INTERIOR INSPIRATION
BY KATE KINGSTON
Kate Kingston, Managing Director of Kingston Shaw, an award winning
interior design company with offices on the Wirral, London and Dubai,
shares with us the latest trends for creating the perfect home.
MATERIAL MATTERS -
A GUIDE TO PURCHASING OUTDOOR FABRICS
2. SOLUTION-DYED ACRYLIC OR SOLUTION-DYED OLEFIN
These fabrics are more durable and are often used for awnings. Because
these fabrics get their colour from solution dyed fibres before they are
spun into fabrics drastically reduces fading from UV rays.
The summer finally arrived in July for three days, the UK sweltered under
a tropical sun, we all moved outside and became a nation that could make
plans for exterior activities and we lived the outdoor life.
Now we are in August, the rain has returned and once more we will do the
dance of 'in out shake the cushions all about!' At Kingston Shaw we have
researched outdoor fabrics thoroughly and have come up with our definitive
guide which I would like to share with you.
Firstly there are outdoor fabrics and then there are outdoor fabrics, as with
most things in life you pay for what you get. Many promises are made about
the longevity of a fabric but what should you look for in a fabric to use
externally.
Firstly, choose a fabric that has been treated to be waterproof and UV
Resistant. Some kind of anti-stain treatment is a must!
Lovina fabric from www.designersguild.com.
3. PVC (POLYVINYL CHLORIDE) MESH
PVC Mesh fabric is commonly used
in sling-style outdoor furniture, pool
chairs and patio chairs that have a
plastic-like basket weave appearance.
Water can pass through them, they
dry quickly, and most are fade
resistant. Because PVC mesh doesn’t
stretch, they do not require any
cushioning underneath for support
- it can be simply attached to a metal or wood furniture frame. Fabric
available from Porto Negro Mesh Fabrics www.profabrics.co.uk.
4. MARINE VINYL
Marine vinyl typically has a leather-look
and can be used for boat or automotive
upholstery, and are ideal for using
outside as they are pretty indestructible.
These fabrics can simply be wiped clean
as needed, rarely fade, but be warned you
don’t want to sit on them with bare legs
on a very hot day! Ouch! Marine Fabrics
From www.sunbrella.com.
Finally, don’t forget to dress your floor, an outdoor rug is a great
investment and a wonderful way to add even more colour with fabrics
in your outdoor space. Check out the rugs at www.therugseller.co.uk.
There are four main materials that can be used successfully outdoors:
1. POLYESTER
Great for occasional use on cushions etc, they
are only tested for 500 hours of sunlight, so will
fade if not brought in.
This outdoor toucan cushion is available from
maisondumonde.com.
70 wirrallife.com
Whatever the weather throws at
us, for those of us who are lucky
enough to have outdoor spaces, how
lovely to be able to dress the space
with pretty things that are also fit for
purpose. Happy Solar Lounging!