Working with fabrics

Working with Fabric

Take your time with fabric: soft furnishings can be added further down the line. If you really like a fabric but it's very expensive, put it on a cushion. Use something affordable for the curtains. Don't be afraid to use pattern: pattern adds space rather than taking it away.

Rooms don't need that much fabric and they aren't what is decorating a room. Mix a pattern, a plain, a geometric and a vintage.

Design Notes

• The blue and white fabric is Pomegranate Print 177690 Indigo by Schumacher fabric.
• The pink and white weave fabric is Constanza in Antique Pink by Susan Deliss.

Discover More

I recommend fabrics by Adam Bray, Allegra Hicks, Altfield, C&C Milano, Claremont, Etro, Fermoie, George Spencer, Howe, John Boyd, Josef Frank, Lelievre, Nicole Fabre, Peter Dunham, Pierre Frey, Raoul, Robert Allen, Robert Kime, Rose Tarlow, Sister Parish, Tisus d'Helene, Turnell & Gigon and Vanderhurd.

Fabrics for use outside: Rose Cummings - Chestnut Leaves, Christopher Farr cloth, Turnell & Gigon, Peter Dunham's 'Fig Leaf' on Teflon-treated polyester.

Fabulous Fabrics is a good website for finding fabrics typically only available through the design trade.

Where to Get Pretty Blinds

I am a big fan of Idarica Gazzoni who produces digitally printed linen voiles. I also love Nicky Haslam's blinds particularly the 'Shutter Stripe' linen. Joss Graham has based in centre London and designs great 'Indian split bamboo chik blinds that have been made in India'. Lastly, Robert Kime also has great blinds.

Additional Materials

Below is a room that makes use of lots of different types of fabric, and therefore feels balanced. Some of the materials share colours: the blind has the curtain, the wall and the green cushion colour in it.

Design Notes

• Green/navy cushion fabric: Lee Jofa Marco Polo
• Sofa fabric: Poulton Stripe by Fermoie
• Cream cushion fabric: Daisy Chain by Vanderhur
• Voile: Feuilles Nina
• Flame stitch curtain: Watersedge in Green by Lee Jofa