Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week we look at how to use silk in your home decor.
With its sumptuous texture and luster as it hits the light, silk fabric and upholstery lend a luxe touch wherever you place it. “Silk always adds depth, richness and texture to a space,” said Elizabeth Hewitt, founder of Tulu Textiles, based in Istanbul. “Silk absorbs color like no other fiber, which allows for a deep saturation.”
Whether used for pillows, furniture upholstery or wall treatments, here, tips from the design pros on how to spin this opulent fabric to its best advantage.
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Think Beyond Just Pillows
“Adding ikat pillows or a fantastic hand-printed silk khadi fabric to any room packs power with saturated color, complex designs and sheen.
“Silk is surprisingly well suited for upholstery since it’s a strong fiber. A couch boldly upholstered in a silk ikat or block-print screams confidence and luxury. I also love a vintage chair in a bold silk fabric.
“Silk-upholstered walls are the ultimate dreamy room maker. The sheen and feel of silk on walls softens a room and adds a warmth and unique depth that wallpaper cannot.
“Silk upholstery and drapery fabrics should be backed and dry cleaned only. All of my couches and chairs are upholstered in silk ikats and silk velvets and have held up to a lot of wear. Silk doesn’t pill or fray in the same way that synthetic fabrics do—in general it gets better with time.”
— Elizabeth Hewitt, founder of Tulu Textiles, based in Istanbul
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Utilize its luster
“The luster and texture of silk immediately elevates a room unlike any other fiber. Silk is also very strong and holds color beautifully.
“Silk embroidery, stripes and brocades all lend texture. Silk is also ideal for ruffles and pleats and other finishes.
“Silk velvet, silk brocades, even raw silks work well for upholstery. Smaller items like benches, dining room chairs, mid-century furniture and chaise longue chairs all look fabulous with silks. A silk fabric could also be used as trim for a piece upholstered in another fiber or as piping. Backing silks is a good idea for higher-impact upholstered items to make them stronger.
“Silk walls? Yes, please. Silk gives an effect that paint never could—it has that special mix of luster and texture. Especially in low or nighttime lighting, silk really makes walls glow. Silk window treatments also give you the opportunity for volume and drape. I love the crunch of silk as long drapes touch the floor.”
A variety of silk ikat pillows in different patterns from Manhattan-based Tamam, a line of textiles and décor, which add color and dimension to a living space.
Tamam— Clare Louise Frost, co-owner of Taman, a line of textiles and décor in Manhattan
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Play with patterns and colors
“When silk is used in a room, it offers sophistication and refinement…. It is also pleasing to the sense of touch.”
“Silk can be used to enhance any piece of furniture, making it look luxurious. Elaborate or simple designs are limitless when it comes to using silk on upholstery. Because silk is a natural material, it has a tendency to fade in sunlight. Be mindful when applying silk to upholstery and don’t place it in direct sunlight.
“Silk wall coverings can be used to play off light and create luminosity.”
Designer Rita Chraibi, founder of International Designers, a Miami-based interior design firm, used silk custom cushions by fashion designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix Maison to give a set of sofas a pop of personality.
International Designers by Rita Chraibi— Rita Chraibi, founder of International Designers, a Miami and Morocco-based interior design firm
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Keep Silk Away From High-Traffic Zones
“Silk adds an elegance and a touch of formality to a space no matter the application or amount used.
“As most of our clients have children and/or pets, and really love to live in all spaces in their homes, we are pretty careful about using silk pillows since the fabric is not as hard wearing as a wool, velvet or linen. That jute rug is a snag hazard for silk if the pillows end up on the floor, and so we tend to use silk pillows on lesser used seating places; (on chairs that aren’t the favorite spot for watching TV, for instance). We also love silk for drapery and detailing.
“We typically will only use silk on upholstery items that are not in heavy rotation—fine for side chairs rarely used in a living or dining room, but not good for kitchens. We love a silk pattern for a side chair offset off by silk wallcoverings.
“We also love a silk lampshade. Shades are not typically touched too much, and silk can be trusted on them.”
— Seattle-based Julie Massucco Kleiner, co-founder and principal designer, Massucco Warner design firm
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