b'pictures: Kallan MacLeodwhich fabrics where?Despite the best efforts of some, the minimal box house with acres of uncovered glass and one designer chair has never won over most homeowners.People love to be surrounded by the warmth and texture of fabrics: Draped on their windows, upholstering their chairs and couches, and massed together in their cushions and throws. Fortunately, we are blessed with a number of experienced textile houses, as well as shops staffed with people who love fabrics and know what works here. In addition tolocal brands, we have access to an eye-wateringne array of labels from Europe, England, Thailand, America and more, with price points from $25 a metre to more than $400. How, then, do you choose the right fabric for your home? As one experienced designer says, the biggest problem with fabrics is simply that there are too many of them. Making a commitment to the one or two or three perfect choices for the job is no easy task. Picking the right fabric comes down to appeal and suitability. As well as choosing the fabric to create the look youre wanting to achieve, you have to be aware of the environment in which you are placing it, explains Sharon Baird, sales manager for Maurice Kain Textiles. Interior textiles have many characteristics and the longevity of your fabric can be extended or reduced by many factors. Textiles are generally manufactured for speci c applications, which fortunately are clearly displayed on the swatch labels and in the sample books. Some are suitable only for drapery or cushions, others for upholstery, while some can do both jobs equally well. And sample books often put together entire stories Resene in fabrics, so that you can easily create a terri c scheme, mixing the rightComfort Zonematerials for the right jobs.Resene MoonbeamMany textiles are laboratory tested and rated for colour-fastness (known as Resene crocking resistance in the commercial trade) and ultra-violet light resistanceOh Behave(how fast they might fade). However, all fabrics, if exposed long enough toResene direct sunlightespecially in our infamously high levels of ultra-violet lightPopstar will discolour or break down.Resene StormNaturalbrescotton, hemp, linen or silkhave a beautiful hand-feel andResene Sublimelook luxurious. Thats why theyre loved by designers and homeowners alike. Resene The thing is, because they have less resistance to bacteria and fungi, theyWhizz Bang| 71'