From a riot of color in bold chintz to the soft whisper of taffeta, fabrics influence our mindset 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 colors, patterns, and fabric textures to reflect your interior design plan.
emotional factors
Fabrics leave traces in all our senses. For example, tactile pleasure is strongly enhanced by the softness of fabrics. The feel of a fabric suggests richness (silk), formality (damask), or informality (burlap). Our hearing improves in rooms with an abundance of noise-absorbing fabrics. The colors and textures of fabrics affect our vision, and some fabrics also influence our sense of smell, offering scents that can be pleasant, refreshing, or bothersome. Fabric colors even modify our perceived sense of 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 add to the formality of 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, only goes out of style from time to time), and soft chenille speak to formal and traditional spaces.
Whatever look you’re going for in 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.
