Beyond Drapery

DREAM INVESTMENT
“A primary suite should be one’s ultimate sanctuary. In this design, we blended texture and pattern to create a space that feels curated, not cluttered. We started with the bedding—an investment we always recommend—using a neutral coverlet detailed with elegant tape trim. To tie the room together, we repeated the drapery’s custom fabric in the bolster, unifying the accent pillows and expanding depth and warmth to every corner. By selecting high-end, exclusive fabrics, a standard sleep space is transformed into a one-of-a-kind statement that feels entirely personal.” — Jane Synnestvedt, Jane Synnestvedt Interior Design

JANE’S FABRIC APPLICATION TIPS: 

• Select linens, cases, coverlets, duvets, bolsters, pillows, and throws that have textures and patterns that layer upon one another.
• Use unique finishes through trims, tapes, and buttons that create an elevated, designed look to the bedding.
• Incorporate various sizes of decorative pillows, shams, and bolsters to build dimension, layers, and points of interest with the bedding.

Available at MDC: Pindler duvet fabric, Schumacher duvet tape trim, CAI Designs custom-upholstered bed, Tennant & Associates throw pillow fabric, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils throw pillow fabric, Rozmallin drapery, Euro shams, bolster, and vegan leather bench fabrics.

STUDY IN JEWEL TONES
“Family memorabilia and a treasury of books were the inspiration for this space. We decided color drenching the room would create a jewelry box-like setting that wouldn’t distract from these important items. The custom application of the two chair fabrics began with pairing a beautiful chevron textile that draws the eye into the space, with a lux blue color companion fabric on the inside of the chair. The ottoman was upholstered in a deep navy leather to lend some sobriety to the saturated palette. These fabrics convey an intimate and dazzling atmosphere at the same time. Located off a large foyer and library, this study invites you to come on in, pull up a seat, and have a cocktail.” — Kathleen McGovern, Kathleen McGovern Studio of Interior Design

KATHLEEN’S FABRIC APPLICATION TIPS:

• Don’t be afraid to be bold and colorful. If that is who you are, go for it! Just know when to put the brakes on. Dramamine shouldn't be required to enter the room.
• If you are a collector of textile artifacts, by all means bring them out of your trunks and closets. Hang them on walls or drape them over a sofa or chair. Frame them and put an art light over them.
• Anything that is handmade or vintage speaks volumes about the respect one has for their own ancestry or other cultures.
• Experiment with dual fabric applications. This technique is particularly successful on traditionally styled upholstery pieces and antiques. Or be fearless and use two fabrics on eight or 10 dining chairs. (Put the pattern on the outside of the chair and a more subtle style on the inside of the chair.) That application makes a very strong design statement! 

Available at MDC: Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils chair back fabric and rug, CAI Designs inside chair fabric, Tennant & Associates ottoman fabric, Rozmallin drapery panel fabric.

SANCTUARY WITHIN A SANCTUARY
“This primary bedroom features a beautiful canopy bed that the client already owned. The request was to incorporate some custom bedding that would infuse lightness and beauty into the space, while softening the metal of the bed frame. We added a rug on each side of the bed for their beloved golden retrievers to sleep on. The red tiebacks on the drapery, pillow trim, and accent pillow all provide a touch of color and visual interest to a calm neutral space without overtaking the tranquility.” — Debi Hollis, Interior Lifestyles 

DEBI’S FABRIC APPLICATION TIPS:  

• When I ‘m asked to soften a space with fabric, I tend to gravitate towards gentle colors and patterns. If I want a touch of a bold color, it’s just an accent so it doesn’t overtake the theme. A tone-on-tone approach is another good way to add pattern without being too bold. 
• You can be really creative when designing a canopy bed. Whether you add drapery fabric to the top, corners, or partially along the sides, it adds a bit of coziness and romance to an already private space. Think of it as a sanctuary within a sanctuary. 

Available at MDC: Pindler drapery, accent pillow, trim, and bedding fabrics

DYNAMIC DETAILS
“The amazing landscape outside this room inspired the arrangement and design of this living room. We kept the profile of the custom, curved sofa low so that it didn’t impede the view and topped it with vibrant throw pillows. I love swivel chairs for their kinetic and conversational qualities, and we covered them in a textured, buttery yellow fabric. The extra-long drapery panels were divided into pieces in accordance with the window size. For example, we used a textured sheer textile for much of the length, then a contrasting solid fabric equally apportioned for the tops and bottoms of the panels. It’s a very dynamic space!” — Terry Ellis, Room Service Interior Design

TERRY’S FABRIC APPLICATION TIPS:

• Unless your goal is to have a monochromatic color scheme, create visual interest and excitement with a furniture component in a bold color. In this case, imagine how this room would have paled had the chairs also been white like the sofa.
• When designing with patterns or vibrantly colored fabrics, rugs can act as a very important grounding base and calming counterbalance. 
• Pillows can make or break a fluid color scheme. Go large. Go bold. Go high quality.  Even if the material is a bit expensive, a pillow typically only requires one yard of fabric, and these items contribute to the overall success of the room.

Available at MDC: Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils curved sofa, chairs, and throw pillow fabrics, CAI Designs chairs, Pindler drapery and kitchen cornice board fabrics.

CENTER STAGE
“The transformation of a basement storage room into a play space for grandchildren creatively repurposes an underutilized space in this home. The design challenge was to develop an inviting playroom that encourages endless hours of play for multiple generations to enjoy. Framed by elegant white curtains with vibrant multi-colored fabric and pom-pom tiebacks, the stage exudes a whimsical charm that invites young performers to step into a world of make believe.” — Ruth Casper, Ruth Casper Design Studio

RUTH’S FABRIC APPLICATION TIPS:

• A children’s space can be just as sophisticated as the rest of the house. Designers can source luxurious fabrics and trims that are also able to stand up to wear and tear.
• Choosing a designer who understands which fabrics can be easily cleaned and are environmentally safe for children and pets is a must in any area of the home.
• A designer can add layered details like trims to bring color, texture, and whimsey to a children’s space.

Available at MDC: Ruth Casper Design Studio drapery fabric, Rozmallin tie-back fabric, CAI Designs pompom trim.