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Cushions, carpets, pillows... make everything
look hep
Here are some ways to dress up your
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SOFT FURNISHINGS for draperies, carpets and bed
linen are now available in a variety of fabrics ranging from crochets
to plaids to cotton voiles and rich tapestry. Silk is a rich furnishing
fabric that has beauty and is rare and distinctive. Embroidered
silk and silk brocade and a host of other selections are available
for home furnishings. Using the right colours for soft furnishings
can give a totally new look and feel to a room.
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Draperies
 One
can dress up windows with curtains of different kinds. The choice
of curtain fabrics and styles would depend on the kind of window
that is being dressed. If privacy is necessary, then one can go
in for thick curtains. Olefin velvet can endure heavy use and is
a good choice for humid places.
Nylon velvet is ideal for family areas. Crocheted curtains are an
alternative to the traditional materials. Simple lace curtains bring
a fresh and welcome look to a room. Dressy drapes are given a lining
with another fabric to add extra body. "Combine draperies with
shades and ornamentation and one can get a well-dressed window.
Curtain pattern and colour can help set the mood," says Aruna,
an interior designer.
One can opt for small patterns or self-patterned curtain fabric.
Complement the curtain pattern with the wall treatment, floor covering
and other upholstery in the room, she suggests.
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Upholstery
Sofa upholstery should be sturdy
and in a colour that harmonises with the room. Slipcovers used on
sofas can provide a new look. One can play around with fabrics of
different colours and textures to create an effect that is aesthetic
and functional. A drab sofa can be trimmed with bright cushions.
There is a wide variety of styles available for upholstery. Leather
is a durable upholstery material that can withstand children and
pets. With a simple maintenance routine, leather can retain its
original gloss and give good value for money.
Many synthetic weaves offer the convenience of easy washing and
stain-resistant qualities. Fabrics for cushions will depend on the
kind of use. With kids around, one needs robust and sturdy fabrics.
If the cushion is for decorative purposes, delicate fabrics such
as silks and muslins are preferred. Plain cushions can be enhanced
with decorative braids or patterned piping. Using tassels, appliqué
designs and fringing can enhance the look of a simple cushion.
Bedding
Nothing is more inviting than a cool and comfortable bed
that allows one to sink in and catch a good night's rest! "Matching
bedding to bed often is a daunting task. However, these days one
can buy the bed and the bedding all at once," Ms. Aruna says.
Bed linen can range from bedspreads to comforters to quilts.
One should choose bed linen and fabrics keeping in mind the weather.
"There is nothing more elegant than the juxtaposition of light
with dark. It is easy on our eyes and has a calming effect,"
Ms. Aruna avers.
Thick colourful quilts can brighten up a pale bedroom. One can get
very creative with kids' bedrooms. Gaily printed sheets with coordinated
pillow covers are available in a variety of designs that will appeal
to the little ones. Try and lend a modern twist to traditional craft
with the use of graphics and patterns. Merging pastel colours with
an energetic assemblage of sunflower yellow, olive green and fuschia
totally transforms the look of the bedroom.
Rugs and carpets
Rugs and carpets add a touch
of colour to a room. Scatter rugs can be used for adorning small
spaces and adding a touch of warmth. The colour and design of the
rug plays an important part in giving the room a new look. One can
go in for earthy shades or exotic blues and reds. Prints range from
floral to geometric to abstract.
Light-coloured carpets make a room appear more spacious. Deep colours
add coziness to a room. Rugs and carpets are available in a variety
of fabrics and textures — wool, synthetic yarns such as nylon,
olefin, polyester and acrylic.
Close stitches make for longer lasting material. Twisted yarn adds
to durability. Machine-made rugs cost lesser than hand-made ones
and look just as good.
Whether one's personal style calls for a home that is contemporary,
traditional or flamboyant, one can make it their own by allowing
the furnishings to evolve with occasional changes in colour and
patterns. |
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Vacuum the upholstered furniture weekly using
a furniture brush.
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Direct sunlight will fade the upholstery,
so keep the furniture out of direct sunlight.
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Turn cushions and pillows around on a weekly
basis to extend life of the fabric.
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Before trying to remove a stain or soil
from upholstery, one should determine the type of fabric involved.
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