Let’s Talk Fabric
Most of us are all spending a lot more time at home these days (shoutout and endless thanks to all the essential workers who can’t stay home, and who are keeping this world turning!), and if you’re like me, you may find yourself looking around at your living space, daydreaming about redecorating. When it comes to finding and sourcing fabric for upholstery, throw pillows, and window coverings, many people don’t know where to begin. Finding the right fabric for your home (and specifically, your furniture) can feel a little overwhelming, given the many options out there. Luckily, I am here to help you navigate your way to the perfect print (or solid!).
1.) Get Started . . .
If you are unfamiliar with upholstery fabric, I highly recommend reading Apartment Therapy’s Guide to Upholstery Fabric as a jumping off point. It explains how to read the back of a fabric swatch, and it has a great source list for buying fabric online (at a variety of price points). Next, spend some time browsing fabrics in your local fabric store (once it is safe to do so!) - it is really helpful to see and touch fabric samples to better understand what you do and do not want. In my area, we have The Fabric Gallery in Oconomowoc, Calico Corners in Brookfield, and Manhattan Textiles in Wauwatosa. Many stores will let you check out fabric samples to see how they look in your home, which is a great way to find some focus.
Remember: the beauty of custom made furniture is that you can design something that is completely unique and perfect for your home. Let’s create something together that you can’t find anywhere else. Let yourself think really creatively - what colors are you drawn to? What types of patterns or textures resonate with you? Consider mixing fabrics to tie in other elements of your design aesthetic, or furniture you already have and love. The sky is the limit!
2.) Get Inspired!
There are so many incredible fabric options for you to choose from, and I highly encourage you to explore - browse Design Sponge archives, Architectural Digest, even Instagram and Pinterest, and make note of what you are drawn to. Seek out interior design bloggers whose style you love (my favorites are Project Palermo, and Brooklyn Limestone), and get inspired by their beautiful homes. Consider practical concerns, but also how you want your space to feel. Does a minimalism aesthetic help you calm and center yourself? Are you energized by bold colors and layered textures?
To help get you started, check out my top three all-time favorite textile designers: Imogen Heath, Kitty McCall, and Skinny LaMinx. All three businesses are women-owned, and they all ship internationally. I’m including a small selection of my favorite fabrics from each designer to jump start your upholstery vision boards.
Imogen Heath
Imogen Heath offers a stunning collection of fabrics in a variety of colors and textures, inspired by the British landscape. There is truly something to suit every design aesthetic in her collection - I picked four of my favorites, but honestly every single design is a grand slam. Imogen Heath also offers bespoke embroidered fabric (!!!), wool solids crafted from 100% recycled material, wallpaper, and trays. I have spent multiple hours daydreaming about Starling Fabric in Blue (above, far right) on a curvy vintage wingback - and now you will too!
Kitty McCall
Kitty McCall (aka Catherine Nice) is a graphic print designer based in England. In addition to absolutely gorgeous fabrics, Kitty McCall offers a variety of housewares, art prints, home furnishings, and accessories. I am drawn to these designs because they feel so fresh and modern but also completely timeless. These designs explore color and shape in such a fearless and joyful way, and I absolutely love them all. Imagine Kyoto Midnight (above, far left) on an antique settee - instant new energy!
Skinny LaMinx
Heather Moore, aka the founder of Skinny LaMinx, began designing and producing textiles in 2008 and has since expanded her business to include paper goods, accessories, and more (check out these amazing GBBS style oven gloves!). If mid century modern is your thing, Skinny LaMinx needs to be on your radar. In addition to fresh designs and high quality fabric, you can feel good about supporting Skinny LaMinx’s values of supporting their local industry and economy by keeping production local (their homebase is Capetown, South Africa). Who wouldn’t want a custom bench with long tapered legs and an upholstered cushion in ZigZag Pine nut (above, far right)?
So start brainstorming what you want YOUR Chair Riot to look like - and then give me a call! I’m currently booking for the beginning of August.