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No decorating scheme will be successful unless meticulous care is also given to the furnishings in the room. Curtains, upholstery, table linen, bed covers – they all make a difference to a room. Through colour coordination and a careful selection of designs, patterns and fabrics, a room can be transformed. However this need not involve expensive purchases. Sofas and chairs can be covered in a limitless range of stunning fabrics. The choice of bed and table linen offer even further opportunities to combine style and comfort and to contrast colours and textures.

Today, with improved technology and the survival of centuries-old traditional skills and techniques, there is an astonishing variety of gorgeous fabrics to suit varied tastes and budgets. All one requires is oodles of imagination!

Whatever the decoration on a room’s walls, ceiling and floor, it is the elegance and upholstery of the furniture within that will give a room its definitive character. Fabric is possibly the most exhilarating and versatile way of covering and enhancing the surfaces of furniture. Upholstering, draping, cushioning - fabric comes alive when used imaginatively. From the finest, flimsiest linen to intricate, brocaded velvet, the potential of fabric for embellishing and transforming furniture is endless. In addition to the fabric, there is vast choice of accessories like braids, buttons and trimmings to jazz up a piece of fabric, delineate the curve of a sofa or highlight the folds of curtains. Applying fabrics to furniture and using them for furnishings are endlessly rewarding, they are so flexible and have tremendous scope.

There are many grounds for wanting to cover a sofa in fabric: it could be commonplace practical reasons, or for a change of ambience or lifestyle; for comfort or just to follow the changing winds of fashion!

A room can be transformed with curtains. Light, gossamer-like curtains give an airy, open feel to a room. Heavy drapes in rich fabric give a feeling of luxuriance. Dark curtains in a bedroom shut out unnecessary sunlight. Bright curtains can perk up a room, and curtains in shades of lime-green, pale yellow and sky blue have a soothing effect. The range of curtains is quite stunning from ordinary ones to pleated to box pleats, to French café curtains – to name just a few. They can be further enhanced with pelmets, trimmings, tassels and tie-backs.

• When selecting fabric, let your imagination run free. You don’t need to go for traditional upholstery only. Look for ethnic fabrics, cut up saris, try suede…the list is endless! This could apply to both furnishings and curtains.

• New fabrics can be created by mixing and joining old pieces together, like patchwork.

• Borders and edges can be fashioned by using strips of other cloth, or beads or ribbons.

• Try combining different weight fabrics – for instance, strips of wool between narrow lengths of cotton.

• Fabrics can be embellished with beads, fringes and tassels in many ways to create interesting patterns.

• Get imaginative – combine checks and paisley and be amazed at the outcome!

• Get creative with cushions – try different types of cushion covers like tie-ons, smocked covers, boxed cushions, bolsters and round cushions. Mix and match them with a riot of fabrics for an arresting look!

• Combine lace or sheer curtains with heavy drapes for a rich look.

• Brightly-coloured, checked French café curtains are like an instant pick-me-up in the kitchen.

• Curtains and soft furnishings are the elements that imbue a home with life, warmth, comfort and infuse it with the personality of the owner. Unleash your imagination and mix and match, shop around and browse around for unusual fabrics and combinations. Wake up to a beautiful home everyday!

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