Page 169 - Homes amp Gardens UK February 2021
P. 169
DESIGN
HARD-WEARING
UPHOLSTERY
DO...
■ Choose upholstery fabrics with
a Martindale rub count of no less
than 18,000 if you have young
children and pets.
■ Use a fabric protector on
upholstery. We also often design
sofa arm covers that can be
washable and protect the arms
from wear over long periods.
■ Use a weighty linen to upholster
a sofa, dining chairs and even a
headboard – this not only looks
elegant but is durable. We have used
the heavy linens by GP & J Baker and
Fermoie in many of our projects.
DON’T...
■ Choose lace, velvet and other
delicate materials in family
rooms. Anything gathered or
embroidered is more vulnerable
Decorate with earth-
to pulls and damage, so where
toned colours,including
possible find alternatives.
rich browns,greens
and rusty oranges ■ ... ‘make do’. We believe in the
philosophy ‘buy it once and buy
it well’, and this means that it’s
CREATING A BACK DOOR SPACE well worth investing in good
DO... DON’T... quality upholstery that will last.
■ Maximise space and use every ■ Use your space as a ‘dumping ■ Wash fabrics such as linens at
awkward corner. Create cupboards ground’. Keep it organised by home because it can cause shrinkage.
out of old walkways and utilise investing in baskets, each Most will require dry cleaning. &
concealed doors to hide washing dedicated to storing a specific item, simshilditch.com
machines or heating systems. which can be slotted into bespoke
■ Invest in a hard-wearing floor to fitted joinery. Include hidden
withstand boots, pets and drips. storage within bench seating too.
Brick and stone are practical. ■ Choose a work surface that
Limestone flooring from Artisans won’t get damaged. Marble looks
of Devizes is always a safe choice. lovely but can stain, so we
■ Add panelling to soften the hard recommend a black honed
edges of stone and brick finishes. granite, or similar, instead.
“CONSIDER USING THE SAME STONE
OR BRICK FLOORING IN OTHER ROOMS IN
THE HOUSE, SUCH AS THE KITCHEN,
ENTRANCE HALL OR GARDEN ROOM”
166 H O M E S A N D G A R D E N S . C O M
