Fabrics: lustrous aesthetics

UPHOLSTERY FABRICS

A collaboration between Zinc Textile and awardwinning interior design company Martin Hulbert Design (MHD) has resulted in an exciting collection of decorative weaves that provide a new perspective on design and colour. The patterned fabrics offer a range of interesting designs where textures are layered and intricate patterns take centre-stage. The earthy colour palette gives a natural feel enriched with peacock, ochre and warm spicy tones. Zinc Textile is available through Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design (www.alisonbethellcollins.com) and Arte del Lusso (www.artedellusso.es). Both showrooms are situated in San Pedro de Alcántara.

Right Rest FR is Kirkby Design’s first mohair for upholstery. It is a durable luxurious fabric with a deep pile that is soft to the touch and a lustrous shine. Kirkby Design is available through Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urb. Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es) and Alison BethellCollins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com).

Below Right Osborne & Little have a wide range of velvets and chenille fabrics, ideal for the winter months to add a cosy and luxurious feel. The collections shown here are (anti-clockwise): Pelangi Velvet, Felicia and Cornelia. Available through Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urb. Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es).

Below The vibrant Fresco collection from Dedar is hand drawn and painted by Indian calligraphers using thick pigment colours on silk and viscose, creating a unique aesthetic. The geometric pattern, which is an abstract depiction of palm leaves, celebrates nature. Dedar is available through Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com).

Bold, graphic and luxurious, the Katori collection from Romo features wonderfully colourful, decorative and tactile upholstery velvets. Its statement geometrics, contemporary chevrons and stripes embrace frivolity and colour. Romo is available through Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com), Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urbanización Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es), González Casaus in Centro Comercial Camoján Corner in Marbella (www.gonzalezcasaus.com) and Nomad Studio One in Edif. Don Amaro II in Sabinillas (www.nomadstudioone.com).

DRESSING YOUR WINDOWS

Curtains are not only decorative but also highly functional. Depending on the material, they provide privacy and can block out glaring sunlight, dust, noise and wind, enabling you to keep your windows open while enjoying fresh air from outside. If a room is dark, perhaps consider white and sheer curtains so that light can still filter through while ensuring privacy at the same time. Linen has become quite fashionable and it drapes beautifully. The fabric is easily washable and it allows air to pass through, so linen is especially popular in warmer countries. Blackout curtains are often chosen for bedrooms as they effectively block out the light, allowing you to sleep more soundly. They are also useful for thermal insulation and for reducing noise. Busy patterns on curtains can overwhelm a room, especially if space is limited, but don’t be afraid to enter into the world of motifs as they can also make a real design statement in a room with a neutral colour palette. Always try to employ a professional to hang your curtains so that they are evenly mounted and expertly draped – it will pay-off and give the room a finished look.

The new Escale fabric collection from Élitis took its vibrant inspiration from sub-Saharan Africa, with references to nomadic objects, tribal sculptures and Dakar street art. The collection comprises nine striking designs. Élitis is available from Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com), González Casaus in Centro Comercial Camoján Corner in Marbella (www.gonzalezcasaus.com) and Nomad Studio One in Edificio Don Amaro II in Sabinillas (www.nomadstudioone.com).

The bold and colourful Mindanao is a new collection from Pepe Peñalver, inspired by the indigenous art and textile traditions of the Philippines. The rich mix of jacquard fabrics with an Ikat effect and watercolour tie-dye prints brings a living space to life (www.pepepenalver.com).

Top The Brera Rigato III 100 per cent pure tumbled linen from Designers Guild offers durability and washability, featuring a contemporary look with broad pinstripes. Available from Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com), Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urb. Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es), Nomad Studio One in C/ Espinosa in Sabinillas (www.nomadstudioone.com), González Casaus in CC Camoján Corner in Marbella (www.gonzalezcasaus. com) and Arte del Lusso in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es). Above The new Joy of Life collection from Création Baumann is a delicate leafy motif in playful accents that are uplifting yet blend beautifully into a room. The Fly version, shown here, offers a poetically airy look. 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).

LUXURY FITNESS AT HOME

Right The Technogym Run Personal treadmill is powered by a silent motor so that you can train early in the morning or late at night without disturbing others. It has a 21.5-inch display to connect runners to a virtual trainer, plus a range of programs. Its built-in speakers allow you to play music or even stream content, and the running belt is paired with shock absorbers to help prevent injuries (www.technogym.com).

Below Pent Fitness offers exclusive gym accessories for the home. All their products are made from the highest-quality materials and finishes. Pent is available through High-End Homes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes.com).