As designers, we use certain design terms on a daily basis, but people outside the industry may not always know what we’re talking about.  So, I’ve decided to add a new section to the blog called “Designer Dictionary”.  In this section,  I’ll highlight design terminology & give you definitions & examples that may make your journey thru your design project a bit easier.   You’ll be armed with a plethora of knowledge that will help make your design & furnishing purchases go more smoothly.

There are millions of words we could discuss, but in order to not overwhelm you, I will start off with “Fancy Word Fridays”.  If you’re familiar with Fancy Nancy (my daughter is a huge fan!), then you may have read “Fancy Nancy’s Favorite Fancy Words“.  Well, this is my designer adaptation to make learning “fancy” design lingo fun!  We’ll discuss a fabulous “fancy” new design term each Friday.  Please e-mail me or leave me a comment if there is a design term you would like to know more about & we’ll be sure to discuss it!

Dear Designer Detective,

I often hear you refer to a welt cord when pointing out things on the furniture you showcase on Good Morning Texas.  What exactly is a welt cord?

~Tina D.
McKinney, TX
Dear Tina,

Great question!  A welt cord is simply a fabric covered cord that follows the seam of a chair cushion, sofa cushion, or pillows.  A welt cord helps give upholstery a more finished tailored look.  The two types of welt cords are a self-welt & a contrasting welt.  A self welt is when the cord is done out of the same fabric.  A welt cord that is done out of a different fabric is called a contrasting welt cord.  Contrasting welt cords add lots of style & pop to your upholstery.  I just love to use them!

On this Sherrill chair, we used a contrasting welt cord out of a rich chocolate brown velvet.

On this Century sofa, we’ve used a contrasting welt cord out of the same leather used on the frame of the sofa.

I’ve got answers!!!  I will be answering viewer questions on an upcoming GMT segment.  Post your questions here on the Designer Detective  blog now!  If your question is used on the show, you’ll get a $100 gift certificate to IBB Design Furniture Showroom.

Shay,
I watched a show on GMT (quite awhile ago now) where you showed a sofa upholstered in a ”new” leather like material.   I think you said that it would be very durable.  Can you tell me what it was called and a little more about it.  Also if you have used it & whether your customers/clients have been satisfied.

Thanks.
Mary – Arlington, TX

Dear Mary,
Thank you so much for your question!  I get questions about how to find durable fabrics all of the time.  It’s an issue on most people’s minds.    The leather like material you are referring to is called Brisa.  It is a unique man made polyurethane fabric with a specially designed ventilation system that allows it to breathe.  The textile manufacturer, Gulf Fabrics,  simulates the look & feel of natural leather by creating a discreet grain pattern.  With over 200,00 double rubs, Brisa is known for it’s high durability.  That’s more than 30% more durable than what is required to be considered a “heavy duty” durable fabric.  It comes in a wide array of wonderful designer colors.  Here are a few of my favs:

Presently, Century Furniture is the only furniture manufacturer who is using Brisa.  We have had several of their pieces in Brisa at IBB. I have heard only great feedback so far from clients.  It’s as soft & supple as a really high grade quality leather.  One of my clients, who bought a sofa with the cushions covered in Brisa, says that their dog gets up on it all of the time & they haven’t had any issues.  They also have 3 kids, so durability was a huge priority for them.

Here’s a few more facts about Brisa:

1. Clinically proven to be more resistant to temperature changes than vinyl & leather.
2. Stays cooler than genuine leather in warm weather situations.
3. Resists cold weather stiffening & cracking.
4. Exceeds 200,000 double rubs
5. Cleans effortlessly with soap & water.
6. Most stains can be lifted with with alcohol-based solutions Fantastik or Formula 409

Dear Designer Detective,
What are the latest color combinations for home decorating? What combinations do you view as timeless?

~Holly

Dear Holly,
What a great question!  I love talking about color.  My favorite new hot color combination right now is turquoise & tangerine.  It’s even fun to say them together, right?  Various shades or orange and aqua are showing up all over the design world.  I just love the two colors together, but they’re being used solo a lot as well.  Here’s a few examples:

Fall fabrics from Schumacher

Showroom from Global Views featuring orange

Home office @ a Highland Homes model home

Turquoise glass tiles

As far as classics go, you can never go wrong with a neutral color palette.  They can be changed & updated by simply adding sparks of color using pillows, art or small accessories.

neutral sofa with colorful pillows

If you’d like to get really technical concerning color palettes, Pantone is where to get all of the expert information.  They have spent a considerable amount of effort & energy into combining stunning colors to create a trend forecast for 2010 including a sampling of colors that create 4 different color palettes.  See below.

