WEAVING MAGIC INTO LIVING SPACES

We all know that fabrics are transformative when it comes to interior design, including outdoor spaces. The difference that curtains, upholstery fabric and cushions can make to a space means that textiles are the unsung heroes of any well-designed home, playing an important role in creating the perfect ambience to convert a house into a home.

Upgrading your furniture with new upholstery fabric can breathe life into a tired sofa, chair or ottoman, giving you the option to preserve that treasured furniture item you fell in love with when you first bought it – while simply giving it a facelift with a stylish new textile.

Framing windows with curtains not only shields us from the outdoors by providing privacy, and protection from glaring sunlight, wind and dust, but also offers a decorative finished look. Elegant drapes, colours and patterns in luxurious silks, velvets and rustic linens offer a sense of cosiness, effortlessly elevating any space to new heights.

Cushions are often seen as the icing on the cake when it comes to the world of fabrics – as they are easy to add and can be quite inexpensive. However, when good-quality fabrics are used for your cushions, they immediately elevate the look of your sofa or armchair – adding a luxurious touch with very little effort. Here is some material (excuse the pun) to inspire you…

(www.alisonbethellcollins.com)

Marbella (www.gc-studio.es) , Ambience Home Design in C.C. La Poveda in Marbella (www.ambiencehomedesign.com), Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design situated in Avenida del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com)

Temperley London x Romo is a new fabric collection that offers bold patterns and maximalist design, melding fashion and interiors through this exceptional collaboration. The magical blend of bohemian grandeur, soft velvets, luxurious satins, sophisticated embroideries and wild jacquards showcases designs which create a whimsical and exciting living space that will be a feast for the eyes. Romo is available from Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design (www.alisonbethellcollins.com) and Arte del Lusso (www.artedellusso.es), both situated in San Pedro de Alcántara, as well as Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urb. Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es)

FABRICS (UPHOLSTERY) ...

Fluffy by JAB Anstoetz comes in a huge range of attractive colours. This fabric is ideal for upholstery as it is made from mainly polyacrylic and cotton, creating a semi-smooth sophisticated design. JAB is available from Mad About Furniture in Avda. La Unión in Estepona (www.madaboutfurniture.com), Arte del Lusso located in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es), Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avenida del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com) and Ambience Home Design in C.C. La Poveda in Marbella (www.ambiencehomedesign.com)

Right Pachisi by Dedar combines geometric prints with fifties-style abstract art on a wool and cotton upholstery fabric in various colourways. Dedar is available from Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com), Gunni & Trentino in Marbella Club (www.gunnitrentino.es) and Ambience Home Design in Centro Ccomercial La Poveda in Marbella (www.ambiencehomedesign.com)

Below Right The Sperky velvet fabric by Aldeco, featuring their Tribe design, is a contemporary hardwearing textile that is ideal for upholstery use. Aldeco is available from Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com), Arte del Lusso in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es) and The White House in Edif. Camoján in Marbella (www.whitehousemarbella.com)

Below This sofa is upholstered with the new Orso Sapin fabric by Manuel Canovas, which comes with their Oscar framboise piping and a fuschia Bertille trim. The cushions are also from the Orso Sapin collection, with their Visconti Prairie piping. Manuel Canovas is available from The White House in Edif. Camoján in Marbella (www.whitehousemarbella.com) and Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com)

The new Aire collection by Alhambra comprises essential voiles that are inspired by the movement of a key element that surrounds them: air. A sense of freedom and natural cleanliness is evoked by the collection as the voiles move in the wind in natural colours and plain weaves – undulating in air that flows through the windows. Alhambra is available from Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urb. Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es) and Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com)

Valombreuse by Casamance was inspired by the flower-filled park in Guadeloupe that is home to an extensive botanical haven which comes to life on linen fabric. The exotic plants and foliage are celebrated on the matt fabric of this supple drape in three colourways that become luminous in certain light. Casamance is available from Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urb. Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es), GC Studio in CC Camoján Corner in

Marbella (www.gc-studio.es), Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com), Arte del Lusso in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es), Ambience Home Design located in Centro Comercial La Poveda in Marbella (www.ambiencehomedesign.com) and Mad About Furniture in Avda. La Unión in Estepona (www.madaboutfurniture.com)

Left Ezra by Jane Churchill offers a striking contemporary design which comes as both a woven coloured stripe and a hand block printed geometric pattern. Its strong artisanal look is perfect for a casual yet eye-catching drape. Jane Churchill is available from Mad About Furniture in Avda. La Unión in Estepona (www.madaboutfurniture.com) and The White House in Edif. Camoján in Marbella (www.whitehousemarbella.com)

Below Left Carlucci’s Fusionist is an inspired and eclectic blend of punk meets abstract art, with a bold explosion of colour that packs a punch on luxurious linen when placed in any living space. Carlucci is available from Arte del Lusso in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es) and Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urb. Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es)

Below New Mark Alexander sheers play with light and shade and are woven on specialist looms by artisans to create a beautiful luxurious finish in a soft and contemporary colourway. Mark Alexander is available from GC Studio in CC Camoján Corner in Marbella (www.gc-studio.es), Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com) and Cortidea situated on the Mijas Road and in Urb. Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es)