Corduroys, heavy woollen weaves, gabardine, twill weaves, ticking, stripes, gingham, hemp, loosely hand-woven cottons and linens, fabrics with wax finishes–all these have a workmanlike feel.
Such textiles sit well in any converted agricultural or industrial building, where the decision to work with rather than deny the agrarian roots produces a project with integrity. Workmanlike textiles ground projects, interestingly and in the best tradition providing the perfect foil and base for the best and most beautifully created textiles, such as damask silks and fortuny prints – yin and yang, rustic and elegant.
I’d go so far as to say that combining workmanlike textiles with the very best is the perfect solution to every decorating project and textile mix: the one enables the other. It’s also the best use of budget.