grouping will ground the arrangement, will add colour and pattern and also provide softness underfoot. Draperies in common rooms like this usually dominate a large portion of the wall space so it's important to give them the attention they require. Ask a professional for advice when shopping for substantial purchases like formal draperies.
Linens in the kitchen and bathroom, while necessary, can also be a great way to add colour and pattern. Treat yourself to new linens that will update your kitchen and/or bath. A new shower curtain, towels and bath mats can give your tired bathroom an updated, fresh look. Bright new curtains can help dress up a boring kitchen. Fresh table linens in coordinating colours will help finish the new look.
For kids' rooms incorporate plush animals, floor cushions, padded bedrails, bed skirts, wall art made from felt, (like growth charts) extra bed pillows and plush throws to add softness and warmth to their bedroom and/or playroom.
Textiles can even be added through accessories. Fabric-covered photo frames, upholstered footstools, canvas artwork, wall tapestries and fabric-covered lampshades are just a few soft touches that you can add as desired. Add soft fabrics to the backs of open bookshelves. Use table runners on a long coffee table, the top of a piano or on a dresser. Add decorative textiles like tassels to curtain tiebacks or braided fringe on lampshades. Include a decorative throw rug to the foyer or threshold to provide softness underfoot. Even a few of these small additions can add texture and visual warmth to any room.
Keep textiles in mind when planning to update your décor. They just might provide the inspiration, visual and physical warmth that will finish off your project in style.
Happy New Year to you and yours. Let's make 2014 memorable when it comes to our home décor!
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
