Kitted out with class

BORED WITH YOUR HOME? You don’t need to move or even completely redecorate to benefit from mood-changing decor - simply change the look by investing in textiles that will give new life to your windows, chairs, table and beds.

The possibilities are endless depending on the style you prefer and ambience you wish to achieve. If you don’t know how to start, VC Fabric at Crystal Design Centre offers a mind-boggling choice of patterns, materials and textures to suit your taste.

The showroom showcases thousands of fabrics categorised into shades for easy browsing. Among the looks suggested are Mediterranean villa, Swiss valley, Santorini island and Bohemian, along with Moroccan motifs, over-sized flowers and cotton candy with sweet pink polka dots. 

Talk a walk on the wild side with a lounge chair upholstered in leopard spots and zebra patterns or give a fresh look to outdoor living with vivid fabrics in yellow, orange and turquoise.

“Just as clothes make a person look good, so soft furnishings can completely change the ambience of a home,” says design director Pranee Nagarisi.

“For a glamorous touch, use satin or velvet, both of which have glossy and silky surfaces. Using monochrome fabrics of different textures gives a room a simple but elegant look. Even just changing the upholstery of the sofa and the cushion covers can add comfort.”

Pranee is a second-generation member of this family owned business whose customers over the last 30 years have included hotels and resorts, restaurants and residential spaces. To keep up with the trends and the demands of customers, she visits the annual international trade fair Heimtextil in Frankfurt and Shanghai. 

“India is known for distinguished jacquard while Turkey is best for its elegant sheer curtains. The UK offers appealing printed fabrics while Italy produces durable and tightly woven upholstery fabrics that are perfect for sofas and chairs. Plain polyester, ikat and printed cotton from Thailand are also terrific choices,” Pranee says.

Two or three new collections are introduced every month. For the patio set, Pranee suggests vivid polyester fabric imported from the US. It’s strong, durable, resistant to fading, water and abrasion and also dries quickly. There are also UV-protective curtains tightly woven with special yarns from Taiwan that claims to protect against 80 per cent of the sun’s harmful rays as well as a collection of artificial leather from Turkey embossed with different textures to look like genuine leather.

To choose the right fabrics for your home, Pranee advises first choosing a colour that makes you feel relaxed. Then select the style you prefer and consider whether it is appropriate for the character of the piece it is covering.

Armchairs, sofas, lounges, table, stools and cushions upholstered with various textiles are on show and sale. Using the same furniture frame, you can change the upholstery fabric to match your taste. Delivery takes about two weeks.

“People nowadays tend to mix and match rather than stick to a particular look,” says Pranee. “Their house may be decorated in vintage style but they like to add bright and bold colours to other elements for a whimsical and fun touch.”

 

 

Choosing the right fabric

Style: Some fabrics look casual, while others look formal. Choose one that reflects your style.

Colour: Match the right colour to the chosen style, and be sure it’s the right mood for the room and the furniture. If you have small children, choose a colour that doesn’t show stains easily.

Durability: Generally, pattern woven fabrics are more durable than printed fabrics. Vacuuming weekly will lengthen the life of upholstery.

Fade resistance: If the furniture’s near the window or in a room that exposed to plenty of sunlight, choose fabrics that are sunlight resistant to decrease the chances of fading.

Allergy: Choose upholstery that can be easily wiped down to reduce dust mites such as leather.

Airiness: Some materials, such as PVC, are not airy, meaning they retain the heat and also make the user feel hot.

 

 

Colour me beautiful

>>> VC Fabric showroom is at Crystal Design Centre on Ekamai-Ram Intra Road. 

>>> It is open daily from 10.30am to 7pm. Call (02) 769 6070. Visit www.VC-fabric.com.