From a riot of color in bold cretonnes to the whisper soft taffeta, fabrics influence our mental attitude in many subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Playful patterns make us smile, while mixing prints and solids can present a paradox of dynamic energy. No matter what effect you’re going for, you’ll want to choose the right fabric colors, patterns, and textures to reflect your interior design plan.
emotional factors
The fabrics leave traces in all our senses. For example, the tactile pleasure is greatly enhanced by the softness of the fabrics. The feel of a fabric suggests richness (silk), formality (damask), or informality (burlap). Our hearing improves in rooms with plenty of noise-absorbing fabrics. The colors and textures of fabrics affect our eyesight, and some fabrics also influence our sense of smell, offering scents that can be pleasant, refreshing, or annoying. The colors of the fabrics even change our sense of perceived taste.
Fiber and Texture
Fiber is what gives fabric substance and texture, and can include things like reeds, grasses, animal hair, or even plant seeds. When shopping for any type of fabric, look for a high thread count so it’s soft and durable.
Wool is the environmentally preferred choice for rugs. It is natural, renewable, fire and soil resistant, and long lasting. For furniture upholstery and window coverings, cotton is the natural fabric of choice.
Fabrics also reinforce the degree of formality in a room. Rough-textured fabrics say “picnics,” while soft textures whisper “formal dinners.” Cotton damask, toile (sheer linen and silk fabric), chintz (which never goes out of style, just once in a while), and soft chenille speak to formal, traditional spaces.
Regardless of the look you are seeking for your home, careful use of fabric textures, colors, and patterns should be an important part of your overall design plan.
Copyright c. 2014 Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