Watch a video here on how the experts from Pantone forecast color trends for home fashions & interiors.

Dear Designer Detective,

Need to find out what to do about window coverings in our family room. We don’t want to block or distract from any of wonderful view, but leaving them plain just doesn’t look right.

-Kim Collier

Dear Kim,

Thank you so much for your question!  It’s actually one I get all of the time.  Here are a few solutions that i would suggest for you.

Simple pleated linen panels on either side of the windows with woven wood shades.  The woven woods can raise & lower for privacy & allow for little or no view obstruction.

Another drapery panel & woven wood example

OR

Simple pleated panels to dress the windows.  This option does not allow for privacy.  However, you could make the panels wide enough to draw closed if you want to be able to have privacy.  This will make the panels hang into the windows on the sides more, but will not obstruct your view.

OR

Here we used 2″ wood blinds with simple pleated drapery panels on either side.  The panels help to dress the windows, draw your eye up & bring color & texture into the room.

Time to get those windows stylin!  Let me know what you end up choosing to make your windows make a fabulous design statement!  Happy decorating!

~ Designer Detective

Hey fellow design lovers!  I need your help!  I am working on an upcoming Good Morning Texas segment where we will feature viewer questions.  Here’s your chance for some free design advice!  Shoot me an e-mail shay@ibbdesign.com or just post your questions here.  We will post the questions & answers here on the Designer Detective blog & also answer as many as we can on Good Morning Texas.  So, ask away!

I can’t wait to hear from you!  Happy decorating!!

Dear Designer Detective,

We are looking to purchase a new sofa for our family room.  My husband refuses to have anything but a leather sofa.  I really want the room to feel like we took the time to decorate it.  I have hit a wall on how to make a leather sofa look stylish.  Help!!!

- Katrina B.
Rockwall, TX

Dear Katrina,
No worries!!!  Leather furniture does not have to be boring.  In fact, you can find some of the swankiest & stylish furniture pieces crafted from leather.  It’s also four times more durable than most fabrics.  Your family room can & will look stylish.  There are a million different options other than just buying a brown leather sofa.  It’s all in knowing your options & how you put it together.  Take a look at few of these super stylish options for leather seating.

This sofa features a hair on hide and leather combination. What a statement piece!

I love the straight lines & the tall back of this tone on tone leather sofa. The pattern on the leather on the outside of the frame is to die for!

Hello gorgeous! Red plush coushions & a carved wood frame ~ yes please!

I am green with envy! So much style & the perfect shade of jade make this a real showstopper! Perfect for the more transitional or contemporary home.

Love the mustard gold color on this sofa. The cushions are so plush, inviting, & comfy. Nail head trim adds a nice decorative touch.

These are just a small sampling of the endless options you have when creating a fabulous leather sofa.  Of course, you can put just about any leather on any frame and truly customize it for your personal taste & needs.  Hope this helps.  Happy leather sofa shopping

- Shay Sampson, a.k.a. The Designer Detective

Dear Designer Detective,

Where do I find the mirrored piece that you have in your entry in your home? Also, what are the measurements?
-Debra Williams
Dallas

Dear Debra,

The eglomise console that I have in my entry at my home can be found at IBB Design Furniture Showroom. It’s a stunning piece by John Richard and would make quite a statement in your home. The dimensions are 36″x21″x60″. It’s one of my favorite pieces in my home.

Thanks for your question!  -Designer Detective

Have a design dilemma or topic you need help with?  Need some fresh ideas, paint or fabric advice, or just want to be up to date on current design trends?  Need an opinion on your latest design project?  Here’s your chance!  Write in to the Designer Detective.  All next week we’ll be focusing on questions asked by you!  Check in daily to find out what design dilemma we’re solving for that day.

Then, tune in to Good Morning Texas on Friday, February 20th to see the design dilemmas and practical solutions discussed on live television!

I can’t wait to hear from you!  Happy decorating everyone!