Finding a contact within the textile industry

If you're on the market to find new fabrics, having a textile industry contact like Lesley de Meyrick may help you find the right materials for the home.

What do you think people should look for when choosing a fabric?

A home is a very personal space – it says a lot about who you are and the fabrics you choose reflect this. Fabrics create a picture and, as there are so many choices today, how you do that is only limited by your imagination – you can have lots of fun.

What sorts of fabrics work best in the home?

We're no longer restricted to natural fibres such as cotton and silk. Today, the quality of synthetic fibres, such as polyester and viscose, is extraordinary. There are so many combination fabrics now available made of both natural and synthetic fibres that are durable, feel good and look fantastic.

How do you go about choosing fabrics?

To create a specific look, based on a colour palette, for example, start with a beautiful signature fabric for the main furniture pieces, such as sofas. You then pare back other fabric choices using co-ordinating colours. The more colours in the signature fabric, the more scope you have.

Would you recommend mixing patterns and textures?

Contrasting patterns and textures can really bring a room alive. If your signature fabric is decorative, you can contrast it with stripes or geometrics. Varying textures can also enhance a room's atmosphere and generate great warmth.

You have so many beautiful patterns in your range – where do they come from?

The designers are artists. They use the colours and textures of nature for inspiration to constantly create new and original stories. We also have a huge library of archived designs from which we regularly adapt and re-create new designs while maintaining the spirit and integrity of the original.

What about the cost?

Well, this can vary enormously, depending on the quality of the fabric. The really top mills in Europe are now facing very strong competition from places such as China and India, so pricing is becoming much more competitive at the higher end.

Contact a textile industry expert like Lesley to find out what fabrics will best work in your home: