Fabric expert
The Washington Post
Kate Lluberes joined The Washington Post’s staff in an online chat. Following is an edited excerpt.
Q: What color combinations are fresh and stylish right now?
A: Greens are on the rise! Also, people are loving pinks in all shades, from very dark to very light. Fun and vibrant prints are also back. People are using more and more prints on things like lampshades and pillows to add color and vibrancy to their rooms.
Q: Is it possible to have an off-white couch that stands up to heavy use? If so, what fabrics and brands would you recommend? If not, what other color works well with lots of colorful throw pillows?
A: I love white fabrics mixed and matched with bright, bold pillows. For everyday use, I would recommend using solution-dyed acrylic fabrics.
Q: How can you mix patterns without creating a crazy quilt-like look? I like wallpaper, print upholstery and patterned rugs. Where should I start and how many colors should I try and work with at once?
A: I think the key to mixing patterns is to vary the scale — don’t go all big or all small. Also, when I’m working with designers, I help them identify fabrics that each share a common or complementary color (even if the fabric features only a little bit of the color in question).
Q: What’s the best way to clean an outdoor cushion that has pollen and bird droppings on it?
A: If it’s an outdoor fabric, a strong hose and bleach should do the trick.
Q: Do you think linen is a good fabric to use for slipcovers?
A: Yes, although another option is a union cloth, which is a blend of cotton and linen. It tends to get less wrinkled.
Q: Do you have any suggestions on how to organize and display books? Right now, ours are either stored in plastic tubs or piled on the floor.
A: Don’t be afraid of installing shelves, using contemporary vertical bookcases, or even stacking books on the floor. That might not seem “sophisticated,” but I find it always adds a really homey vibe.
Q: What style of curtain is stylish right now for living room windows that are floor to ceiling?
A: Panels on rods are always a wonderful and popular option. It adds something to the space without obstructing the window frame or blocking the natural light.
Q: Is cotton OK to use for re-upholstery or should we go with one of the poly blends?
A: Cotton is fine but you may want to knitback it, which gives the fabric more stability and durability. Knitbacking is a process in which the back of the fabric is adhered to another fabric to strengthen it.
Q: What fabrics are prone to “pilling?”
A: Some wools and angoras. Other fabrics that tend to be “fuzzier,” so to speak.
Q: I expect that some readers can’t afford a designer. Do you have books or websites to recommend to help those readers?
A: I get so much inspiration from magazines. My favorites are Traditional Home, Veranda, House Beautiful, Southern Home and Home and Design. I also love Pinterest.
Q: I recently moved into a house that was built in 1970. The previous owner painted the brick fireplace white. I don’t dislike it necessarily, but I was thinking of switching it up. Is there a way to strip the paint off of the brick, or is my only option to paint it a different color?
A: Yes, it can be sand-blasted. There are also great paint strippers you can use that are pretty easy to find.
Q: Any suggestions for where area consumers can buy good fabrics?
A: I really like the Kellogg Collection. They have wonderful options.
Q: I want to re-upholster a camelback, roll-arm, three-cushion sofa to go in my living room. I’d like to keep the room semi-formal, but comfortable. It is mostly empty now with some dark furniture. I’d like to pair it with a white or neutral color sofa. What kind of fabric should I consider so that it’s not too casual or formal?
A: For this, I might suggest a velvet or a tightly woven chenille. Both are great in casual spaces.
Q: I’m in the market for new towels. Any recommendations on the best places and/or brands?
A: I love Pottery Barn or Garnet Hill. Home Goods is always a great place to look, too.
Q: I am trying to figure out what to put over a relatively high mantle in a living room. There is already a lot of colorful artwork in the room and a colorful rug. I love the idea of a beautiful mirror. Would it be strange to put a mirror there, given that it will be too high for anyone to actually see themselves in it?
A: No, not at all. It will reflect the light very nicely, and can add a ton of character.
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