Texture and Style: Choosing the Right Fabrics Makes a Big Statement in Your Tuscan Home
Posted By Mary Freeland on May 14, 2010
From chenille and velvet to brocade and damask to print and embroidered material, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different types of textiles available, let alone colors and patterns. Last week we talked about using different types of fabrics in your Tuscan home, but today I’m going to give you a crash course in some of the most common fabric types and how they can work as a beautiful part of your Tuscan décor.
Textured fabrics
The soft nap of velvet or the plush feel of chenille offers a luxurious tactile experience. These fabrics are all about supple feeling and a rich look. Velvet has a short, cut pile that feels silky and soft to the touch; chenille emulates this feeling in a woven look. Often used for upholstery and heavy draperies, these textured fabrics are also great for embellishing with tassels and trims. Because of their weight, velvet and chenille can create a visual heaviness, so it’s important to not overdo it with these materials. Opt for velvet drapes or a chenille couch, not both.
Elegant fabrics
Both brocades and damasks fall into the more general category of jacquards (referring to the ways in which the fabric is woven), but in terms of Tuscan décor that isn’t what’s important. What matters to you in terms of decorating your Tuscan living room or dining room is that both brocades and damasks are elegant textiles with traditional looks. Made from cotton, silk, and man-made fibers, these fabrics are most often found in beautiful tone-on-tone designs. That means even though both the background and the pattern are the same color, each has a different sheen that makes the motif stand out. A classic, sophisticated option, brocade and damask can be used for upholstery, curtains, even throw pillows. If you’re going for a more time-worn or rustic look, these materials can still be a beautiful option, just be sure to use them sparingly.
Visual interest fabrics
Brightly printed textiles. Diaphanous cutwork lace. Vividly embroidered fabrics. These are all what I’m calling “visual interest” fabrics. These materials have a lot going on and they catch your eye with their vibrant designs. These textiles are great for bringing in a distinctive Tuscan feel to your space, especially with just the right prints. Keep in mind that many of these so-called “visual interest” fabrics also offer subtle texture. Think about the slightly raised feel of embroidered materials or the airy holes of lace. A great option for adding both visual and tactile texture, these fabrics can do double duty in your Tuscan décor.
The key to balanced Tuscan design is thinking about which of these three categories your fabrics fall into and making sure your materials are emphasizing the right elements for your design. If you’re going for a breezy Tuscan patio, velvet isn’t going to be quite right. Or if your look is elegant Tuscan villa, you’ll want to steer clear of whimsical printed fabrics. It’s okay—and even desirable—to use several different types of material in your décor, just make sure that each one speaks directly to your design goals. Get the inviting look and feel you want with the judicious use of textiles in your Tuscan home!
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[...] been talking in recent weeks about the types of textiles in the Tuscan home, but today I’m going to focus a little more on what to actually do with [...]