Doing what comes naturally
Natural fabrics work well in interiors because they are more stimulating than plastic fibres, which are essentially dead. Mass produced fabrics don't have the depth or aura of natural ones. Natural fabrics are woven stories that identify places, cultures, tribes and nations. Nearly all cultures have their own fabric - the designs on Mexican blankets show which province they're from, for instance. Our identity as a people is expressed through fabrics such as the stories contained in Aran knits, herringbone tweed and Galway shawls. In the past, rural households would grow their own flax which they'd make into cloth with a spinning wheel. The local tailor would make clothes from it, so that forms part of our history and how we lived.
Cushioned platform
Seating platforms fitted with cushions and bolsters are a great way of using space. Made from plywood, with a hinged seat, they can be positioned against a wall or put into an alcove. The cushions that go against the wall and the seating ones can be taken off and used as guest beds (or guests can sleep on the platform if it is wide enough). The inside of the seat can be used for storage.
Embroidery works
Tapestry, brocade, embroidery, applique, batik and hand-painted fabrics make beautiful pieces of art that are also functional. Use them as bed spreads, bed canopies, lampshades (you can buy a spray to fireproof them), wall hangings and festive table cloths. Embroidery and brocade don't have to be dull - look at the embroidery in fashion now on clothes and bags. At the international trade fairs, the current big news is Celtic designs!
East meets Irish
Fabrics from Eastern cultures combine well with traditional Irish fabrics to create exciting new colour combinations and a meeting of cultures. One idea borrowed from the Eastern way of living is to have large, luxurious floor cushions in silk, velvet, cotton or linen. They can be used as individual seating or placed against the wall to form a mini sofa or reclining area. Then, if you need the floor space, they can be stacked in a corner easily. These are perfect for those who are renting, because the cushions can easily be taken from property to property and will add an opulent look to drearily furnished apartments.
On the wall
Fabric wall coverings add texture and warmth to a room. Create them by wrapping the end of a length of material around a batten and fixing it to your wall. These work on blank walls that look really bare and flat. They can also be used to cover nasty paint, wallpaper or plasterwork. You can then take it off if you get bored with it to reuse elsewhere, or to carry to another apartment if you're renting.
Snuggle up
Soft fabrics, such as cashmere, velvets or lambswool, are ideal as sofa and bed throws. Then, if you're curling up to watch the telly, you can snuggle against it, pull it over your shoulders or even wrap yourself up in it!
Colour me scattered
Scatter cushions add luxury and comfort to a space and can be used to bring together the colours in the rest of the room - taking colours from walls, carpet and curtains.
Screened off
Fabric screens are useful if you have, say, a work area in your main room because you can cordon it off when friends come to dinner. They also work well in open-plan offices as they are more beautiful than the usual, boring office screens between desks.
Leave a legacy
By choosing natural, woven fabrics and textile art works you'll add meaning to your interior and helps support weavers and artists. You will live among art, continue a culture and leave a legacy.
Red and yellow and pink . . .
Coloured fabric in blinds will filter light into hues creating mood and atmosphere. Yellow creates a cheer ful feel, orange, red and pink add warmth, blue and green are calming and cream softens the light.
Fiona Belton, who runs Fine Fabric Interiors in Galway, has worked as a costume and set designer in theatres and on films - and captained boats. Her fabrics can be seen in an exhibition at The Mill, Victoria Bridge, Naas, Co Kildare on 9th and 10th December or at her Galway showroom, tel 091 585 225.
