Upholstery is an entire division of design all on its own. With so many options from fabric choice, style, color, texture; the possibilities are endless and sometimes overwhelming. We are going to break down some of the basics to show how upholstery can add so much to your overall design and offer some tips to make sure you make the best choice for your space.

Know What's Up: Upholstery in general is a fabric or leather covering along with padding and other materials that come together to cover furniture pieces like chairs, sofas, stools, and many other furnishings. But beyond just providing comfort, upholstery also adds shape, color, and texture not just to the piece but to the entire room. With that being said the first step is to choose your style.

Do you prefer straight lines or curves, intricate stitching or a more simple take? Your home's overall style will inform your upholstery style choices as well. If you have a mid-century modern home or a traditional home, your furniture should also reflect that same style. Once you've established a style you can move on to textiles.

Mixing and matching fabrics is a great way to add dimension and create a layered visual palette for your design. Similarly, adding interesting details like skirting on a sofa, different forms of tufting, or pinch pleating brings the design to life.

Small and Mighty: No matter your budget or space constraints, there is always room for a stool or ottoman to add an upholstered element into a room. Stools and ottomans provide extra seating options with a very small footprint or can serve as footrests. Not to mention their unique ability to add a pop of color, a fun print, or just a general statement piece to any space.

Put It To Bed: Headboards have been an upholstered piece in the bedroom for quite some time, though the latest trend is to create a headboard wall. This creates an anchored affect and serves as a focal point for the room. Another trend in bed styling is an entirely upholstered bed frame. This can be done in fabric or leather and brings a softness to the bedframe while providing an element of color and texture.

Just like in a sofa or chair, there are many options when it comes to the upholstery design of a bedframe. Once again, use the overall style of your bedroom to help you choose the best design style for you.

Made to Last: Finally, opting for performance fabric will extend the life of your upholstered furniture and will help maintain that fresh look we all want. Nothing dates a space like worn or dirty upholstery. With so many options to choose from, from velvet to linen, making the switch to performance fabric won't detract from comfort or style and will be a long-lasting investment. I especially recommend performance fabric for dining rooms and any spaces that will get a lot of wear and tear.

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About Megan Dufresne

Megan Dufresne, founder and principal of MC Design is a Manhattan Beach native who was raised visiting job sites and marking up blueprints with her contractor father. She grew up in homes custom built and designed by her parents.

Today, she brings South Bay’s casual sophistication to residential and commercial spaces across

Southern California. Passionate about textiles and design, Dufresne’s goal is always to elevate

the everyday into motivating spaces for her clients. Innovative, fun and inspiring are three of her

favorite adjectives when it comes to design.

Dufresne works with both homeowners and builders to create personalized environments that are

timeless yet current; with thoughtful layers that look and feel as though they’ve been

collected over time. Focusing on clients’ culture, tastes and interests as well as the structure’s

architecture, she translates those influences into highly livable, visually stunning interiors and exteriors. Kids, pets, sand and swimming pools inspire instead of limit her creative possibilities.

She works primarily in the beach cities of Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Redondo Beach, Hermosa

Beach and Manhattan Beach, and travels for clients as needed. While currently building a showroom in Rancho Mirage, Dufresne is excited to expand her Firm to the Greater Palm Desert area.

As a former luxury design specialist for House Beautiful and Modern Luxury Interiors California magazines, Dufresne now brings that knowledge and passion to interior design. She founded MC Design in 2007.

Dufresne lives in Lower Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates with her husband and two Chihuahuas. She’s a firm believer in cocktail hour(s) and beautifully organized spaces.

Follow @MeganDufresneDesign on Instagram