Designer Advice

Materials & Finishes - Brocade

Brocade represents rich, heavy, elaborate design effects. Sometimes with coloured or metallic threads making the design usually against a satin weave background. This makes the figures stand out. The figures in brocade are rather loose, while in Damask the figure threads are actually bound into the material.

The pattern may be satin on a twill ground or twill on a satin ground. Often reversible. The motifs may be of flowers, foliage, scrollwork, pastoral scenes, or other designs. The price range is wide. Generally reputed to have been developed from the Latin name "brocade" which means to figure.

Materials & Finishes - Leather/Suede

The properties of leather vary considerably depending upon the type and quality of both the skins and the tanning process. Every piece of leather has individual markings, which relate to its origins and add character to each skin.

A good quality leather garment should improve with age. The natural elasticity of each hide means it is flexible and will stretch and return to its original shape. Leather also has a natural tendency to repel liquids and resist staining. It's also fire-resistant, and emits no toxic fumes, even when exposed to intense heat.

Relative to virtually all man-made textiles, leather is very strong and has a high resistance level to tears and punctures. The comfort provided by most leather goods is due in part to leather's ability to combine breathing and insulating properties. And because it is a natural product, it adjusts constantly to its environment, allowing it to breathe freely, maintaining a comfort level in all seasons.

The difference between leather and suede? Suede is simply leather which is rubbed to make a velvety nap. It is also important to note that suede is made from splits, so it's a less expensive and less durable leather product.

Materials & Finishes - Microfiber

Microfibre generally consists of very fine Nylon or Polyester filaments used to produce light, soft and breathable fabrics.

This manufactured fibre is very strong and is resistant to both abrasion and damage from many chemicals. It is elastic, some may say even “springy” and is quite lustrous. It returns easily to its original shape and is non-absorbent. It is fast drying, resistant to some dyes, resistant to creasing and resistant to moths and other insects, water, perspiration and standard drycleaning agents. It is readily washable and is not damaged by sunlight or weather.
Truly an impressive man-made addition to the textile industry.

Materials & Finishes - Cotton

Cotton is a natural vegetable fibre of great economic importance as a raw material for cloth. Its widespread use is largely due to the ease with which its fibres are spun into yarns. Cotton’s strength, absorbency, and capacity to be washed and dyed also make it adaptable to a considerable variety of textile products. It is one of the world's major textile fibres.

It is obtained from bushy plants. The immature flower bud, called a square, blooms and develops into an oval fruit called a boll that splits open at maturity, revealing a mass of long white hairs, called lint, that cover the numerous brown or black seeds. There are four main types of cotton: American Upland, Egyptian, Sea Island and Asiatic. The flowers from which these different types of cotton are obtained vary in colour and texture, thus providing each type of cotton with varying characteristics. Cotton, in general, is very elastic. It can withstand high temperatures, has high washability and is very susceptible to dyes.

Country Style Guide

With influences from both America and Europe, this simple, inviting style is warm and approachable. With a range of variations such as the primitive, rough-hewn Rustic construction of Mexican furniture – or the softer lines, distressed finishes and hand-painted designs of romantic Cottage style, Country is very versatile.

Comfortable slipcovers or upholstery fabrics like flowery chintz, linen or hardworking denim, woven plaids and textured, nubby fabrics are common. Quilts, needlework and outdoor-themed accessories are all part of this relaxed and creative look.

Modern Style Guide

Reminiscent of the great masters of 20th century design, this style can boast both sharp, linear design or sexy, flowing curves. Although the designs tend to be fairly simple and unelaborated, they have a tendency to make a strong presence.

Whatever your definition is, Modern is definitely a style that accepts a mix of trends and styles to create a unique statement. Fabrics are simple, although frequently richly woven, while leather is perfect for the greatest designs of the century.