Interior Design Psychology - Fabrics

In language as in decorating, fabric is more than "a material made from fibres or threads." That definition actually falls behind an older, deeper definition of the word. Webster first defines fabric as "the framework or basic structure of anything." Homes should reflect and express the overall framework of our lives - in other words, offer a glimpse of what makes us tick.

House Beautiful The Fabric Style Book: Decorating with Stripes, Plaids, Floral and More

Through the selection of fabric, very disparate types of architecture and furniture can be unified. Geometric and abstract patterns can give furniture from any era a modern look. There are floral prints for every taste and style, elegant antique document prints, exotic ethnic patterns, checks and stripes to bridge designs within a room and from room to room, and, not least, novelty prints make a highly personal statement, usually with whimsy.

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From a riot of colour in bold chintzes to the gentle rustle of taffeta, fabrics influence our mental attitude in many subtle and not so subtle ways. Playful patterns make us smile, while mixing prints and solids can present a paradox of dynamic energy. No matter which effect you're looking for, you'll want too choose the right fabric colours, patterns, and textures to reflect your interior design plan.

Emotional Factors

Fabrics make impressions on all of our senses. For instance, tactile pleasure is strongly reinforced by the softness of fabrics. The touch of a fabric suggests wealth (silk), formality (damask), or informality (burlap). Our hearing is enhanced in rooms with an abundance of noise-absorbing fabrics. The colours and textures of fabric affect our sight, and some fabrics also influence our sense of smell, offering scents that may be pleasurable, cooling, or annoying. Fabric colours even modify our perceived sense of taste.

Fibre and Texture

Fibre is what gives substance and texture to fabric, and may include such things as reeds, grasses, animal hair, or even plant seeds. When shopping for any type of woven fabric, look for a high thread count for softness and durability.

Wool is the environmentally-favoured choice for carpeting. It’s natural, renewable, fire and soil resistant, and long-wearing. For furniture upholstery and window coverings, cotton is the natural fabric of choice.

Fabrics also reinforce the degree of formality in a room. Rough-textured fabrics say "picnics," while soft textures whisper "formal dinners." Cotton damask, toile (sheer linen and silk cloth), chintz (which is never out of style, just out of popularity from time to time), and soft chenille speak of formal, traditional spaces.

Regardless of the look and feel you're seeking for your home, the careful use of fabric textures, colours, and patterns should be a large part of your overall design plan.

Copyright c. 2004 Jeanette J. Fisher. All Rights Reserved. Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see doghousetodollhousefordollars.com

Related Pages: Fabrics

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