When it comes to cozying up your home, there’s nothing quite like the look and feel of quilted fabrics.
They’re old-fashioned, simple and downright snuggle worthy.
Whether you’re considering a comforter handed down from your great-grandmother or a brand new diamond-pattern contemporary duvet cover, quilted looks can be a great way to enhance your nest this winter.
In 2008, you’ll definitely being seeing a lot more of matelasse (pronounced MAT-luh-say).
French-inspired matelasse fabrics — usually constructed with two layers of woven cotton surrounding a thin padding — are just a bit puffy, making them an ideal showcase for vine, floral and geometric designs.
“It definitely gives you extra texture,” said Angela Dreyer, a designer and labor coordinator at Calico Corners in Mill Creek, which offers a variety of fabrics, including about 50 matelasse options. “It’s timeless.”
Matelasse’s medium to heavy weight makes it ideal not only for sturdy coverlets but also for shams, table skirts, slipcovers and upholstery.
It works particularly well for custom slipcovers because of its relative thickness, durability and elaborate patterns, which can distract from imperfections in furniture, Dreyer said.
“It’s really nice, because it hides what’s underneath,” Dreyer said. “It’s thicker.”
Matelasse fabrics over the years have been available primarily in solid colors, relying on embossed patterns for their decoration.
But many retailers are offering a few colorful designs laid over the patterns for a fresh new look, including a cheerful red stripe design laid over a geometric matelasse pattern at Calico Corners.
Kmart’s latest Martha Stewart Everyday line includes a frilly floral matelasse coverlet with matching shams, crafted in Portugal and available in pure white, baby blue and white, green and white and beige and white.
Though color-enhanced patterns may be trendy in matelasse, solid colors may be the most versatile and easy to find.
They’re also just the thing for a formal French country room or a more relaxed American country space.
“It is very much a classic look. You can dress it up or dress it down,” said Galinda Porter, manager of Calico Corners in Mill Creek. “It can even work in a shabby-chic look.”
Reporter Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037 or sjackson@heraldnet.com
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