Summer Sun Fabrics
![A white porch swing has green and white striped seat pillow, plus a green plant patterned throw pillow. Three chickens are underneath the swing, while colorful flowers and plants surround the porch. A copper portable lamp with candle sits on the porch floor, near the chickens.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Summer-Sun-Fabrics-SarahVickers-Porch-Sunbrella-580x764.jpeg)
In the summertime, I’m naturally attracted to outdoor seating that needs durable fabrics.
![A blue patterned custom chaise long sits in front of a window of greenery, dressed with three throw pillows, a warm blanket, and an open book, next to a side table with colorful flowers, atop a white fluffy faux animal-skin rug.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Summer-Sun-Fabrics-Chaise-Long-580x792.jpg)
The best fabrics for indoor/outdoor use are solution-dyed. That means the color is injected into the threads during the manufacturing process, rather than laid on top. Here, we chose a pale blue color to match the blue of the water outside, which will never fade on this custom chaise long because of the solution-dyed fabric.
![Multiple patterns and types of fabrics in shades of green and white, plus a spool of wool thread, are overlaid in display, showing how they tone together.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Summer-Sun-Fabrics-Fusion-Glamour-580x738.jpeg)
Solution-dyed fabrics hold up better against sun, water, mildew, and staining.
![A golden retriever sits next to her owner, who is wearing a blue striped shirt matching the pair of pillows either side of them, on a boat on the water. In front of them sits a cheese and fruit plate and pair of glasses, plus a bowl of cherries.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Summer-Sun-Fabrics-Boat-Dog-Sunbrella-580x718.png)
They’re also great for homes with pets.
![](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Summer-Sun-Fabrics-Zen-Loft-Windowseat.jpg)
Solution-dyed fabrics can be very soft, not like the old boat-house cushions you remember. Here, we chose multiple durable canvas-style fabrics to resist dirt and soil in this window seat.
![A large bright green corner banquette was custom-made, including solution-dyed fabric to make it easy to wipe clean from food and drink stains or general daily use, especially in high-traffic areas. The wall is dressed with multiple vases of green plants. Three different patterned black and white throw pillows accent the banquette, while the glass coffee table is filled with fruit and vegetables, ready to be served to guests. A guitar sits to the left side of the banquette. Three rectangular windows allow peeps of greenery through the wall behind the banquette.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Summer-Sun-Fabrics-Banquette-580x387.jpg)
Perfect for high-traffic areas, easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. Lots of windows and sunlight, but paired with solution-dyed fabric, it will never fade, and cleaning food spills are a breeze, as you see on our custom-designed bright green banquette with hidden storage underneath.
![Multiple throw pillows in lime green and white stripes, lime green and white circles, and turquoise blue, white and lime green square patterns are strewn about next to a swimming pool, alongside a swatch of green grass.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Summer-Sun-Fabrics-BridgeHampton-Sunbrella.jpeg)
Cool tones are really stylish this year. Experiment with color easily with Sunbrella throw pillows!
Kimball Starr designs homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation!