If you haven’t already heard of Nesting Newbies, it’s a new online decorating magazine which shares decorating, entertaining and cooking tips. I was honored to be involved in this issue’s “Casbah Cool” feature, along with an amazing bunch of talented design writers and bloggers. Take a look at some of the highlights below, and be sure to check out the full issue (article starts on page 56) for recipes and design sources!

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. *

Accent pillows and flowers add jolts of color to this room designed by Niche Interiors

1. Spruce it up with color. Toss out those faded accent pillows on your sofa and infuse the room with colorful replacements. Create simple flower arrangements in small vases in various rooms in the home. The bathroom is always a nice place for a jolt of color.

Jonathan Adler double concentric pillow. 16” square, $98 ea

2. Create order. Do you have clutter spilling everywhere throughout your home? Group items into like-minded piles and contain items in attractive baskets or bins. Group small knick-knacks into pleasing, thoughtful arrangements and edit out items that don’t work.

3. Dress your windows. Bare windows or unsightly mini-blinds are a perfect opportunity to add softness, pattern and color to your room. Add drapery panels and new hardware for a more pulled-together look. Try mounting the rod a few inches above the window to elongate the height of your ceiling.

Jute cubes from West Elm. $89 each

4. Provide flexible seating for guests. Chances are you don’t have enough chairs for 10-15 people. Invest in stylish folding chairs, floor pillows, small ottomans or poufs. Pull them out when guests arrive so no one has to sit on the floor.

5. Flattering lighting plan. Evaluate the lighting in your home. Are there dark corners that nobody ever sits in? Place lighting evenly throughout a room, combining floor lamps, table lamps, and task lamps as needed. Install dimmers on your lamps or use low wattage bulbs for relaxing ambient light. Bring out the candles for even softer party lighting.

* Need professional help? Niche Interiors offers interior design services in the San Francisco Bay Area.*

Be Still Shop. Lovely, graphic cushion covers in a variety of natural fabrics.

Silver Solar Silk Linen Cushion, $54

Jenna Rose Handmade creates screen printed home accessories on organic fabrics. Love!

Treehouse storage bag, $48

Kiki & Polly: Whimsical paintings and prints. Perfect for a kid’s room!

Girl in the Yellow Suit Print, $45

* Check out all the photos in our San Francisco Interior Design Portfolio under “Teeny Tiny Bathroom Remodel” *

Photo courtesy of Houzz.com

Most of you know that I write a weekly article (or ideabook) for Houzz.com. I’m especially excited about this week’s photo collection of traditional textiles in home decor — take a peek at an excerpt below.

Are you bored of seeing the same patterns over and over again? Stripes, swirls, polka dots, leopard print…enough already! Take a cue from past traditions and infuse your space with hand printed or handmade textiles. Click here for the entire article.

* Interior Design San Francisco – Niche Interiors *

A vintage military cot serves as a comfortable spot to lounge.

Treat outdoor spaces as an extension of your home. Keep furniture styles consistent with your interior furniture and color palettes. Consider the view and juxtaposition of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Will the teal blue patio chairs look weird against the backdrop of your red sofa?

Create multiple seating groups for you and your guests. There should be an area for lounging, reading books and socializing as well as a designated dining area. Provide ample places to set down drinks and kick up your feet. Wood or metal stools are a great option – serving as extra seating, a landing spot for drinks, or a place to put up your feet and relax.

Santorini lanterns from Restoration Hardware in polished nickel.

Lighting, lighting, lighting! First order of business: Ditch the harsh porch light for a variety of softer ambient light sources. White Christmas lights, Chinese lanterns, and candle lanterns are easy ways to create a kick-back vibe.

Think green. Regardless of the size of your outdoor area, a little green goes a long way. Add life to your space with potted plants and flower boxes. Pick a theme and stick with two or three species of plants for a more unified look. Take a visit to Flora Grubb Gardens to stock up on inspiration, ideas, and plants!

* For more on plants: Check out our article on incorporating plants in interior design *

NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP? Start your summer off right with a more functional and beautiful home. From color consultations to remodeling, Niche Interiors will help turn your vision into reality. See our San Francisco Interior Design Services for more information. Call today for a free in-home consultation!