Textile by Design: Where beauty & comfort meet

Learn how to enhance your space using custom fabrics with these four easy-to-follow tips.

From custom furniture upholstery and window treatments to personalized pet beds and artful throw pillows, textiles are an integral element of any successful interior design project. Fabrics can be used to add splashes of color and texture that complement and enhance a living space—without knocking out sheet rock or ripping up old carpet. The hardest part is picking from the apparently endless array of options.

Our designers detail how you can make the most of custom fabrics to create a space that’s both beautiful and functional.

1. All about window treatments.

Window treatments are integral to interior design. From softening a room’s acoustic echo to providing practical shade and privacy, drapes elongate a space by drawing your eye up. Or if you prefer to have more natural light, minimalist window treatment options, such as stationary panels, shutters, woven woods, or roman shades can provide a simpler look. Both styles ultimately unify all of the design elements in a room, which is why our designer, Angie, calls window treatments the “jewelry” of the room—the full picture incomplete without it, and the perfect finishing touch. 

2. Embrace personalization to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

With customization comes the ability for your surroundings to reflect your personal taste and individuality. At Signature, we can modify any piece of furniture with your fabric of choice using our vast sample library in-store. With the freedom to choose your fabric and adjust it to your exact specifications comes the ability to have a truly unique piece. In our experience, choices that aren’t your usual run-of-the-mill requests often make the best one-of-a kind pieces. To our designer, Storm, custom fabrics offer the perfect opportunity to express your creativity and show your signature style.

“There’s so much room in fabrics to make a piece your own,” Storm says.

3. Choose textiles that work for you, not the other way around.

Your home should be as comfortable as it is beautiful, with fabrics that will last the long haul. If you have children or pets, for instance, you’ll likely want a more durable material that can weather occasional stains and spills. If you find yourself chasing after a toddler day in and day out, or if the family pet’s favorite spot happens to be on the sofa, a leather or performance fabric may be a better choice. The structure of your home should also be factored into your fabric selection. If your house has plenty of windows, for example, you’ll want to consider sturdier window treatments—such as shutters or woven wood shades—which block heat and can help save on costly utility bills during Louisiana’s hot summer months.

4. Each piece is an opportunity to make a statement.

Using a designer’s eye means assessing how your fabric selection will tie into your space as a whole. For instance, a pillow is never just a pillow. Even a minor embellishment helps to set the aesthetic tone of a space. To incorporate dimension and contrast, layer fabrics with both solids and patterns. You can mix and match varying colors and patterns as long as they maintain a sense of balance. By considering all the colors and materials in your space, you can navigate the difference between a pattern making a bold statement, and creating sensory overload. Think of it the way you’d approach decorating a child’s bedroom—infused with color and varying elements that seem like they could clash individually, but work all together.

Interested in meeting with a Signature Southern Accents expert to set a design consultation for your home? Request an appointment by emailing store@ssa.brcoxmail.com or call 225-654-7110.