The difference adding well chosen fabrics can make to an interior space cannot be underestimated. Soft furnishings can transform the look and feel of a space, or an entire property. A complete refresh needn’t cost a fortune as the larger items of furniture can remain. Your style is your identity. Contemporary, traditional or with a touch of vintage, anything is possible when your goal is to create a warm, homely place to relax in and share good times with your family and friends. Here are a few tips to bear in mind when shopping for soft furnishings.
Choose soft furnishings that look good and also provide physical comfort and warmth, as in this bedroom at Chalet Andreanna.
The right textile choices can make a space more attractive, and appealing, by drawing the eye to a particular focal point, as in this example at the gorgeous Chalet Colombine. The different coloured sheepskins on the comfy-looking seating give a very cosy aspect.
Keep an overall colour scheme or ambience in mind, and match the curtains, throws and cushions. They don’t have to be in the same material, they do need a sense of unity. For example, the brief from the owner of Chalet de Paul et Marie was to create a warm, welcoming space using some of the old artefacts from the farm. To meet this we used one of the old windows turned into a mirror, the stable stool, added a faux fur throw and some cushions, as well as matching curtains and a comfy rug. All of this was achieved while staying within a very reasonable budget.
The colours, fabrics and shapes of the soft furnishings, together with the style of the furniture, help create distinct spaces within a property and the overall atmosphere. For example, this beautiful mix of a gorgeous wooden floor, leather sofas, warm textiles and carefully selected pieces at Chalet Manoe work together to provide easy, modern living.
If you are confident and like colour, go for it! ‘Break’ the potentially cold aspect of tiled floors and white walls by adding some rich fabrics such as velvet, for cosiness and comfort, as in the living space at Chalet Lydie.
Mix faux fur, wool, throws and sheep skin, as well as comfortable looking rugs. Would you want to stay here? Don’t hold back, be generous with the amount of pillows and cushions for each bed as at Chalet de Paul et Marie. You can already feel how warm the place is just by looking at one of the bedrooms!
Experiment with the association of colours and fabrics. Take calculated risks – one rich fabric amongst other more simple ones will normally do the trick. Play with different options until you find the winning combination. Which is your favourite?
Invite the surroundings into the interior set-up. If you can see a lake or a pool through the windows, as at Villa Flying Dragon, add some blue to the interiors, to reflect a hint of summer across all seasons. The final look should complement, not clash with, the views.
Catch the rest of the Home Decor series here:
Part 1: Cosy mountain style, part 1: by the fire
Part 2: Wood – essential for achieving Alpine chalet ambiance
Part 3: Furniture – traditional or contemporary?
Part 5: Small accessories, big impact!
