Furniture | Niche Interiors

Archive for the ‘Furniture’ Category

Upholstery 101: Selecting the Right Fabric

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

If you’ve purchased a sofa recently, you are well aware of the overwhelming fabric options that are available. Here is a run down of the most common fabrics and the best ways to use them.

Niche Interiors custom sofa in a cotton blend fabric

Cotton. I’m a sucker for natural fibers. Cotton is a good choice for upholstery fabric – it’s breathable and comfortable to sit on. If you have a very active household, it would be advisable to opt for a cotton and synthetic blend for durability, such as 50% cotton and 50% polyester (or rayon) blend. Look for heavier weight cottons, such as canvas and denim for longer life spans.

Linen. Effortlessly chic, linen has the most appeal for casual, classic homes. The downside to linen sofas are the wrinkles, which are inevitable. If you like things to look uniform and perfect this is not the upholstery fabric for you.

Microfiber or Ultrasuede. These fabrics are everywhere! That’s a great thing if you have a house full of young kids and dogs. While they are durable, relatively stain resistant and easy to clean, they can be a bit drab. A great alternative to microfiber is to treat your sofa with a stain guard service such as Fiber Care, which is an eco-friendly application. For a few hundred dollars they will come to your home and treat the sofa to repel stains.

Synthetic Fibers. There are a wide range of synthetic fabrics used in upholstery, the most common being polyester, rayon, and nylon. Synthetic fabrics were created to mimic natural fabrics, but with increased stain resistance and durability (and often with a less expensive price tag). Generally, synthetic fibers are rather durable and are a good option when blended with a natural fabric. The downside is that they are mostly derived from coal and oil sources, so they are not environmentally friendly.

Leather. Easy to clean and long lasting, leather has been a popular upholstery choice for ages. With the increased awareness of environmental and animal impact, this choice might be waning in popularity. Personally, I think leather is best used on chairs rather than sofas. If you opt for leather, make sure to look for full or top grain leathers that have been aniline dyed.

* Need professional help? Niche Interiors provides furniture selection and buying services. Contact us for more information. *

Tags: custom furniture design bay area, custom sofa san francisco, custom upholstery san francisco, how to select fabric upholstery, interior designe 101 upholstery, upholstery basics
Posted in Custom Furniture, Decorating Do's & Don'ts, Furniture | No Comments »

Sneak Peek: Pacific Heights Pied-à-terre

Monday, August 16th, 2010

I’m dying to share one of my latest projects, but alas we are still waiting on a few furniture pieces to arrive (and to schedule the photo shoot). In the meantime I wanted to share some of the furniture and fabrics that make this project so fabulous…

Robert Abbey Porter floor lamp in polished nickel

Brocade Home turned leg console in black

Pindler & Pindler Alenhurst Citrus fabric

Saarinen Tulip chair

Tags: decorator bay area, interior decorator san francisco, interior design bachelorette pad, modern interior design san francisco, pacific heights apartment design, San Francisco Design Sources
Posted in Accessories & Lighting, Furniture | 1 Comment »

Interior Design Wishlist

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Sometimes it’s just fun to revel in good design. Here are a few of my favorite products at the moment — hopefully they will inspire you too!

Paulistano armchair from DWR

Frank dining table by Oly Studio

Porcelain Mortar Stools by Tucker Robbins

Lindsay Adelman 9 Globe Bubble Chandelier

Hugo cabinet by Hickory Chair

The Aspre chair by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt

Need Professional Help? Niche Interiors offers furniture selection and buying services to clients in the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us for more information.

Tags: best interior design products, furniture design highlights, Holly Hunt chair, modern furniture, modern interior designer san francisco, Oly Studio, san francisco interior design
Posted in Furniture, inspiration | No Comments »

Emily Joubert: Rustic-Chic Outdoor Decor

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

I had the chance to drop in Emily Joubert Home & Garden yesterday before a photo shoot in Woodside. What an inspiring source for all your garden and outdoor entertaining needs. If you are hoping to create a rustic-chic, French-inspired outdoor space this is the shop.

Search among stone planters, charming patio tables, statues, and light fixtures to create a dreamy patio for the summer months. Cheers!

*Need Professional Design Help? San Francisco Interior Designer – Niche Interiors*

Tags: interior design outdoor sources, outdoor design bay area, San Francisco Design Sources
Posted in Furniture, San Francisco Design Sources | No Comments »

Poufs Galore!

Friday, June 18th, 2010

The pouf craze is still going strong! I am a big fan of this casual, flexible seating option. Any of the cushions below are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.