In nature some animals use their camouflaging colors to stay off the menu of other animals, they play hide and sneak neatly to blend in the surroundings, or to change their look completely, such as the butterfly in the photo that takes the form of a leaf.
(Photo above taken at the Science Museum San Francisc0)
This is what happen in the animal world, but what happens when we buy sofas or carpet because the fabrics remind us of something else? I came across a few pictures this week that really struck me. I thought it is really odd women want to look like their furniture. Did the cat in my photo come before the carpet or after the carpet was installed? Poor cat, he is bound to be stepped on, he is really hiding in that carpet pattern!
(Photo above found on http://fototelegraf.ru/218665-maskirovka-80-go-urovnya.html)
Miriam thought was well dressed and she was until she sat on the sofa. I don’t think that sofa belonged in her house, I am sure she would have not bought a dress that looked like an upholstered piece of furniture. A little common sense will suffice when buying furniture.
In the ’70’s was a common practice to get dressed in the sofa colors and patterns.
(Photo above found on: http://inspireddeco.com/)
During the Victorian era when people used to go to grand balls, women lined the walls waiting to be asked to dance. The least attractive women who didn’t get to dance much remained part of the wallpaper. Would you like to disappear in the background, or be considered one of the cushions of the sofa? The woman in leopard print showing a lingerie piece is a perfect example.
(Photo above found on: cowboys and crossbones)
We designers often fuse fashion and interiors. We look for curtains or upholstery fabrics to create different fashion. I am guilty of that as well, or extravagant enough to dare. If I use an upholstery fabric for one of my fashion creation, I don’t cover a sofa afterward with the same fabric and then sit on.

DENVER, CO – APRIL 17: RNL/Maharam entry for the 2015 Pret-a-Porter fashion show, “Future: Undefined hosted by the International Interior Design Association, Rocky Mountain Chapter at City Hall April 17, 2015. This entry won Best Use of Soft Surfaces using upholstery fabric, wall covering and drapery. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Being coordinated and color conscious is one thing and unless you can pull it off in style, like the woman in red, don’t be matchy-matchy with your interior.
(Photo above: Vogue – by Helmut Newton, 1960.)
Ciao,
Valentina
http://www.valentinadesigns.com
Copyright © 2015 Valentina Cirasola, All Rights Reserved
It’s my hope that through my writing and my stories I am enriching your aesthetic sensibility towards design, style and inspiring you to live in beauty. I have loved my profession as an interior designer since 1990. I am here ready to offer consultations on-line if you need. Check out my latest book on colors ©RED-A Voyage Into Colors, available on
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