Design Psychology: Fabrics

From a riot of color in bold chintzes to the gentle rustle of taffeta, fabrics influence our mental attitude in many subtle and not so subtle ways. Playful patterns make us smile, while mixing prints and solids can present a paradox of dynamic energy. No matter which effect you're looking for, you'll want too choose the right fabric colors, patterns, and textures to reflect your interior design plan.

Emotional Factors

Fabrics make impressions on all of our senses. For instance, tactile pleasure is strongly reinforced by the softness of fabrics. The touch of a fabric suggests wealth (silk), formality (damask), or informality (burlap). Our hearing is enhanced in rooms with an abundance of noise-absorbing fabrics. The colors and textures of fabric affect our sight, and some fabrics also influence our sense of smell, offering scents that may be pleasurable, cooling, or annoying. Fabric colors even modify our perceived sense of taste.

Fiber and Texture

Fiber is what gives substance and texture to fabric, and may include such things as reeds, grasses, animal hair, or even plant seeds. When shopping for any type of woven fabric, look for a high thread count for softness and durability.

Wool is the environmentally-favored choice for carpeting. It's natural, renewable, fire and soil resistant, and long-wearing. For furniture upholstery and window coverings, cotton is the natural fabric of choice.

Fabrics also reinforce the degree of formality in a room. Rough-textured fabrics say "picnics," while soft textures whisper "formal dinners." Cotton damask, toile (sheer linen and silk cloth), chintz (which is never out of style, just out of popularity from time to time), and soft chenille speak of formal, traditional spaces.

Regardless of the look and feel you're seeking for your home, the careful use of fabric textures, colors, and patterns should be a large part of your overall design plan.

Copyright c. 2004 Jeanette J. Fisher. All Rights Reserved.

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhouse fordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm

Trading in Corporate Office for Home Office

Six years ago, I had not yet turned on a... Read More

How to Buy a Home with Good Feng Shui

Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much... Read More

Breaking Away from White Wall Paint

Paint is one of the most affordable and easiest ways... Read More

Get Rid Of Air Pollution In Your Home With House Plants

Do you know that formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas can... Read More

How To Ward Off House Thief

To most of us, security at home is very important.... Read More

Your Candles Are Killing You and Your Furniture - Substitute It!

Even though most of the houses are well lighted with... Read More

Warm & Toasty Outdoors with Patio Heaters

The Heat is On with... Read More

Color Help: Many Factors Affect Color Preference

Understanding color psychology helps home makers choose colors for home... Read More

Selecting Color Schemes

Choosing a color scheme for a room can be a... Read More

Colors: Their Connotations and Perceived Meanings

Throughout the ages, colors have been used to evoke certain... Read More

Research Concerning Color in Homes and Workplaces

Over the years, many studies have been done in countries... Read More

How To Completely Rehab Your Home In 10 Days!

This report is about taking a house and restoring it... Read More

New Construction Windows Or Replacement Windows? Which Is Right For You?

Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the... Read More

Which Type of Radiant Floor Heating is Best For Me?

If you are looking to warm your floors with a... Read More

5 Steps for Creating a Garage You Can Love ? and Use

A major US corporation recently launched a new line of... Read More

Prefabricated Home Packages

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what's... Read More

FAQs About Using Stone In Your Home

1. Q. IS NATURAL STONE A GOOD CHOICE FOR HOME... Read More

A Lasting Scent

Look no further for long lasting perfumes. House of Rose... Read More

How to build an energy-efficient home

There are just a few important things to know and... Read More

Create a Joyful Home with Living Accessories: Houseplants

Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides... Read More

Designing Great-looking Window Coverings on a Budget

Window coverings are one of the most important focal points... Read More

Seven Essential Color Concepts for Designing Spaces

Understanding a few essential color concepts will help you design... Read More

Design Psychology: Fabrics

From a riot of color in bold chintzes to the... Read More

What is Design Psychology and How Will it Help Me?

In this article, we'll be taking a look at the... Read More

Do You Have a Master Bedroom? You Shouldnt! Tips for Remodeling Your Bedroom

The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More