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green bedroom roman blind

Styling Your Home: Plains vs Patterns

Stitched believes in the power of plain, textured fabrics, however we also recognise the pull of well designed patterned fabrics. We sat down with Zoe Glencross, fabric designer, entrepreneur and mum to discuss all things fabric.

So Zoe, what do you look for in a fabric?

When thinking about designing fabric I always try to visualise the end result - how a fabric might fit within a room scheme as curtains, blinds or upholstery. For me, although an interior inevitably evolves and should suit the home owner’s style and taste, selecting the soft furnishings alongside a wall colour at the outset is a great starting point. Fabrics give a room texture, balance, colour and design interest.

We totally agree! Colour matching is critical, what colour inspires you to be brave with textures and prints?

A dark blue wall is a great base from which to build out a distinctive style with curtains and blinds. For me subtlety is key, you can achieve a textural look using colour tones such as linens, soft greys or grey/blues. These tones inspired me when designing my Slade Stripe & Windmill Wood Dew fabrics with simple prints on a pure linen that create a smart, timeless interior.

Tell us about your new collection of fabrics?

Of course! On my travels to Sweden and Denmark I was struck by how a room with very little natural light can be lifted by white washing the walls and injecting colour and style through your fabrics. This inspired my Nordic Story fabrics which add punches of colour in graphic prints using fresh, natural colours.

So plains or prints?

Both serve a crucial purpose in a room’s design, but if I had to pick it would be print. Print works well to subtly break up large blocks of colour (like dark blue walls), whereas textured plains can create a bolder statement. Together print and plains work really well, for example a striped roman blind alongside plain curtains to fully dress your window can really define your room and create a great design statement.

Patterned fabric chair Close up of patterned fabric chair

Nordic fabric collection by Zoe Glencross.

Stitched Pattern Curtains + Blinds

The majority of our patterned fabrics are dyed rather than printed which gives a softer, more luxurious effect. We even offer embroidered patterned fabric! Wether your next room to decorate is a nursery or a kitchen, one of our patterned fabrics is sure to suit your interior style. Order some free samples to kickstart your project.


Take a look at our Ian Mankin fabrics and get designing your bespoke striped curtains and blinds, or take a look at our other patterned fabrics. From spots to stars, checks to stripes. There’s something for everyone and every room!

Ian Mankin striped living room curtains Ian Mankin striped roman blinds