The Role of Textiles in Interior Design: Style, Comfort & Story
When you enter a well-designed space, take note of how it feels, too, not just what you see, like the fabric on the walls or the selection of furniture. Notice the soft surface beneath your feet. The linen drapes that are gently dancing in the air are influenced by the current of a breeze filtering into the room. A piece of upholstered furniture that beckons you to sink into it and stay for a while. The subtle but powerful effects of textiles can and will make a design. Textiles are generally the unsung heroes of good design—quietly adding comfort, personality, and polish.
At L+P Interiors, textiles are not simply décor. Rather, we confidently see them as tactile storytellers that solidify purpose, style, and reflection of the person occupying the space. From a custom velvet upholstered headboard to a cashmere throw, each fibre provides a textural narrative that is personal, elevated, and entirely distinctive.
→ See how we bring rooms to life with textiles at L+P Interiors
The Foundation of Comfort and Personality
Textiles in interior design range from rugs and upholstery material to curtains, wall hangings, pillows, and even custom fabric-wrapped panels. Textiles or soft goods encompass almost every part of a home, in terms of how they look and how they feel. However, textiles are often the last things considered, when in fact, textiles should be a part of the discussion from the earliest stages in the design process.
Why? Because textiles determine the function and quality of any space. Textiles absorb sound, soften harsh corners, manage temperature, and add warmth to make a house feel like a home.
At L+P, textiles are more than just decorative accents - they are the essential groundwork to establish the character of a room. The Belvedere Project is a perfect example. While "neutral" could have lent itself to feeling uncomfortably cool or sterile, layering nubby wools, soft linens, and supple suede proved that the upstairs bedroom could feel cozy yet full of character.
→ Explore our Belvedere Project to see this philosophy in action
Materials That Speak Volumes
Each home has a story, and textiles help narrate that story.
In this instance, with our Nantucket project, we were naturally attached to coastal living. Instead of falling back to obvious nautical references, we took references from the landscape: linens that would feel at home weathered, weaves that could be romanticized to be inspired by ropes, color ways that resembled those sun-washed hues we loved, and textures that could withstand sandy feet and salty air. Ultimately, we created a home that felt rooted in place without being a "theme". It's all about the storytelling.
Silk whispers refinement.
Velvet exudes richness and drama.
Linen suggests laid-back luxury and breathable elegance.
Cotton is approachable, durable, and always timeless.
Our approach is deeply personal. We select fabrics that echo our client’s lifestyle and aspirations, while weaving in the right mood, movement, and memory.
→ Want your home to reflect your life’s story? Start your textile-rich design journey: Let’s Begin
Textiles as Quiet Problem Solvers
Let’s talk about functions. Because the textiles absolutely bring the “pretty,” they also do some serious heavy lifting behind the scenes.
From sound absorption to insulation and durability, the right fabrics solve everyday problems beautifully. Thick drapes in a media room? Acoustic support. Performance velvet on a sectional in a busy family room? Kid- and pet-friendly and chic. Wool rugs in high-traffic zones? Naturally stain-resistant and temperature regulating.
In one of our Bay Area family homes—let’s call it the Lake Shore Residence—we chose high-performance indoor/outdoor fabrics in the living room to handle juice spills, paw prints, and real life. But you’d never know it by looking. The sofa is soft, tailored, and just as elegant as its less practical counterparts. That’s what we mean by “elevated utility.”
As House Beautiful noted in their feature on performance fabrics, “Form doesn’t have to forsake function.” (source)
At L+P, we design with practicality in mind, without sacrificing beauty. It’s the intersection of playfulness, purpose, and polish that defines our work.
→ Consult with our studio to create a home that works as beautifully as it looks: Start Here
Color, Mood + Movement
Color psychology is real, and textiles are one of the most impactful ways to shift the mood of a room.
In our St. Helena project, we introduced rich coral-toned accents through pillows and upholstered stools to contrast the room’s creamy neutrals. That small injection of warmth completely energized the space, while still feeling sophisticated and serene.
Neutrals soothe.
Earth tones ground.
Cool tones calm and create clarity.
According to VeryWell Mind, colors and textures directly impact emotional well-being. (source) Soft velvet? It is comforting. A patterned kilim rug? It sparks curiosity and joy.
