2 minute read
TREND
All the TRIMMINGS
The founder of F&P Interiors based in Sussex on how to use trimmings in interior design
By EMMA VANS AGNEW
Adding a trimming to your furnishings adds that extra wow factor, elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary, and they are very much in vogue!
Starting with curtains and blinds, you can use the plainest of fabrics, and by the addition of a decorative braid will elevate the curtains and trick the eye in making the room feel higher in proportion.
If you are looking for something a little more subtle, or traditional, decorative tassel fringes look lovely when added to the edge of a curtain, or choose a drop bead, ru e or fan edge trim in a complementary colour to your fabric, and use a tieback for an elegant drape to maximise the impact.
Likewise on pelmets, a plain straight pelmet with a braid along the edge, or framing the box, is a very smart look. With shaped pelmets opt for a contrasting cord piping to really accentuate its shape and use it to trace its form and continue it down onto the curtain for maximum designer impact. Bobble fringes are a lovely way to make your room more playful, or soften it with a pretty fan edging.
A very popular trend is trimmed cushions. Plain fabrics can be used as a base for the most beautiful of braids, sitting these on a plain sofa and they will become a focal point. There are also a plethora of gorgeous ruches, and lovely flu y trims that can be used for piping cushions, and also great on headboards. Together with the more traditional tassel fringing or the delightful pompom trim is equally at home on cushions as it is on curtains. Leather, or faux leather is also a smart alternative to traditional fabric piping.
Fringes not only work to introduce movement and texture into a scheme, they can also be used to disguise unloved features such as sofa legs. Without them, furnishings will look good but with them, they will look outstanding.
Another great design detail to finish o your lampshade neatly, trimmings can be attached to cover the fabric edging of your made to measure shade.
Choose colours to complement the fabric of your shade or lamp base and look to beaded fringe or intricate gimp for a more traditional feel. Alternatively, coloured braids, playful tassels and extra-long fringing can transform your lighting into a fun and modern centrepiece within your room that will double up as a design feature that is completely unique to your home.
Adding trimmings to your furnishing will help to tie these standalone pieces into the rest of your scheme. Whether it be through pattern or colour, trimmings can establish a connection between multiple items that appear within a single scheme.
