Fabric

I am quickly learning that fabric is my favorite part of the job!  When I’m immersed in a pile of fabric swatches is when I feel the most creative!  I love all of the choices and let me say… They are ENDLESS!!!

The unbelievable choice of fabrics, however, could be a blessing and a curse!  Fabric selection can feel overwhelming!  You can quickly spiral out into the oblivion of colors and patterns.  Come to think of it, this may have been the major malfunction of the 60’s!  So, how do we rein it in?  How can you narrow your selections down?  

Fabric is where it all begins!  Based on fabric selections, you can determine your rug color, furniture upholstery, and paint colors.  So let’s explore 5 ways to create stunning fabric combinations.

Monochromatic

Monochromatic is a simple beginning.  At least theoretically it’s simple.  You would choose a color from the color wheel and decorate an entire room with varying shades of this color.

One of my favorite examples of monochromatic, Tobi Fairley uses different shades of blue to create this perfectly cozy space.

Another Tobi Fairley monochromatic example.  Again, the blues combined with the softness of the beige upholstery is remarkable.

Another amazing designer, Jan Showers is a master at creating beautiful monochromatic interiors.  Above is a relaxing master with beige and cream tones.

Again, Jan Showers uses a blue shade and pattern on the walls as well as the bed.  The gold and cream detail add the subtle pop to draw interest.  

I love this Meg Braff design in a beautiful shade of green.

Complimentary

A second approach to fabric selections could be the complimentary option.  Complimentary would be to colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel.

Tilton Fenwick are really gifted at this combination.  Here, they use red and green for a gutsy but totally worth it gorgeous effect on the window treatments.

Designer Mary McDonald is brilliant with the shades of red and green combination in this bedroom.

via

I LOVE this artwork with red and green definition!  Even the addition of shades of pink in the artwork and pillows is so interesting!

Let’s not forget Blue and Orange.  Such a popular choice right now!  This library by Cory Connor Designs is extremely masculine even with the addition of the orange accents.

Again, designer Tobi Fairley hits the nail on the head with this Blue/Orange Combo.

Related

Related colors are colors that are side by side on the color wheel.  

One of my favorite related options is green and blue.  The pastel hues above (via Veranda) are pulled from the chinoiserie paper.  

Another green and blue color scheme from Veranda.

Designer Mary Douglas Drysdale shows her genius in this space.  Even the walls are solid green and it is beautiful!

Split Complementary

Split complementary is one main color selection combined with the two colors on each side of its complimentary color on the color wheel.

Here is a great example of split complementary via Tobi Fairley.  She uses Red as the main color in this space with touches of blue-green and yellow-green.

Jan Showers inspires with her split complementary mastery of shades of gold, blue and violet.

This pretty vignette is surprisingly perfect with the fabrics of blue and pink combined with the touch of orange in the painting.

No Rules

Some people, however, just have a God-given knack for pulling things together.  These people need no rules and they are inspiring!

Meg Braff shows her hipster side in this vignette.  Yellow, orange and red ARE related on the color wheel, but she really makes a statement here!

Jennifer at Dimples & Tangles blog is creative and daring with her fabric combo above.  I LOVE IT!

This pic of fabrics from Simple Details is right up my alley!  I love how fun this room feels due to the vibrant fabric combination!

 

So where do you fall in the fabric combination strategies?  Do you prefer the simplicity yet sophistication of the monochromatic option or do you like to live on the wild side with no rules?  Maybe you fall somewhere in the middle??

Either way, I hope you are having a Monumental Monday!!