JOHN BIDDELL IT ’S ALL IN THE DETAIL


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Soft Furnishings, or just “Softs” as it was affectionately referred to when, as a mere slip of a lad I was managing the department in Barkers of Kensington in the late 70s, encompasses a cornucopia of interesting and useful articles to enhance and in some cases complete your home.


Whether you are putting the finishing touches to a newly decorated and re-styled room, or simply livening up an existing one, accessories can be the key factor. We all know the importance of getting the right artwork to set the mood and perhaps the drama of a room, but soft furnishings are often forgotten, or relegated to the back burner.


Enter the humble – or indeed not so humble cushion. As well as having the obvious function of adding comfort to an otherwise back breaking sofa or chair, cushions can subtly or dramatically change a room. I’m glad to say, that after the wilderness “grey” years, rich colour and pattern are at last making a glorious resurgence. So, if you feel like injecting a bit of pizazz into your subtle, neutral room, a cushion (or several) is a relatively economical way to do it. Soft chenilles or velvets add texture and sensuality when in neutral colours such as cappuccino and peat, and warmth when in earthy or heraldic colours like brick, emerald or jade. If your room has a contemporary feel, why not add a splash of strong colour such as cherry or hot ginger, but don’t forget to balance the room by introducing it somewhere else too, for example in the shade of a table lamp, or a glass vase. Or, why not think about a carefully chosen patterned fabric to liven things up even more?


If you are on a budget, try the high street for off the shelf cushions. You may just be lucky and find exactly what you are looking for. However, for ultimate coordination and luxury you can’t beat bespoke. Not only will the range of available fabrics be vastly wider and more exciting, but you can really go to town with trimmings.


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