Apr 3

Apr 3 The Velvet Trend-Guest Post by The Interior Editor

Today's post is a guest post by Maria, The Interior Editor; Interior Designer, Blogger and self-confessed Interior Addict writing about a topic close to my heart; the use of velvet in your home and how it is fast becoming the latest home trend.

You can read her blog through the link below

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The Velvet Trend

If there's one texture that will add an air of opulence and elegance to a room it has to be Velvet with its tactile qualities and luscious good looks, it's been growing in popularity for the past few years and this year it's set to be one of the biggest, dare I say it, trends.

I'm not one to usually be led by trends because for 1. I basically hate being told what to do as a general rule (just ask the family), and 2. I'm a "go with whatever makes your heart sing", kinda person, especially when it comes to making your home your own. That said, we are going to be introducing this wonderful tactile texture into bedroom redesign purely because of its ability to not only create a luxurious look but for it to feel it too. There's no doubt that velvet has the ability to do both as it's a pleasure on our senses.

This train of thought obviously has brought about this post and although I'm not suggesting you embrace this trend, you may, want to at least take it into consideration if you're looking to update or refresh your homes.

Why Consider Velvet?

Whilst velvet might have been the choice material of the rich and royalty when it was first introduced in 809 A.D. by Kashmiri merchants from Baghdad, it has to be one of the most versatile textures you can introduce into your homes. It's soft to touch, exudes comfort and style whilst being durable which makes it great for stand out furniture pieces.

Traditionally, velvet was made from silk and later cotton, there are now synthetic versions available which makes it more affordable.

Velvet actually refers to the weave and structure and not the actual content of the material which means velvet can be made from any fibre.

Textural Contrast

If you love the look of velvet you don't have to go all dramatic and dark, it works really with softer colour palettes and contrasts beautifully with other textural fabrics such as wool and linen.

Image - (Black Monday Floor Lamp) - Pooky

It also lifts darker styled rooms with its raised plush texture especially if you introduce jewel tones with other light reflecting textures that these spaces need. Darker rooms need more textural contrast to define them.

Velvety Inspiration For Your Homes

Accessories

As ever, accessories are great for providing our homes with a quick update. Cushions are one such treat for your spaces, and with so many styles to choose from, there's something for everyone.

Arabella Petrol PomPom Blue Velvet Cushions

Arabella Petrol Blue Velvet cushions - RAGGED ROSE LTD

I'm particularly loving these pompom tasselled Arabella cushions by Ragged Rose. They add just that little bit extra detail that makes them rather special. Seen here in what they refer to as Petrol Blue or if you like, teal colour, there are other colours available to choose from. Although, if you're embracing the New Art Deco look, the combination of the rich teal colour combined with its velvety texture is a pairing made in heaven and would work well with the use of additional metallic pieces/accessories to add to the elegant and opulent feel of a room.

The Arabella Petrol Blue Velvet Pom Pom Cushion is available in 2 sizes with the square one larger than most normal. Made from soft suede velveteen on both the front and the reverse side. Due to the 100% cotton velvet pile fabric used to make the Arabella with the pom pom trims, its advised to dry clean only. Price: From £28. And if you need to be sure of a colour match, Ragged Rose are happy to send you a sample.

Pelican Oversized Velvet Cushion

Of course, velvet doesn’t have to be plain. This oversized detailed cushion not only incorporates colour but imagery and texture into a gorgeous piece of artwork for your sofa, armchair or even your bed. It's a brand new design available from March from Audenza a fabulous one-stop shop for those of you seriously addicted to interiors. You might want to get in quick with this one as I can see it's going to be hugely popular especially with those of you that are loving the botanical/tropical trends around. Price: £68.00 Dimensions: L80 x W40cm

Pelican Oversized Velvet Cushion- With Pad (available from end of March).jpg

Throws

Plushious Purple Velvet Bedspread - The French Bedroom Company

This Plushious Bedspread in a rich and luxurious purplish hue is one of The French Bedroom Company's bestselling throws and it's no surprise as to why. Made from the softest pure cotton velvet with hand-embroidered dots densely separated on the borders and more sparsely spaced on the central section of the bedspread, with a 100% cotton reverse. This gorgeous throw also incorporates this year's Pantone Colour of the Year Ultra Violet Purple which has seen an emergence of warmer and deeper rich tones seeping into interiors. It's perfect for adding warmth and a luxury to your bedroom spaces. If you're not particularly keen on purple, (I admit I'm not), they do have a number of other velvet throws in different colours from neutral grey, royal blues to emerald greens and warmer saffron red.

Made from 100% cotton velvet, this throw unlike others I've come across is actually machine washable which is easier on the pocket in the long run. Priced at £320 but worth every penny don't you think?

Lampshades

What I love about this wonderful texture is you don't have to go overboard introducing it into your homes. Adding small elements such as a velvety lampshade into a room will instantly lift any space whatever your decor or style. These from Abode Living are available in a range of colours and with prices starting from £23 they even work out cheaper than a cushion or two!

