Fabrics, Interior Design, Velvet

Velvet — Taking a plunge into plush

Once seen as the preserve of luxury, regal accommodation and faded country homes, velvet is a trend that is steeped in history but has lasted the test of time. Sumptuous, soft and with a richness of colour unlike any other fabric, velvet today can work in both a traditional as well as contemporary settings. But it takes the experience of a London interior designer to know how to incorporate it into an interior scheme perfectly. 

Since it was first brought to this country in 809 A.D. by Kashmiri merchants from Baghdad, velvet has to be one of the most versatile textures to introduce into a decorating scheme. It’s soft to touch, exudes comfort and style but is also durable, which makes it a great choice for stand-out furniture pieces.

Conventionally, velvet was made from silk and later cotton, and was the choice of the rich and the royal due to its sumptuous feel and look, as well as its high cost of production. Today it can be made from other materials and even synthetic fabrics, which offer more hard-wearing and affordable options. 

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Texture

Using Texture in Interior Design

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Images courtesy of Page Lacquer

Physical Texture

The use of texture when planning an interior design scheme is an element that is often overlooked and underused. Texture has the ability to completely add a significant dimension to any room, when carefully integrated into the design. Texure describes the surface quality of a material including the actual variations on the surface. This is generally referred to as physical texture. Examples of physical texture include, but are not limited to, wood grain, metal, leather, velvet, mohair, or grass cloth. The use of textures in a room can add a further dimension besides just the colour or look, but also how objects feel. These are differentiated from other types of texture because they have a physical quality that can either be seen or experienced by touch. When physical textures are combined with other forms to create a complimentary or even contrasting design, these are tools that a luxury interior designer can use to accentuate or even add personality to the interior. Continue reading Using Texture in Interior Design →