Woven WONDERS

By Sam Micatrotto

Have you ever looked around your home and felt like something was missing? Maybe your feet are a bit chilly on the bare floor as you walk across the room, or you feel like the decor could use a refresh.

If you’re experiencing these design woes, it’s time to consider adding a rug or other textiles to your space for some added style and texture. We know decorating or redecorating your living space can be a daunting task, particularly when you consider the various factors that come into play.

We also reached out to Kacie Lilley, one of the lead interior designers at K & Q Interiors, to share her expertise on the matter. With her expert advice paired with some other tips, we hope you feel inspired by the time to get to the end of this article.

SO, WHERE TO BEGIN?

First and foremost, Lilley recommends that you keep it simple. You don’t want to overthink an already potentially involved project, so just start with the basics. Then it’s a good idea to understand your lifestyle and overall needs. Does it need to be functional? Do you just simply want to have an aesthetically pleasing space?

When starting a new project for K & Q Interiors clients, Lilley and her team ask themselves the same questions. “We first consider the lifestyle of the client. Do they prefer to keep things casual? Do they have pets and/or kids? Do they want to impress guests? The answers to these questions start with the direction, and from there we move on to content, color, texture and overall style.”

DURABILITY & CLEANABILITY

When it comes to choosing textiles for a family- or pet-friendly home, durability and ease of care are most likely going to be your top priorities. Look for fabrics that are practical yet stylish that can withstand heavy use and are easy to clean.

“There are so many textiles that are made for cleanability now!” says Lilley.

These added heavy-duty elements help to make your furniture, rugs, curtain and other textiles stain-resistant, moisture-resistant, odor-resistant as well as earth-friendly which can provide that extra assurance for those who want to make their textiles last. But, like with many important purchases, it’s important to do your research. Be sure to understand the fabric’s durability and ability to withstand wear and tear before taking the plunge–no matter how perfectly it fits in with your style.

Lilley also recommends staying away from viscose in area rugs when possible. Viscose rugs are in high demand for their crushed velvet look, but they require careful maintenance. They are not ideal for high-traffic areas, homes with pets or young children. “There are so many look-alike options for just about every look,” Lilley says. “We can typically find the look we want that doesn’t come with the worries.”

Go Green

Just like we care about what we’re putting into our bodies, it’s also important to think about the chemicals that surround us that can be just as detrimental. Organic textiles are becoming increasingly popular and important in today’s world. They are made from fibers that are grown without the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers.

These textiles are better for the environment as they promote sustainable farming practices and reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air, water and soil. Conventional textiles are often treated with chemicals such as formaldehyde and flame retardants, which can be harmful to human health.

Organic textiles, on the other hand, are made without these harmful chemicals, making them a safer and healthier option for consumers. Choosing organic textiles is an important step toward promoting sustainability and protecting our health and the environment. “This can truly make an impact on a person’s health and well-being,” Lilley says.

On Trend

While practicality is important when choosing textiles for your home, we know better than anyone that choosing items that are aesthetically pleasing is the fun part. And while it seems that neutral tones and the minimalistic look has taken over, Lilley says she’s seeing a new trend start to pop up.

“We are seeing less gray and more warm tones. It is nice to have some color back!” She still suggests using warm and cool neutrals as a base to keep a classic look, but adding a pop of color with an area rug, textured blanket or throw pillows really goes a long way.

And as with most trends, what old is new again, and according to Lilley, it seems that peach and pinky tones, rust, brown and salmon hues are back in style. So, if you’re looking to add that pop of color to your home, those might be good colors to start with.