Answers from an Interior Designer: Soaking Interiors in Color, Kitchen Wallpapers, and Comfortable Sofas Suitable for Life
In the quest for the perfect family sofa, durability and stain resistance are key. Performance polypropylene, polyester blends, chenille, and performance velvet are some of the most hardwearing fabrics available from fabric houses, designed to withstand frequent use by children and pets.
1. **Polypropylene (Olefin) Performance Fabrics**
Arrival Upholstery Fabric, made from 100% polypropylene, is a prime example of this resilient material. With a rub count of 27,000, it boasts impressive abrasion resistance. Its stain-resistant properties and 100% bleach cleanability make it an ideal choice for heavy use in family settings.
2. **Polyester Blends**
A 95% polyester, 5% linen blend, tested for 30,000 double rubs, offers great durability and stain resistance, making it suitable for sofas exposed to spills and pet wear. Sofas like the Hamilton Sofa use such blends to repel liquids and resist pet hair, while being easy to clean.
3. **Polyester Chenille**
Chenille made from synthetic fibers like polyester is especially durable and stain-resistant, making it a smart choice for families. The Burrow Union Sofa, for instance, uses stain-resistant, easy-cleaning polyester chenille that can handle pet messes and spills.
4. **Performance Velvet**
Performance velvet, specifically designed to be stain-resistant and durable, offers the added benefit of being easy to clean. Its low pile makes it less likely to snag or tear, and pet hair can be vacuumed off easily. Some luxury upholstery velvets can test to 50,000 double rubs, ensuring a tough yet soft finish.
In terms of colour choices, bathrooms and bedrooms are best suited to light and bright hues, whereas powder rooms can benefit from a dark and sophisticated colour scheme, ideal for colour drenching. A nature-inspired pattern, such as the rich, forest print, can add a contemporary twist to a kitchen or hallway.
For those seeking long-lasting fabrics, consider options suitable for hospitality or contract use. Sofa cushions can also be remade or re-stuffed to refresh a piece of furniture. Adding fresh feathers can give a new lease of life to a worn-out sofa.
Many luxury wallpaper companies now offer protective lacquer upon request, making their wall coverings wipe-clean and potentially more sustainable. Marly vinyl wallpaper by Colony is an example of a modern kitchen wallpaper that has improved texture and wipeability.
In conclusion, performance polypropylene, polyester blends, chenille, and performance velvet are among the most durable and family-friendly upholstery fabrics. These fabrics are chosen for their high double rub counts, stain resistance, ease of cleaning, and ability to withstand wear from pets and children.
- Interior Design and Lifestyle:
With a focus on durability and stain resistance, these high-performance fabrics find their place in interior design for various rooms. They are ideal for the living room, with their ability to withstand heavy use and maintain a stylish appearance.
- Home and Garden:
Exploring the world of home and garden, one can find these fabrics used extensively in outdoor furniture. The resilience of polypropylene, polyester blends, chenille, and performance velvet allows them to withstand the elements, ensuring comfort and style in any outdoor setting.