At L+P Interiors, we view textiles like painters view paintbrushes—layer upon layer of texture, movement, and emotion. Textiles define a space's emotional temperature through the use of upholstery to anchor a palette, or through a throw pillow to add unexpected spontaneity.
How the Professional Do It: Textile Layering, L+P Style
Layering is where the magic happens and where our expertise truly shines. At L+P Interiors, we think of textiles in a three-part system:
Base Layer - rugs, big pieces of upholstered furniture
Mid Layer - drapes, throws, upholstered headboards
Top Layer - accent pillows, custom cushions, decorative trim
Contrast is key. We love combining refined with raw, soft with structured. Contrast is important. We love embracing refined and raw, soft and structured elements. For example, in a recent project with a home in Sausalito, we combined a chunky wool bouclé on a clean-lined lounge chair, silky linen drapes, and a velvet-covered ottoman for the right amount of plush..
Our Go-To L+P Pairings:
Nubby bouclé wool on stately armchairs
Stonewashed linen drapes with natural wood beams
Mohair + velvet on ottomans and cushions for touchable luxe
And we do it all consciously. That means prioritizing sustainable sourcing, working with artisans, and choosing materials that are kind to the planet and built to last.
Room-by-Room: Textile Strategy
Each space calls for a unique textile treatment, and we tailor accordingly.
Living Room: Performance fabrics + layered pillows + statement rugs
Bedrooms: Soft linens, drapery for light control, tactile headboards
Dining Areas: Upholstered dining chairs for long, comfortable meals
Entryways: Woven runners, hand-stitched wall hangings to set the tone
No room is too small for a touch of textile luxury.
→ Whether it’s one room or ten, we bring intention to every inch: View Our Portfolio
The Quiet Effect of Soft Finishes
Sometimes, it’s not about the loud design statement—it’s the quiet one.
At L+P, there’s luxury in the quiet. A mudroom that consists of a velvet-lined bench. A guest room that has linen-lined bookshelves. It is the subtlety that makes a space feel elevated versus obnoxiously pronounced.
Textiles give layers. They create touchpoints. They give purpose to the home.
Layered Living, Thoughtfully Designed
Textiles are more than accessories; they are the ties that bind your story. While others may unroll the grass matting for the finishing touches of a space, at L + P Interiors, we consider the layers. Whether it is wrapping a wall in raffia or finding the right vintage kantha for a modern bed, we create spaces that feel good and look nice, and live even better.
→ Want to see what layered storytelling looks like? View our full portfolio: Explore Projects
Working With L+P Interiors
We service clients at many different scales, whether you are imagining a one-room refresh or starting a ground-up build, we can work with you. In our client-centered, collaborative process, our design approach is to serve you and provide some luxury to make it approachable and personal.
At L+P, your lifestyle leads. We simply help bring it to life.
→ Now accepting new residential design inquiries: Reach Out
FAQs
1. How are textiles used in interior design?
Textiles in interior design are used to add color, texture, and comfort to a space. They include fabrics for upholstery, curtains, rugs, cushions, and bedding, which help define style, improve acoustics, and create a cohesive look.
2. Why is fabric important in interior design?
Fabric is essential because it influences a room’s mood, comfort, and functionality. The right fabric can soften hard surfaces, introduce warmth, and reflect a home’s personality while enhancing durability and practicality.
3. What is the 70/30 rule in interior design?
The 70/30 rule suggests using about 70% of a dominant style, color, or material, and 30% of contrasting or accent elements. In textiles, this could mean 70% neutral fabrics with 30% bold patterns or colors to maintain balance and interest.
4. What is the role of textile design?
Textile design focuses on creating patterns, textures, and finishes for fabrics that will be used in interiors. Designers consider durability, aesthetics, and functionality to ensure the textile enhances both the look and usability of a space.
5. How do you determine what fabric to use for an interior design project?
The right fabric choice depends on the room’s function, style goals, and maintenance needs. For example, high-traffic areas may need durable, stain-resistant textiles, while bedrooms can use softer, more luxurious fabrics for comfort.
6. What are some examples of interior textiles?
Examples include cotton for breathability, velvet for luxury, linen for a relaxed look, silk for elegance, wool for warmth, and synthetic blends for durability and easy care.
7. Why are textiles important for storytelling in interiors?
Textiles can convey cultural heritage, personal memories, or design inspiration. From handwoven rugs to patterned drapes, they layer in stories that make a home unique and emotionally engaging.
