Perennials fabric and trims have a contemporary flair and I have been a fan for many years. The quality is excellent, and perform beautifully in all conditions. They are solution-dyed acrylics (just like Sunbrella) and although they are a bit pricey, you just have to see them in person to appreciated the vibrant colors and rich combinations in their coordinated collections.
Fabric Designers from Galbraith and Paul out of Philadelphia have joined in a partnership to create a line of fabrics for Perennials and it is one of my favorites. All of their designs start as hand block prints. The sunflower pattern pictured on my homepage header is one of the fabrics I used for my own pillow collection. This collection included some whimsical graphic designs called bubbles, bird tracks, and vines in everything from classic black, beige, and grey palettes to a more daring choice in lime green, cream, and bright, not too sweet pink combination that just says “Summer has arrived”! See their website for more information about their design process and where to purchase their products at www.galbraithandpaul.com
The Perennials trims are subtle and less flamboyant than other lines but unique as well. A knot tied button design is a great accent for a tufted pillow design. Also part of the line are an assortment of smallish rope trims that add just enough to a box cushion to give it that polished finish. Added to their Jake stripe fabric lines, it doesnn’t get more classic than this.
For Asian inspired fans, there are several designs that are perfect choices ranging from Giglio Print, an interesting combination of free brush stroked designs by fabric designer Richard Giglio to Limu Lei, a pattern that is a playful extention of nature, looking like it was inspired by tree branches or vines-hard to pin down but definitely something organic, designed by Wendy Tsuju and Linda Ueda. For more on Perennials fabrics, visit their website at www.perennials.com.