#16 Eliana Johnson Summary

 Textiles play a critical role in defining the aesthetics, functionality, and durability of both residential and commercial interiors. In residential spaces, textiles like curtains, upholstery, and rugs contribute to comfort, warmth, and a personalized ambiance, often reflecting individual tastes through patterns, colors, and textures. In contrast, commercial interiors emphasize professionalism and brand identity, with textiles chosen for their ability to create a cohesive and functional environment. Durability and maintenance are significant considerations for both settings, but commercial spaces demand textiles that withstand high traffic, are stain-resistant, and are easy to clean, often favoring performance fabrics and synthetic blends.

Functionality is another key factor, with textiles often selected for their acoustic properties to reduce noise in open-plan commercial spaces or their ability to insulate and regulate temperature in residential settings. Safety and compliance are critical in commercial interiors, where textiles must meet stringent fire safety and anti-microbial standards, especially in healthcare or hospitality sectors. Meanwhile, the growing focus on sustainability influences choices in both environments, with residential users opting for organic or eco-friendly materials and commercial designers emphasizing recyclability and lifecycle durability.

The most interesting thing that I learned in this class was how different textiles can be designed when we went to Brentano, I appreciated the amount of work and effort they put into making textiles that work well in different colors and choosing what kind of textile they were going to make it.