There is something irresistible about a piece that refuses to be defined by a single fabric. Sometimes the contrast is a quiet secret, revealed only from an unexpected angle. At other times, it takes centre stage. From interlined bedspreads and tester beds to upholstered chairs and bookshelves, we love exploring how contrasting fabrics, colours and finishes can coexist within a single design element, bringing depth, character and an element of surprise to a space. Join us as we explore how these layered combinations come to life in our work.
Tester Beds
A bed canopy is one of the most romantic gestures in interior design, but the real magic happens when the fabric on the inside tells a different story from the one on the outside. In this room at Covent Garden, we paired two contrasting fabrics. The exterior creates a seamless connection with the wider scheme, while the smaller scale pattern inside the tester adds intimacy and helps draw the room together.
In another scheme, the exterior fabric of the tester acts as a frame for the contemporary headboard, drawing attention to its clean lines and sculptural form while adding depth and visual interest.
Upholstery
The back of a chair deserves just as much attention as the front. At our Design Studio, we enjoy combining different fabrics to ensure that a piece of furniture is beautiful from every angle. Even when the same fabric is used throughout, an appliqué detail on the back can transform a chair, adding texture, personality and a sense of craftsmanship. What might otherwise feel understated suddenly comes to life, creating the impression of an entirely different fabric.
Using a contrasting fabric on the reverse also allows for more decorative and delicate textiles, introducing an unexpected detail that makes a space feel thoughtful, layered and uniquely personal.
Curtains
At Warren Street Hotel, the Orangery and Drawing Room are separated by bright blue painted Crittall windows, allowing light to flow freely between the two spaces. To introduce moments of intimacy and privacy for specific events, we designed a pair of side curtains. In the Orangery, we selected our Knight’s Tale fabric to reflect the room’s energy and vibrancy, while a softer floral fabric was chosen for the Drawing Room, bringing a gentler and more delicate atmosphere. Together, they define each space while maintaining a harmonious relationship between the two.
The thread running through all of these projects is the idea that design does not have to stop at one dimension. By combining contrasting fabrics, colours and finishes within a single element, you create layers of interest that reveal themselves over time. These thoughtful details bring personality, depth and a sense of discovery, proving that sometimes the most memorable designs are those that tell two stories at once.