Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

Ahh…the difficult task of pairing fabrics for a room.  There are just so many I love (and hate) that picking just the right combination can be extremely tricky.  The sheer volume of textiles on the market can make this essential task seem very daunting…fabrics can really make or break a room!  This month, Chicago Home + Garden gave its readers some takes on this ordeal with designer Annika Christensen sharing some of her favorite pairings. Above and below-  check out a couple of her favorite combinations.

And here’s a look at  fabric selection that I recently proposed for the salon- style study and office of a city client.  It is a fun albeit difficult process, but finally seeing your hard work come to life in a room is so exciting!

The knack of matching neutral “now” grey colored fabrics with a three dimensional quality using texture along with a “pop” of vibrant scarlet red makes this lounge and home office feel utterly elegant- and functional.  I mentioned to my client that she will want to work from home more now than ever when we finish this room!

The unusual sheen, texture and unexpected colors of the leather accents mix this classically inspired space with a dollop of whimsy.  I am all about mixing it up in an uncluttered way.

Sofa; Fabric by Donghia – ” Cashmere Velvet Herringbone”- Light Grey

Side Chairs; Fabric by Mokum- ” Etoile”- Twilight

Desk Chair; Leather by Edelman- ” Rattlesnake”- White

Ottoman; Leather by Edelman- ” Demi Cow”- Solid Silver

Throw Pillows; Fabric by Holland & Sherry – ” Chamonix”- Scarlet

Drapery; Fabric by Brochier – ” Indochine”- Siam

Available at Holly Hunt

{Blue/Green Fireworks}

I love finding local Chicago designers and artisans who showcase their designs and perfect their craft right in my hometown.  My latest obsession is the textiles of Evanston based Jessica Jones.  Jones is a blogging (check out her blog: www.howaboutorange.blogspot.com) graphic designer whose bold, lively prints are just fantastic.  They are sold locally at Bucktown’s The Needle Shop (2054 W. Charleston St., 773-489-4230) and online at J. Caroline Creative.  Check out Jessica’s cool, mod prints!  I am definitely envisioning some of these textiles in my future projects….and did I mention they are very well priced?

{Brown/Tan Calliope}

 

{Orange Boardwalk}

 

{Pink/Red Beads}

 

{Brown Sunflower}

 

{Blue Leaflet}

 

{Green Sprig}

 

{Green Herb}

The other day I had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous Clodagh, the Irish-born designer and now author!  Not only does Clodagh have a new book out, “Your Home, Your Sanctuary,” but she also has an amazing new line of indoor-outdoor fabrics for Perennials.  With Clodagh’s unmistakable look that blends the exotic with the familiar and Perennials’ technology and functionality, the fabric line is a celebration of harmony, pleasure and indulgence.  I will  definitely  be  suggesting some of these fabrics for the  homes of  my clients!  Here are some of my favorites.

Amazed in Cape Cod

Katanga in Seagull

Raffia in Chestnut

Kuba in Vellum

So beautiful on their own, AND so great when paired together!  These fabrics really would help you turn your home, both indoor and out, into a sanctuary. Clodaghs fabrics are represented by the David Sutherland Showroom at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago,  Ask for Bryce, the Showroom Manager  Tell him that we sent you!

With studios in London, Belgium, and the South of France one would imagine artist, Carolyn Quartermaine, to experience many daily inspirations for her textile line.  Ahhh, I am sure that I could too.

The names alone make you sense and feel the patterns…The Fresh Collection..The Flowers Collection…The Script Collection, and the Modern Lace Collection.

Her four amazing collections encompass all that one could desire in the world of hand printed fabric designs created on a wide variety of grounds ranging from silk taffeta’s, rich crushed velvets, and clean crisp cottons.

Oh…. the opulent and exquisite textiles of Carolyn Quartermaine!!  Is it possible to envision yourself in a home constructed entirely of fabric?  Sorta like some never-ending tent or cabana?  If this multi layered home could be constructed using the designs created by this 2008 “Maison Et Objet” designer of the year, I might just sign up.