Nov 18

Nov 18 Flexible fabrics

Expert Advice, Colour, Interior Design, Living, Materials

Advances in fabric technology mean we have a lot more to choose from when selecting fabrics for outdoor areas or that sun-drenched window seat, says Abode's resident interior designer, Sarah Eaton, of Tailormade Space.

As we head into summer, the whole concept of indoor/outdoor flow becomes a feature of our lives again. It’s time to dust off the outdoor furniture and maybe add some new cushions or refresh the squabs. In recent years, there have been some fantastic developments in textiles designed for outdoor settings. ‘Indoor/outdoor’ is the term we use for these versatile fabrics, as they are suitable for use almost anywhere.

These multi-purpose fabrics come in soft, textural and colourful styles and are equally as good-looking as their solely indoor counterparts. Our climate in New Zealand is harsh, and we do tend to build homes with lots of glass and connections to the outdoors. For this reason, it is essential to select fabrics for your home that can provide optimum wear and stand up to the elements. If you are considering upholstering a window seat for example or other furniture that is likely to be exposed to the sun, it is worth considering an indoor/outdoor fabric.

One example of an indoor/outdoor fabric collection that is simply beautiful is ‘Around the World’ by JAB. This collection has a stunning selection of vibrant, colourful prints and weaves that will add some lovely personality to your space. Another collection that I love is ‘Farniente’ by Élitis. The company describe the collection as “pairing a resolutely technical fibre of astonishing performance, with perfectly natural looks”. Both of these gorgeous collections are available in New Zealand via Seneca.

It used to be that the selection of hard-wearing fabrics that could withstand the elements was limited, but we are now spoiled for choice and can be as creative in our outdoor spaces as we are indoors.

021 029 32709 | tailormadespace.co.nz