Alternative: Cotton Velvet vs. Silk Velvet

Image via CB2

While veganism is quickly becoming more mainstream, and less of an alternative lifestyle than it used to be, there are still tricky situations to navigate, interior design being one of them. I wanted to share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up while sourcing products for clients (and myself!) as well as my favorite alternatives to traditional fabrics and finishes that will still give you a sophisticated and stylish interior. I want this to be an ongoing series of posts, focusing on one product at a time, starting with:

Velvet

This fabric continues to be having quite the moment in interior design, and I am all for it! If you skip traditional silk velvet, which can be quite pricey, and opt for a cotton-velvet instead, not only is it kinder to your bank account, but it is also cruelty-free, so you can embrace this trend with a clear conscience. (If you are not familiar with how silk is obtained, you can click here.  There ARE some cruelty-free silk options, but they are not yet widely available, and that is a topic for another blog post!)  And don’t fear, cotton-velvet has all the appeal of silk velvet: a luxe hand (which is design lingo for the way a fabric feels to the touch), sumptuous look, it will wear beautifully and develop a gorgeous patina! Some of my personal favorite picks to add a splash of vibrant color or some subtle pattern to your space are these pillows from CB2, these curtains from Anthropologie, as well as this bedding from RH Modern.

Image via Anthropologie

All of this is to say, you CAN have a gorgeous space, while embracing all the latest design trends (if that is your thing), and still live a cruelty-free lifestyle.  Next up, I will discuss my favorite down alternatives. (Yes, there are good ones out there that will fool even the most discerning person.) What other product alternatives would you like to see covered here in future posts? Tell me in the comments below!

-Rita