Day 4 - Home Decorating with Pillo
Home Textiles
Curtains, Upholstery, Cushions and Throws
What really makes a house a home, and somewhere you find rest and peace, are the soft furnishings that dial up that comfort level as well as looking pleasing to the eye. I know it sounds a bit weedy, but it’s true. A blanket and big soft cushions make all the difference after a long day at your desk or out battling the elements.
When it comes to selecting home textiles, it can be helpful to:
- Carry your paint chip colours and upholstery fabric swatches around with you so you know what will work in-situ. Basic but often overlooked tip!
- Look for the composition labels of the textiles. Polyester and acrylic fabric will be cheap and hard wearing but be warned, products made from these man-made fibres will often pill (bobble), look shiny (so never achieve that true vintage look) and, more importantly, are not biodegradable so are not good for the environment.
- When selecting curtain or blind fabric, see if the supplier can mock up a gathered or folded version of the pattern so you can see how it would truly look in-situ. Some patterns that look lovely flat in a pattern book or on a roll can look very fussy or busy when sewn into a gathered curtain. Shown on the right is the Floraison Prussian Blue fabric in natural linen, loosely gathered and looking rather smart...
Think about the room the curtains or blinds are going in. If they are above a radiator, in a damp room or a very bright one, you will need to be careful when selecting a fabric as all the above environmental factors will effect the curtain’s performance. Speak to your curtain stitcher for further advice or get in contact with us as trade@pillolondon.com.
Colour palettes - Try to focus on a colour palette made up of harmonious neutral shades with dashes of colours that add variance and interest to a room. The more neutral and complimentary the shades, the calmer the environment (good for bedroom and bathrooms), but the more contrast, the higher the impact (good for social spaces such as living rooms and kitchens).
- Try mixing up the patterns; this can be a great way to show your personal style and curating skills. This is something Interior Designers excel in but it’s an easy skill to pick up. Try mixing big bold prints with complimentary mid-scale, all-over designs and then a plain or geometric mini print. It all helps to build layers, texture and an original combination that will be exclusive to you. Masterclass: Tips for mixing patterns in your home
