5 January 2024
How to pair fabric and leather for unique interiors
There’s an art to creating a harmonious space. Colours, patterns, tones, textures – it all comes down to designing with the senses in mind. Interiors that make you want to stroke, breathe in, and snap photos of every corner. And ultimately, knowing which elements work together in order to avoid overwhelming a space.
From maximalist flair to a more simplistic look, we explore the art of combining different materials to create an aesthetic fit for any style, function, or application.
Add depth with textures
Blending textures is a balancing act. One of the simplest ways to achieve visual harmony is by marrying the cool sleekness of leather with the warmth of wool. This can be as simple as complementing an ultra-modern leather sofa with soft wool-look pillows, a fur-style blanket, and a sheepskin-look rug – the perfect blend of durability and cosiness. Our favourite way to do this is blending our wool-look Chamonix range with distressed-look leathers – like we did for this grand sofa in Oxblood Mustang leather. A charming, relaxing finish for hotel lobbies, cruise lounges, and workspace breakout zones.
Complement fabric tones
Other yin-and-yang material pairings are leather and linen, or leather and velvet – which both introduce new worlds of visual interest to interiors in different ways. However, it’s not enough to throw together two fabrics for the sake of it. Crafting a cohesive colour palette is the key to a dream design, for example – striking emerald leather with plush Manhattan cushions in varying shades of green would be ideal for upscale pub seating. For a fresher finish, the calming whites, lilacs, and duck-egg blues of our plain-weaved Santorini fabric contrasts perfectly with two-tone leathers – looking at the neutral hues of our supple Capri range. Right now, earthy-toned furniture is taking centre stage, creating a sense of serenity and balance while leaving room to play with bold accents and accessories.
Play with pattern
For the maximalists out there, contrasting or harmonising patterns can be a design gamechanger. Again, it’s important to take a thoughtful approach to keep styles consistent and avoid visual chaos. For example, an intricate and detailed embroidered leather sofa can be balanced with more open, large-scale patterns – adding interest without overcrowding. Pay attention to where pattern is used in a room – distributing the more detailed elements (for example, the fancy-patterned furniture, curtains, rugs, or accent pillows) can ensure a more harmonious overall look.
Experimenting with textures, tones, and patterns can have a dramatic impact on a space and is an effective way to create a one-of-a-kind ambience. Whether creating a cosy home-away-from-home or a luxurious dining experience, the variety of tones and textures in our leather and fabric ranges provide beautiful solutions to all kinds of applications.
Still looking for that striking mix of materials? Get in touch and we can find the perfect harmony for your next project.
