Many people now prefer silk flowers over real ones. Why? They look so realistic that it is hard to tell the difference. They can be arranged in a myriad of different ways and can be used to decorate weddings, homes, offices, hotels, restaurants and boutiques. They can range from clutch wedding bouquets, flower garlands, silk corsages, silk buttonholes and much more! A lot of buyers are finding silk flower arrangements a practical alternative to real flowers for special occasions, as well as for home and office decoration.

There are innumerable reasons why silk fabric flowers are preferable to fresh flowers. Many people would of course prefer real flowers over the artificial ones, but flowers are expensive and very short-lived and hence, constantly need to be replaced. Other long term benefits for selecting flowers made of the material silk plants are that they will not outgrow their space and home-owners never have to worry about insects, mold and mildew. Gone are the days of watering flowers, which usually leads to damaged wood or carpeted floors. Another advantage is the fact that they are hypo-allergenic. They contain no allergens such as pollen, and are disease-free and nontoxic. Also, there are hundreds of varieties and colors that are available year-round, as compared to real flowers that are seasonal.

Giving silk flowers conveys the same message as giving fresh flowers. Made up of silk or polyester that imitates the texture of real flowers, they represent fragility, beauty and youthfulness. Because of their longevity, people can use faux flowers for other occasions as well as redo flower arrangements. To the untrained eye, flowers made of pure silk look no different than the real things.

Silk flowers are easy to maintain. To store them for future use, put them in a corner of a room under wraps to keep your flowers from accumulating dust. Place them upright in a receptacle to ensure that they keep their shape. A quick feather dusting every now and then will keep them looking great. Every three to six months, spray the plants and flowers with water and dry in the sunlight for a few hours.

Enter the exciting new world of textiles for a flair of tone and color that is replacing a oncefamiliar selection of modern pillows. Designer modern room details are making news with an artistic flair that was once thought reserved for the stylish elite. No longer does one have to accept the same design and material pumped out by the millions to compliment a room.

With the 21st century, a new and creative group of designers are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to adding pizzazz to modern home decor. Swedish award-winning artist, Lena Bergstrom, led Swedish textile manufacturer, Designers Eye, into the millennium with soft, appealing designs, perfectly bringing an air of opulence to any living room group or rooftop garden. The felted, virgin wool in simple, yet elegant floral shapes or horizontal stripes have been noted throughout the world.

Another substantial contributor to the world of textile art is Madeline Rogers of Mibo, located in the UK. A TV and Film Art Director who was tired of the blasé greeting of her own flat, set out to see if she could create something new and exciting with modern home accessories. Attracted to the sea, the large striped lounge chairs and the peaceful outdoors, a picture of soothing blossoms in earth tones and colors prompted her to design pillow jackets that brought the outdoors inside with flair and her work is now recognized worldwide.

Nothing spells fun like a pair of friends who can envision a dream, have a great work ethic and absolutely love detail and textiles. Modern Basics came to life when Page Ikeda and Rhonda Holloway, at the wheel, decided to begin a business of bright, stylish and witty accessories for the home. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the functional, comfortable and very attractive pillows and bedding line have taken the nation by storm since 2001.

The Japanese have had a traditional type of seating for centuries that is referred to as the zabuton. Unlike American culture, the zabuton is a pillow type floor mat made out of natural muslin fabric. Because this mat is used daily and in the place of chairs, they are made to last an average of eight to ten years. Americans have become intrigued with this ‘seat-cloth-sphere’ (zabuton translated) and they are beginning to appear in homes across the US. The muslin fabric can be covered with any type of fabric to match the decor of your choice and will stretch its life even further.

Choices in modern accessories are huge and expanding even more each day. Decorators are experimenting with exterior fabrics of chic, colorful blocks, paisley and plain suede to reflect all types of styles. Pillows that are round, rectangular or square are gaining popularity in homes and offices to set the mood in furniture groupings. Comfort in style with pillows is a modern day theme not likely to end soon.

There are many types of fabrics and each has a unique use. Some occur naturally, while others are man made. Cotton, wool, silk and leather are all natural fabric types. Acrylic, nylon, polyester and rayon are synthetics that are man made. The silk fabric is hailed as the best for the beautiful luster, softness and richness in look. The uniqueness of silk as a fabric is that it can be worn in any season. It gives warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

The history of the use of silk dates back to 2640 B.C in China. It is said that a Chinese emperor discovered the process of releasing silk threads by silkworm. Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves for a period of 30 days until it gets very fat. Then it starts releasing a silk thread to build a cocoon. He studied keenly the process and found out a way to use the pure silk prepared by the silkworm. The process of unwinding the silk thread from the silkworm cocoon to prepare fabric was soon mastered by many people in China. The method of silk fabric manufacturing continues to this day in China and the country is the largest producer of silk in the world.

People usually do not take the risk of cleaning silk clothes at home. As extra smooth and soft fabrics, silks require cleaning by professional launderers. However, for home silk clothing care, be aware that silk doesn’t shrink in water but the weaving or stitching of the fabric will shrink. A sponge containing liquid shampoo should be run over the silk cloth to clean it. Ironing requires extra care. Too much heat will surely burn the silk fabric. It is best to use automatic iron boxes that moderate the heat and make it suitable for different garments, depending on their coarseness. To remain safe, a cloth should be placed on the silk garment while ironing.

Silk is a fabric that evokes the images of wealth and sensuousness. Both men and women love clothes made of the silk fabric. Though slightly costlier than other fabrics, every family wardrobe has at least one silk garment for special occasions. The rich and famous prefer to dress and drape themselves with silk. Their homes are more likely to be decorated with silk draperies too. Wearing silk clothes put people at their sensuous and confident best. It is not unusual to have the most romantic and sensuous moments in life linked to silk garments.