Like all designers, I spend countless hours scouring magazines and books, looking for old ideas to reinterpret or modernize for today's homes. We all tend to fall in love with a magazine house and then set out to find the right pieces with a tweak here and there to make it our house. But for as much inspiration as they provide, the upscale homes portrayed in design magazines also help lead us down a really unrealistic path. Who exactly lives in these perfect-looking homes? What's most important to remember when you're making that critical decision about furniture is how you really live in your space. Will your choice meet everyone's needs? Is it practical, stylish and comfortable?
Since the living room is the room you really live in, the decision about what kind of sofa to settle into is a big one! Here are some quick tips and important things to think about when determining which is right for you...
CHENILLE
If comfort is at the top of your priority list, then chenille should be, too. Even the toughest of guys will admit that they are capable of moments of pure zen when curling up on a super soft chenille sofa or chair-and that's why this fabric tends to be a family favorite. Cozy as all get out, it's also a master at hiding dirt! Another important fabric-choosing factor that we tend to overlook during the honeymoon phase that we share with our furniture is the way a fabric performs in the long run. The nap or hand of chenille stands up forever, so that your piece looks as new in ten years as it did the day you fell in love! There are several different looking options when it comes to chenille, and the patterns and textures vary to create many desirable looks. Shop Chenille
LEATHER
Leather is becoming increasingly more popular in today's homes. It's no longer a secret that leather looks luxurious and withstands the wear and tear of everyday use like no other! The variety of styles makes it a popular choice for any décor. Full grain leather remains natural in its appearance with markings and tiny wrinkles in the hide to create unique characteristics on each individual piece of furniture. This look is not for everyone though; some prefer a smooth look with a more uniform appearance, void of any of the natural markings. Fortunately, many looks are achievable in leather, and today's choices also include dyed leather for a variety of color options. But the best thing about leather is that you'll notice no real dirt spots, and spills can be wiped off easily. I also love that with leather furniture, stitching is very often showcased, providing another small layer of detail that indicates a sense of fine tailoring. Shop Leather
MICROSUEDE/POLYESTER MICROFIBER
Microfiber has proven to be a favorite for one simple reason: complete durability in a high end looking package. How can something that feels so delicate be so darn indestructible? The secret is in the short, water repellant polyester fibers. Water beads right off this wonder fabric, ensuring there will be no crying over spilled milk! Lovers of contemporary tend to be drawn to the rich, velvety hand of microfiber (sometimes called microsuede) and the gorgeous, subtle colorways and textures and patterns it comes in. Microfiber is a family favorite because it is offered in so many different styles, and people with kids and pets can be confident in its ability to stand the test of time! There is, however, one thing to take note of if a structured, uniform look is important to you; the peach-skin-like quality shows some variation when rubbed back and forth (think vacuum lines or suede). It's all part of the character and beauty of microfiber. Shop Microfiber
COTTON
Soft, breathable and oh-so-comfy, cotton is found in everyone's closet. So it's no surprise that decorators love living rooms wrapped in this type of fabric. From cotton blends to denim, this upholstery can take your living room in a number of different directions-from relaxed to crisp and tailored. Denim cotton in particular is wowing today's decorators-it looks and feels just like your favorite pair of jeans for a cool, casual vibe. It's easy to run a lint brush over, cleans up nicely and wears wonderfully. Just like in your wardrobe, cotton goes with everything and is super simple to decorate around!
Shop Cotton
