When it comes to home design, the debate between “timeless versus trend” can go on for hours. My philosophy is to focus on high-quality and simple finishes for hard elements like flooring, windows, and tile, and then add in trendy and stylish elements to prevent the space from becoming boring. While this approach may not be for everyone, I personally never want to renovate the same house twice in one lifetime. I enjoy being inside a home or restaurant that is a hyper on-trend time capsule when done well. This is where my brother’s house comes in. It features a significant number of built-in bench seats, which presented me with the opportunity to design a variety of bench cushions as their ad hoc decorator. The architect, Anne Usher, designed the benches to add architectural interest and ensure that the new build didn’t look cheap or basic. The benches also serve a dual purpose with built-in storage drawers. Textiles play a crucial role in adding warmth and personality to a large house with lots of glass and wood. To elevate the design, I decided to use fabrics from Pollack, a female-led design-forward company that offers stunning patterned fabrics. The fabric samples I saw at the upholsterer’s shop were so rich and beautiful that I couldn’t resist incorporating them into the design.
Why The Odd Amount Of Excitement For Patterned Fabric?

We needed some pattern in this house. The design of my brother’s house leans towards timeless elements to avoid regretting trendy finishes in the future. This approach allows for a foundation of simple, high-quality finishes like flooring, tile, and windows, with the opportunity to layer on color, pattern, and style through furniture, wallpaper, textiles, and decor. The bench seats in the house provided a perfect canvas for adding pattern without too much risk. By incorporating bold and vibrant fabrics, I aimed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a contemporary setting.
I Was Greedy With Samples
Exploring fabric samples became an exciting part of the design process. I was drawn to unique, patterned, velvety upholstery options that added texture and visual interest to the space. After careful selection, the chosen fabrics were incorporated into different rooms to enhance the overall aesthetic.
