You really enjoy looking at fabrics. It’s fun to imagine how different fabrics would look paired together–but, with so many options available, you let yourself get distracted with that cute decor piece sitting near by instead! It’s intimidating after all. The thought of mixing and matching all of those beautiful and complex fabrics – the colors, shades, patterns, and textures. It can be extremely frustrating when you know what you want but have no idea how to execute it. You can visualize it, but it almost seems impossible to get the look without having the help of a professional. Most times, people simply give up and opt for something less challenging. The result? Pure disappointment. It’s not what you truly want, so of course, you won’t truly be happy. Don’t give up or be afraid to try! You can actually make that dream room happen. Believe it or not, you don’t have to hire a designer. You can get the look you’ve always wanted in your home by yourself if you keep these three simple elements in mind: color, texture, and pattern.
In cases like this, you have a few choices. One, hire a professional interior decorator. Two, press on and do it yourself. Or three, do what you feel confident in doing and hire a professional to take care of the rest.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to hire a designer for any of it if you don’t really want to. You can get the look you’ve always wanted in your home by yourself — yes, even when it comes to fabrics — if you keep these three elements in mind: color, texture, and pattern.
Color
As a general rule, you want to find colors that complement, not compete, with one another. The easiest way to begin is by finding a specific color, similar in temperature (cool versus warm) and intensity that will carry through and tie it all together. Having a second color will make the continuity even better.
Warm colors include reds, oranges, yellows, and combinations of them all. These colors tend to make a larger space feel intimate and cozy. Cool colors include shades of greens, blues, and light purples. These colors have a soothing effect and tend to make small rooms look larger than they really are.
In order to find a harmonious balance, avoid having all warm colors or all cool colors. Both the balance and contrast are important, so use fabric from both families. Try keeping large pieces covered in neutral colors and add brighter, more intense colors to the smaller things. For example, a tan or soft grey sofa would ground the room while brightly colored drapes and throw pillows would add the punch you need.
Texture
Texture is very important. Not only will the texture influence the durability, but it will also set the mood of the room.
For formal areas, stick with smoother, lighter textures such as lace, crepe, satin, velvet, or damask. Think leather, tweed, corduroy, velour, wool, or cotton for high-traffic areas like family rooms. Sensuede, vinyl, and fabrics usually used for outdoor furniture can stand up against children. A romantic feel can be created with fabrics like organdy, taffeta, tulle, and antique satin.
If you have no desire to pinpoint a particular theme, don’t be afraid to mix heavy and light fabrics in the same room. It can be done and it can look wonderful, so break out and get creative.
Pattern
To get balance, rather than confusion in the room, try not to exceed more than three patterns: a large-scale, a medium-scale, and a small scale. To simplify it: (1) start with a large pattern, (2) pick a second pattern similar in color, yet half the size of the first, and (3) finish off with a solid color pulled from either one of the first two. However, if you’re feeling brave, scrap the solid and incorporate another fabric with a minuscule pattern.
Keep in mind that patterns, just like texture and color, can create a mood. To add energy to the space, use large, bold patterns. To calm, stick with small and pale patterns. For best results, try to avoid putting all patterned pieces in one part of the room. Be sure to scatter solids and patterns throughout the room in order to retain balance.
If you are reupholstering a piece of furniture, decide whether it will be a do-it-yourself project, or if you’ll need a professional Upholsterer once you’ve selected your fabulous new fabrics.
The Secret to Coordinating Fabrics Flawlessly
Decorating a home can leave you feeling overwhelmed for a number of reasons — all of which, often stem from one primary dilemma: while you can visualize it, but you just don’t know how to make that dream room happen. Especially, when it comes to fabrics. Picking paint colors and curating furniture pieces is usually the easy part. But those fabrics? Those are the choices that can leave us scratching our heads for a very long time.
Remember, the goal is not to “match” but rather to coordinate. As long as your fabrics share similar a similar hue or shade of a hue, your choices will work together beautifully.
Trick of the trade: coordinating fabrics is SO much easier when you have items made for you. Do you know how easy it is to have pillows and drapes made? This is especially helpful in times you can’t find any drapes or pillows that you love.
Sometimes, it’s easier and actually more affordable to hire someone to create the pieces for you rather than spending all that time searching the internet and driving around to nail down exactly what you want.
Take a look at some of these beautiful rooms pulled together flawlessly with some of our favorite fabrics posted throughout this article. This just goes to show you how perfect a space can look by following these tips of color, texture, and pattern.
Ready for some extra good news? One of the services we offer is custom-made items including drapery, pillows, and furniture! Already found a fabric you love on our site? Let’s get you those custom drapes to finalize your project. Find that perfect coordinating fabric for sofa pillows? Done!
We’d love to have the chance to work with you on your special home decorating project.
In the midst of coordinating your fabrics, be sure to have fun. It’ll all come together if you just let your creativity flow. But don’t forget that we’re around to help!
At our Cutting Corners location in Dallas, TX, we’ll be happy to help you find designer fabrics as well as other home accessories for great prices!
