Posted by Tori Swaim on 12/22/2012 to
Press

Guest Blogging with Owner Tori Swaim..
A one-on-one interview with New Arrival's owner, Tori Swaim on Project Nursery.
One of the most important trips I make twice a year is to the International Textile Market held in High Point, NC. There, I am able to see all of the latest and greatest fabrics as well as color and style trends. That is when the process begins for creating a bedding collection. Many new parents aren’t opting for “baby” fabrics anymore, so we have fun looking at all of the new patterns and colors created by some of the biggest names in textiles.
Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with all the choices of fabrics that it can be difficult choosing! Once we have new fabrics in house, my design team goes to work. Coordinating three to five fabrics for each collection, deciding on skirt, blanket and overall style (traditional, modern, vintage) are first and foremost.
Although each of us has our own taste for the nursery, we keep an open mind and design for a variety of looks.
Although, my three kids are all grown up now, I still thoroughly enjoy the process of creating bedding and decor products for nurseries and kids’ rooms. After twelve successful years in the industry, our business continues to grow and evolve. As we expand our line, our goal is to make sure we continue to offer products that new moms and dads will love!
Here are some of Tori’s tips for mixing and matching fabrics and patterns in your own nursery:
1. Start by pulling together all of your favorite fabrics and then separate them into color groups (you can do this with swatches or even in a mood board on the computer if you don’t have the actual fabric in hand).
2. Which color group has your favorite patterns and the best selection of fabrics? Which fabrics coordinate well with other accessories you will be using in the room (rocker, furniture, lighting, etc.)?
3. Choose one main patterned fabric and then coordinate basic patterns (solid, dot, stripe, chevron, etc.) to it.
4. Decide where you will use the main fabric—usually the skirt or bumper. Coordinating basics are perfect for the sheet and changing pad cover. The main fabric is also good for curtain panels and throw pillows.
5. Pull together with paint chips, decor and furniture selections for the room.
6. Seeing it all together will help you to visualize the look your new beautiful nursery!