The evolution of the technique of weaving over the course of the centuries has resulted in an exciting variety of materials the pattern and texture of which, is solely dependant on the intricacies of the weave. With methods having become more sophisticated so have some of the weaves. The spectrum ranges from fabrics such as finely embossed organdy, to the richly hued velvets. Although we tend to be conservative in the way we combine textures in our homes, we find it easy to experiment with our clothing. We need no extra confidence when it comes to wearing a silk shirt with a pair of slacks made from tweed, completing the outfit with a velvet scarf. So why should we find it so difficult to combine those textures in our homes? One of the most wonderful things about textured fabrics is the ease with which any of them can be incorporated into almost any style of interiors.

Harmonious combo
In a small living room a blend of textured linen and cotton works harmoniously and enhances the lines of the wooden furniture.You can hardly go wrong if you stick to combination of white, off-white and cream as a coloured mirror, or elegant camel backed sofa covered with a starburst double cloth with a raised pattern, rather like a quilt, contrasting it with a country rug. Quilting is another method of imparting additional texture and pattern to a fabric, usually made from cotton.

Wall-to-wall textures make for a very sensual bedroom. Not only the walls but the ceiling can also be covered with textures. This use of cloth produces an intimate atmosphere which is much warmer than the more usual white-painted surfaces. Sophisticated decorating does not mean you have to use elaborate materials and trims to achieve a stunning effect. Just a few yards of a simple fabric such as organdy, if used creatively, can be as stylish as the most complex combination of patterned textiles, and their calm and soothing qualities help provide great relief from the stress of our daily lives.

The fashion for animal prints comes and goes, but used with discretion, the introduction of leopard spots catches the eye. Over used they can make too strong a statement, but diluted by plain fabrics they add original decoration. A leopard throw, a cushion or an animal print carpet is enough to bring out the animal in your room. Another way of introducing texture to a room is with woven flooring. Woven fibres like rattan and bamboo can successfully be incorporated into a stylish interior.

Velvet is a very pretty choice for lamp shades. The light filters softly through the design, throwing the velvet pile into relief. The key to using velvet comfortably lies in choosing the right colour for its environment.
Fake furs, used sparingly, go a long way towards giving an exotic flourish to any interior. Leopard print carpets can be fun. As it is fairly rich in character, it is probably best to combine a fake fur with sumptuous textiles such as velvets, silks or damasks.

Probably the most sophisticated of all self patterned fabrics is damask (figured cloth usually of silk or linen). Its ornamental patterns are formed by the contrast between the lusters of threads, resulting in dull woven figures in raised relief against a shiny background. Usually woven in one colour, damasks are generally reversible, a fact which can be exploited to create a stylish effect. Upholster a chair or sofa in a damask fabric and use the same fabric, reversed, to make some pillows. A mixture of different hues of the same damask all used together in the same room, makes a sophisticated impact.

Stripes:  Unlike checks, which are almost always man-made, stripes occur both naturally and artificially. In fact, throughout history, stripes in one form or another have been integral to interior decorating. On one hand, long, narrow, and on the other, bold coloured broad stripes will make a room seem smaller. The principles that apply to the use of stripes on walls also apply when making curtains or accessories.

Checks: The appeal of checks lies in simplicity. They can be used in every style of interior and in every room, from a bedroom or study to the board room. They work just as well when used to make draped curtains for formal rooms. Checks can be found literally everywhere - wall coverings and flooring schemes, in the ceramic tiles. Surprising and fun, painted checks on a wall may take a little time and patience, but the results are striking and well worth the effort. Suit the size of the squares to the proportions of the room.

Motifs: The methods of presenting motifs are almost limitless; they can be woven or printed onto upholstery fabric, stencilled on the walls and floors, appliquéd, embroidered, engraved, etched, or carved. Broadly speaking, motifs can be scaled to suit any interior. They can be divided into two categories. The first category is mainly made up of geometrical forms and include polka dots too. The second category is usually inspired by animals, plants and man-made objects and often has a symbolic meaning. Motifs can be used in an almost infinite variety of ways, to form a border around the walls, to decorate lamp shades, bedspreads, curtains or in a series of kitchen tiles, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

Pictorial: It can be difficult to make a distinction between motifs and pictorial patterns as they have many elements in common. But it is probably useful to think of pictorial designs as being made of many different component pattern rhythms. The best way to do this is to buy a metre or two, of the fabric and match it up with the schemes in your home. See how the light affects the pattern.

Walls with fabric is a lovely way to add pattern to a room and it is no more difficult than decorating with wallpaper. It is particularly effective above a dado rail with a plain wall below, which highlights the pattern without taking over the entire room. Matching curtains and upholstery add to the sense of sophisticated comfort.
All cultures share a strong tradition of delight. You can use a different style of pattern for each room in your house so that every space has a different story to tell.

The author is an interior designer and can be contacted at 9845070824 or email: modcconinterior@rediffmail.com