Fabulous Fabrics

Author: Susan Regan

Issue: February, 2010, Page 45

Floral designs and metallic threads make these offerings from Sina Pearson Textiles elegant, while their fibers make them resistant to spills.
Helpful hints

• Blends: Some materials do not hold up as well as others. For example, 100-percent linen or silk fabrics tend to be less user-friendly than blends. If you like the look of linen or silk, find an option in which the material is combined with a more durable material, such as polyester or rayon.

• Backing: Fabrics with a knit backing offer more durability than those without.

• Protection: Look for fabrics that have been treated to provide additional protection from stains and to make them more durable.

OUTSIDE THE BOX

According to Chawla, today’s assortment of outdoor fabrics is virtually limitless in terms of design styles, textures and color palettes. Her observations follow:

Land of plenty

• More color: Many homeowners are finding it easier to establish a cohesive design between interior and exterior spaces, thanks to a broadening color palette ranging from brights to pastels and neutrals. Advancements in manufacturing allow many of these fabrics to maintain their color, even when exposed to the desert’s intense sun.

• More texture: Outdoor fabrics are becoming increasingly textural, with choices that include chenilles, cottonlike textiles, and sheers, as well as options that resemble leather.

These indoor chaise lounges are upholstered in a Modern-looking outdoor fabric from the Joe Ruggiero Sunbrella Collection, which was inspired by renowned French interior designer Jean-Michel Frank.
Helpful hints

• Heat factor: Fabrics marked suitable for outdoor use may not perform well in the Southwest, with its hot summers. For example, avoid fabrics with olefin, as the material tends to melt when placed on metal furniture frames that are exposed to the heat, causing fabric to shrink. One hundred-percent acrylic generally holds up the best.

• Inside out: “Don’t be afraid to bring your indoor palette outside.” If you’re unsure of what colors to carry to patio spaces and beyond, look for inspiration in the hues found in your flooring, which often extends from interiors to exteriors.

• Outside in: Outdoor fabrics typically are easy-care, washable and hardier than indoor textiles. Consider using them to upholster indoor pieces in spots prone to wear and tear, such as eating areas and children’s spaces.

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