Fabric Obsession: Watts of Westminster / March 13, 2014 by Shruti Narasimhan

Many of our projects fall in what can be categorized as a mix of styles. These rooms not only have modern and traditional furniture mixed together but the fabrics used are also a mix of modern and muted tones, the rich and decadent ones and the unexpected and highly textured. When it comes to the rich and decadent, one of our favorite fabric sources is the English company, Watts of Westminster which is carried by J. Lambeth & Co. We have found that their fabrics are not only of the finest quality, but their inky colors, subtle textures and exuberant patterns are most enchanting. Perhaps they feed into our obsession with fine living (think Downton Abbey!) or because Watts is located right behind Westminster Abbey! Finding a way to infuse their other worldly character into our projects is always a fun challenge and a most pleasurable one at that.

Here is a little background history from Watts of Westminster - 'Watts was founded by three architects, George Frederick Bodley, George Gilbert Scott the Younger and Thomas Garner; from its inception, the firm supplied fittings and furnishings for both ecclesiastical and domestic interiors. Their stated intention was to supply items of "Artistic character. Embroidery and Textile Fabrics, such as Damask, Silks, Velvets, Woollen and other Hangings, still be included in the List of Goods, which will also comprise Wall Papers and Stained Glass, together with all the usual articles of Household Furniture.”'

In the photo below, a sitting room designed by Raji RM, a red velvet fabric by Watts of Westminster on a cushion mixes in with a yellow damask cushion on a laid back white sofa.

When Raji designed this master bed room at a show house she infused a rich mix of tactile fabrics on a contemporary bed by Poliform for winter warmth and texture with the Watts of Westminster fabrics seen here in the bedding.