Less is more when it comes to velvet especially if you prefer a more modern setting. Unless, of course, you are going for the dramatic regal look in a period home.

Stools

This versatile stool from Audenza is a great way to introduce velvet for say, a bedroom space. It's on the smaller side so if you're lacking space it'd make a great dressing table stool. It'd also make a great footstool, side table or additional seat for guests. I'm personally loving the contrast between the brass hairpin legs and soft lilac velvet. Price: £71 (Dimensions: H38 x D33cm)

Statement Pieces

Betty armchair in Olive pure cotton matt velvet - Sofa.com

There's nothing like a statement chair to inject some colour and texture into a room and this Betty armchair from Sofa.com does both in this greenery inspired setting. A take on the mid-century cocktail chair, this is a small but definitely sophisticated chair dressed in sumptuous velvet making it the perfect accent chair to a room. Price: £590

LOLA OYSTER AQUA Retro Chair - MY Furniture

If your pocket doesn't stretch to £100's then there are affordable pieces such as this Lola Oyster retro styled chair which is priced at £109.99. It's also available in a mustard yellow and if neither take your fancy MY Furniture can upholster in a fabric of your choice for an additional fee.

Series 7 Dining Chair - Fully Upholstered Velvet Limited Edition - Chaplins Furniture

Of course, I couldn't resist including the Special Edition Series 7 Chair as I wrote about it here. It may be pure indulgence but it's one that has captured my heart since it was introduced. I'd restyle my entire dining area if I could afford to but for now, I'll have to admire it from afar. Although, I suppose I could introduce into the bedroom redesign as a dressing table chair but may be a bit too extravagant for the budget I have in place *sighs.

More importantly, velvet is such a versatile material complimenting and working with every style and this special edition Series 7 chair is proof of such.

WHINFELL CORNER SOFA - Darlings of Chelsea

A velvet sofa can be a great investment piece that can help you achieve an expensive look to a room without having to do much more. Accessorise with touches of other contrasting textures by way of cushions and throws to create more visual interest. Velvet sofas offer you both style and the comfort factor which is probably why we've seen a huge increase in the choice of velvet sofas on offer. From traditional style Chesterfield's, to more modern corner solutions like this Whinfell Corner sofa by Darlings of Chelsea which happens to be currently on sale from £4,125.55.

Velvet is a great sound absorber. If you have an open plan space consider using it in the form of seating to help dampen sounds.

Or use it to reinforce a period styled property. Again, you don't need to add much more to create an elegant setting to a room. This beautiful Hatfield grass sofa adds depth, to the soft pink decor. It also adds to the feel and look of the period setting. Luxury and elegance combined, a match made in heaven don't you think?

For me, using velvet in your home is like wearing your best little black dress, you don't need to overboard to create an elegant and refined look. It does the talking for you.

Bedrooms

As the bed is the main focus of a bedroom space, you could go all out and choose a luxurious velvet upholstered number like this one from Living It Up.

If you're going to invest in a high quality upholstered bed it goes without saying order yourself a fabric sample first. I actually sent off for a few for this bed as I particularly liked the larger more dramatic headboard. It looks green in the picture, but in reality, the swatch was definitely more teal.

Napper bed in Bumblebee clever velvet - Loaf

Bedrooms are ideal spaces to introduce velvet as it creates visual comfort and softens the overall look. The abundance of colour choices and styles available mean there's something to suit every decor and taste too. This Napper bed is upholstered in a seriously special velvet by Loaf. It's not only super durable it spill-resistant and doesn't mark like some velvets do. It also has a lovely slightly faded feel to it too.

When looking at purchasing furniture upholstered in velvet, try and choose one that has been specially treated for spills and durability, particularly useful if you have children or are prone to spilling the odd drink or two!

Windows

Opting to dress your windows will soften the lines around the window area and create a focal point to a room. Velvet has brilliant insulating qualities which make it perfect for keeping those wintery drafts out!

Wallcoverings

Sophie Conran for Arthouse Palais Stripe Scarlet Wallcovering - ARTHOUSE

Flocked wallpaper is one of the oldest types of wallpaper around and was originally invented to imitate the cut velvet hangings in the early 17th Century. The 3d qualities add not only interest but another dimension to your rooms that are quite irresistible to the touch. With an array of patterns and motifs and colourways to choose from, you may want to add some velvet texture to your walls to reinforce an indulgent vibe to your home with statement walls. Flock wallpaper is also great at helping to absorb sound in a room.

Care of Velvet

If you're concerned about the upkeep and care of velvet, it may not be as troublesome as you think. And In general, if it becomes dusty i.e., curtains, you can clean by brushing carefully with a bristled hair brush. Or if stains are a problem, mix small amounts of warm water and dishwashing detergent together in a bowl whilst shaking to form suds. Then using a soft cloth apply the suds to the stain and dab lightly until the stain is lifted.

However, there will be exceptions so ALWAYS check the care instructions as these will be dependent upon what your velvet is made from ie., synthetic, cotton etc.

So what do we think? Are we in love with Velvet or are you going to give it a miss? It'd be great to hear from you.

Maria xx