Category Archive for "Throw Pillows" | Fashion Window Treatments

THE FABRIC OF THE YEAR: VELVET

One of the hottest trends in interior decorating last year and continuing into 2019 is the reemergence of Velvet fabrics. Many consider Velvet to be “the fabric of the year”. This multidimensional, rich and chic fabric has made it off the fashion runways and into our homes. Velvet is luxurious yet durable and has an exquisite touch which has always endeared itself to design-lovers. It’s fanbase has been expanding recently so if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon it is time to reconsider this versatile fabric.

Most historians believe Velvet originated in China around the Thirteenth Century and from there traveled west until it reached Italy and achieved its peak popularity during the Italian Renaissance. Velvet was originally manufactured from silk resulting in an opulent fabric with an incredibly soft feel and an exceptionally high price tag. Hence, it’s royal history of robes and thrones. Today’s Velvet is made from a variety of different materials including cotton, rayon and polyester. This in turn has made it more affordable for those who don’t possess a royal bloodline.

Versatility

Velvet’s short, dense pile hasn’t changed over the years, meaning its illustrious sheen and satiny softness endure. Velvet is perfect in just about any room in the house from the living room to the bedroom (the only exceptions being the kitchen or the bathroom). If you want to add an elegant and regal feel to your home, velvet should be at the top of your fabric list. A sumptuous velvet curtain that puddles on the ground adds a stylish flair to a living room or dining room. For an especially stunning look choose a color that will contrast against the wall. Velvet throw pillows are the perfect way to add color to a neutral sofa or chair.

Paired with Brass

While velvet and wood always look great together, pairing your velvet with an equally luxe material like brass will instantly bring it into the current design atmosphere. Velvet and brass are the ultimate design pairing. If you’re looking for velvet and brass combinations with a modern feel try grommet panels with antique brass grommets. Or for a timeless look, pinch pleated draperies hung on a decorative brass rod would radiate luxury.

Color

The reason velvet colors look so sharp is because the nap allows light to reflect at multiple 90-degree angles, creating that luxe, luminous sheen velvet is famous for. Velvet is now offered in rich, bold colors spanning the entire color rainbow. From a soft pink blush to a vibrant sapphire blue, velvet renders your chosen hue in magnificent color. Jewel tones look dazzling, primary hues look animated, and pastels feel jubilantly femme. Velvet seduces the senses and brings rich and deep hues to life. You will be drawn to the magnetic luster and multidimensional color of a velvet fabric choice.

Opulence

Velvet has made a stunning comeback in recent years. Its versatility allows this opulent fabric to transition easily from traditional to modern. It has a livability that creates warmth and instantly adds texture to a room. Whether your home is elegant or eclectic, this versatile fabric will give your home new life.

Adding Warmth by Layering

Okay – You want to give your room some character, warmth and depth. Here are some quick inexpensive ways to accomplish your goal.

Layering will add warmth to a room. If a room appears cold and boring adding layers of fabric can turn up the “heat” and give the room some needed textures. For example, add a rug, add cloths to the tops of tables, add custom made decorative throw pillows of different shapes and sizes to that boring couch and add accessories that have texture. Your room will gain instant warmth.

Hint: You can use beautiful placements under lamps. Try placing a smaller square table cloth on your table (on the diagonal) so that the corners are on each side of the table as opposed to the corners of the table – leaving the corners of the table exposed. Or try crisscrossing two table runners for a different effect. If you have a favorite table cloth now, try getting some bold colored fabric napkins to coordinate with your table cloth. If you have curtain panels up now that you love – try adding a valance that compliments the room or add custom length drapery panels to the window that currently has only a valance to spice up the décor you already have!

Texture will add depth to what might otherwise be considered a rather flat fabric or element. Many of today’s fabrics are beautifully accented with texture. A certain amount of texture should be introduced in every décor. It will visually stimulate the eye, and help produce a beautiful room.

Texture can be added with materials that have a “character” of their own such as wood, wicker, tile, marble, glass, fabric and metal. It can be added with decorative embellishments such as tassels, bows, cording, and other decorative trims. You can add warmth with faux painting techniques, wallpaper and window treatments to name a few.
The most important part of decorating is obviously creating an atmosphere that makes you feel good and comfortable. Many times we try to copy a decor we see in a decorating magazine because it looks stylish and later realize that the room wasn’t created so much to be lived in as it was to be looked at. As long as you stick to what appeals to you and colors you enjoy, it’s hard to go wrong.

Don’t Forget Some Color Variation

Color is fun and exciting, but it is contrast, or differences in values that often make the room design successful. Without contrast in value between your walls, furniture and window treatments the colors will blend together and your room will get lost in itself. Don’t be afraid to add some color – contrast in colors will clarify and add depth to your room. If you like neutral colored home decor fabrics for your drapes, no problem, just don’t forget to add that colorful table runner and decorative throw pillows to spice up your room!