Fabric is one of the basic components of decorating, used for window treatments, upholstery and accessories. Meri Stevens, former president of Waverly Fabrics, explains how to use a favorite fabric as a guide for decorating an entire room. Begin by choosing a statement fabric -- one you love -- around which to build your room. Choose a fabric with a fairly large print and lots of color on a light background. Use the pattern as much or as little as desired, and place it on anything from a sofa to a single accent pillow. Coordinate the decor by choosing solids and other prints that reflect the colors of the statement fabric. Mix solids, stripes and plaids for a diverse look. A room with a masculine feel begins with a large, stylized floral print of muted reds and greens on a cream ground. This statement fabric determines the choice of other fabrics for the room -- a Harris check containing all of the print's colors, a wide-wale corduroy in solid green and a red-and-white plaid (figure A). A large-scale floral fabric sets the tone for a garden-themed room. It's teamed with fabrics that echo the colors of the print -- a multicolored plaid, a floral-patterned panel print and a striped denim (figure B). Meri suggests experimenting with a fabric before designing an entire room around it. Tuck a yard of it into the sofa and live with it for several days. If it works as a statement print, take a swatch with you when you go shopping. Having the statement print handy helps when you're selecting coordinating fabrics as well as dishes and other accessories.
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