How To Select Fabrics: Four Important Tips

I love fabrics! It’s my favorite part of the job. I’ve used this linen in green before…but look how fresh it is in pink, too.

I was just in the Lee Jofa showroom checking out the beautiful new Suzanne Kasler fabrics…giving me ideas for my own home.

When YOU are considering fabrics for throw pillows, curtains, bedding, etc. consider:

1. What are your favorite colors? What makes you happy or relaxed? What colors are in your closet?

These are from Beacon Hill…pretty! And I love that Echo Design Trim From Kravet.

2. Do you like pattern? No pattern is nice too. But if you like it normally mix:

a small,

a medium and

a large pattern…

and you can replace one of those with a solid.

My talented friend, Debbie did that here.

So did Phoebe Howard below.

Patterns can be traditional or modern. I like a little of both.

This is a project that Liana is working on… so pretty.

3. Think about it! Can you live with it? When I am showing a client fabrics and she/he says “It may grow on me.” I immediately toss it in the reject pile. You should like it almost right away!
There are too many good ones from which to choose. I leave the “Yes” pile with the client to think about for a few days. You can’t return custom pillows, curtains, wallpaper, etc.

This is going to be a lumbar pillow on a green chair.

But you can usually return retail pillows, bedding, etc. I suggest leaving the the tags on and saving the receipt to make sure you like it.

WS Home They are having a sale right now.

4. Make sure the fabric “has a good hand.” Basically meaning it feels good. I like natural fabrics like linen, cotton, velvets…but if it has synthetic properties (good for durability and/or stain resistance) and feels good …it’s a keeper.

Here is an example: The soft Perennials cloth is going on Carolyn’s new kitchen window seat. Normally, I would be afraid of white in the kitchen–but this is stain resistant. The other fabrics will be pillows (which you will see it eventually).

Last week, I met two friends for Afternoon Tea at the Palace Hotel. I think the tea is more elaborate on the weekends but look and the edible flowers on the sandwiches…