I’ve talked in previous blog posts about my love of fabric. I believe fabric can play a huge role in expressing your personal style. When you use fabric in interior design, it can elevate and personalize your space. And, isn’t that what we’re trying to do with our interiors – create a space that is comfortable and expresses our unique style.
Fabric — Big Impact
When designing a home, fabric often plays a subtle yet transformative role. From plush accent pillows to elegant curtains, the decorative and upholstery fabric we choose can enhance the aesthetic, comfort, and uniqueness of any interior. By incorporating decorative fabric into your design strategy, you can bring warmth, depth, and a personal touch to your space that is both elegant and accessible.
Fabric in Interior Design — The Process
I truly enjoy the process of looking through design photos, then thinking about what I want to achieve (I wrote about it in this post). I also love looking through fabric books and bolts of fabric. When you can actually touch the fabric, take it in, put it next to other fabrics and see how the mix works. Here you need to take in the weight, weave, color, pattern, etc.
I recognize that not everyone loves this process – and that some could find it overwhelming. So, I’m here to break it down for you – and give you a bit more confidence. Mixing fabric and textiles that are unique to you will have a huge impact on your space – and the more you do it, the more confidence you’ll have.
Build your “Look Book”
Go through magazines, websites like Houzz and design books. You need to really focus on what you like and then try to translate it to your space. When you see a room you like, dive deeper and really look at the fabrics used. What are the textures, the weight and color combinations.
Shop For Fabric
If you are working with an interior designer, they will have access to all the designer fabrics which are generally only available “to the trade”. They will sort through and bring you a distilled selection. I’m going to assume, however, that you’re not working with a designer –and you’re doing this on your own. Here are some places to start your fabric search:
Furniture Retailers
If you’re buying furniture new, the retailer will have a selection of fabric for the sofa or chair that you’re purchasing. These will probably be “white labeled” to the retailer (Walter E. Smithe, Crate and Barrel or Room & Board) but they are most likely from a wholesale or “to the trade” textile firm. This will give you a good base from which to design around. They will offer fabric swatches. You will want to get a few different of these and start to build your scheme.
Calico
If you live in a major metro area, Calico has a huge selection of designer fabric. They will also have designers on staff that know the fabric and can help you put together complimentary looks. Calico is also a one-stop-shop as they have services to make pillows, drapes, bed coverings, etc. They have 60 locations nationwide, but they also do virtual design consultations if you don’t live near a location. One designer told me they are willing to do consultations long-distance via Zoom or FaceTime to really get a feel for your space and esthetic.
Tip: From experience, Calico runs monthly sales – so be sure to ask. It may be worth it to do your research, but wait until the next month to get 20-25% off your fabric or labor order.
On-Line
There are a number of online retailers who sell designer fabrics. I have not worked with any, but companies like Decorator’s Best or Decorative Fabrics Direct have good reviews. They will give you access to fabrics that are generally only available to interior designers or “the trade”. However, unless you know exactly what you’re looking for I would proceed with caution and use an outlet like Calico, which offers some design advice and direction.
Go All-In On Fabric Swatches
Be sure to order fabric swatches, sometimes called samples or “memo’s”. In many cases the samples will be free. If you need to pay a few dollars for them it’s worth it. You should also get the largest samples available. Calico, for example, will have larger samples (1 sq. yd) of select fabric available to check out for a few days.
Take Your Time — Play and Live With The Fabric
Once you receive your fabric swatches this will be the phase that you DO NOT want to rush. You should take days or weeks to drape the swatches, pair different ones together. You will want to see them in different lights. Keep them out and notice how you feel when you walk into the room. Then switch out other ones. You will eventually come to clarity on how you want to proceed.
Word to the wise – don’t rush this process! It will take time to get all your samples together and figure out the right mix. And, I can tell you from experience, mistakes made in this process are expensive.
Tip: Take photos of every combination. Once you start moving things around, you will forget which sample you put with what. Having a photographic record will help when you know you loved the previous combination, but you just can’t get it to feel the same way it did. Trust me, photos are your friend.
Fabric in Interior Design — High Risk; High Reward
Take it from someone who has made mistakes — the actual fabric is expensive and so is the labor to bring that fabric to life as your drapes, pillows or upholstery. So, trust me when I say you can not rush the process. The saying “Measure twice; Cut once” is prudent when bringing expensive designer fabric into your interior design.
Start small and get a feel for this process. I promise, the final look will be worth it. By incorporating designer fabric into your interior design you will have an elevated space that is unique to you. Your friends will wonder “who you’re working with”, and you’ll have the satisfaction of saying “No one, I designed it myself”.
WETSU! WETSU!
XO JT
