Interior design is a fine art. Over the past few years, it has stopped being solely the domain of designers and decorators and become a hobby for the average person as well.
There’s no denying its impact and ability to turn the blandest rooms into something exceptional. Many trends arrive every year, but it’s essential to make choices based on your tastes as well as your personal vision of how your home should look. And while there’s no denying the importance of focusing on large items, such as the walls or furnishings, the details are crucial as well.
One of the often-overlooked aspects is the importance of the materials and fabrics you choose. Depending on how you use them, you can create entirely new looks and moods by working with different styles and textures. It all depends on the different aesthetic you’re going for.
How To Choose Fabric
There are many different fabrics out there to choose from, so how do you know which to choose for your own home?
You must have a close look at several different elements, including colours and patterns. Are they bright and eye-catching, or more subdued and likely to grab attention through subtle detailing and good craftsmanship? Do you prefer fun jewel tones, or would you prefer something more elegant? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself when picking something.
When you choose the suitable materials, you can create an aesthetically pleasing home that is well-balanced in tones and patterns. Make sure the items you choose can create and sustain the kind of look you want to create.
For instance, if you want your rooms to feel warm and inviting, make sure the design can provide those feelings. You must consider the purpose of the room as well since different areas have different requirements and needs.
Durability
Areas that see a lot of traffic, such as the kitchen, will need durable fabrics that can maintain hygiene and be resistant to wear and tear. If you have children, you’ll want to include this type of fabric everywhere in your home, where the kids are likely to spill or drop things.
More resistant fabrics are also a good choice for pet owners. For instance, water resistant fabric offers foundational level protection that can help prevent moisture from affecting surfaces.
If you need something even sturdier, you should opt for something that is water-repellent or even waterproof, the highest level that guards furniture against water damage.
Many of these fabrics are also anti-microbial, so even if they retain some moisture, you can be confident they are extra safe. Oilcloth, vinyl, microfibres, and waxed cotton are all densely woven and can be covered with additional substances that improve their ability to block liquids.
Rustic appeal
During the days of the pandemic, when people had to be inside for weeks on end, a growing trend began to appear. A sort of back to the basics, there was a lot at the time about the joys of living in the countryside.
Cottagecore became a significant subculture, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, and while some have berated it for portraying a purely idealised view of rural life, the trend has endured. In fact, it expanded to include farming and homesteading, with many people vlogging or posting about their lives in the countryside.
And from here came the appeal for all things rustic. But can you use fabrics to recreate it in your home? The answer is a definitive yes.
Linen is the most obvious choice, as it is informal and warm but also very sturdy. However, it isn’t for you if you cannot stand wrinkles and folds. If you choose to integrate it into your interior design, make sure to choose something with a high linen content for maximum durability. Canvas is similar since it is solid and can even be made waterproof by combining it with synthetic fabrics. This means that you can also use it for the outdoors too.
Wool works just as well and has a plethora of valuable characteristics. It is naturally moisture wicking and conducts heat. It is also fire and dirt-resistant and won’t get stained easily. On top of all that, wool is robust, and a piece can last a lifetime without looking poorly.
Plush and luxe
If you want to incorporate more luxurious and elegant pieces into your home, you must look for softer fabrics. Perhaps the best-known is silk. Many call it the “queen of textiles”, and it’s true that having silk in your home can make you feel like royalty.
Despite its look, it is incredibly strong but lightweight and flexible at the same time. It drapes very well but also has a functional role by helping with thermal regulation. Cashmere is similarly luxurious, known for its incredible softness and warmth. When taken care of properly, it can be an heirloom piece that lasts for over 100 years.
However, to make sure you’re choosing the best thing since there’s a lot of cheap cashmere on the market that won’t last half as long. Your best bet is to go for something a little pricier since there’s a finite amount of the material produced worldwide. Its scarcity naturally makes it more expensive, so if you see items advertised as cashmere but for a very low price, it is best to steer clear of them.
Damask features a jacquard weave or knit that makes the material reversible, so you get two items in one piece. For a product that feels more elegant, get something made from silk, cotton or wool instead of synthetics. Lace is also highly decorative, and you can either use it on its own or as a means to enhance other fabrics. It is also typically considered a premium-quality cloth since it takes quite a lot of time and expertise to manufacture.
Choosing the best textiles to add to your interior design is very important, as it can completely change how your house looks and feels. Make sure to give the process careful thought and attention to create something that will add the perfect finishing touch to your interior, but also bring longevity.
