How to use fabric and colour in your home with Susan Deliss

It was a career setting up investment funds in Egypt that, some what unusually, inspired Susan Deliss to move into design. After spotting a gap in the market for textiles that have a story, Susan set about finding craftsmen to work the fabric into lampshades and also weave her own designs inspired by her travels.

Today, she is growing her fabric collection and among the best-selling items are the ikat lampshades. Susan describes herself as being a ‘purist for things being hand-crafted and hand-printed.’ And we couldn't agree more.

1. CLASH PATTERN

It’s easy to play it safe when it comes to creating an interiors scheme, but bold choices can really pay off. Susan Deliss has effectively layered pattern in this home, using vibrant colours and a daring choice of contrasting pattern. Mix it up too by combining small, intricate prints with large-scale repeats to achieve a layered effect. Remember to add in some plains, be it a painted wall, a plain but textured piece of upholstered furniture or some one-tone cushions to avoid over- burdening an interior.

2. IT'S IN THE DETAIL

Small details make all the difference in this soft, mellow bedroom scheme. Ikat designs are the perfect way to bring a little low-key wanderlust to your home. Ikat (pronounced ‘ick-kat’) is a traditional fabric dyeing technique that hails from Indonesia, resulting in patterns with soft, hazy outlines.

See ourSophie Paterson shows us how to decorate with grey

3. MAKE PATTERN THE FOCAL POINT

Chevron curtains add a flash of colour, elegance and modernity to this country-style dining room.

4. CLASSIC COLOUR

Tiffany Blue is a cool sophisticated colour, inspired by the Iconic packaging of that most glamorous of New York stores. Thisis not a shade for the faint hearted, if you are nervous of bold colour on walls, use it on occasional furniture, in alcoves or on a feature wall.

See ourSophie Ashby shows us how to use colour and art in the home