Left to right: Samuel & Sons, available to the trade through Jennifer West, Seattle Design Center, Ste. A-100, (206) 405-4500; bottom spool middle, Kravet, available to the trade through Kravet/Lee Jofa, Seattle Design Center, Ste. A-126, (206) 762-9370; top spool middle, Brimar, available through Laurel Ann Studios, Seattle Design Center, Ste. P-367, (206) 767-2711; Samuel & Sons, available to the trade through Jennifer West.
Trend Watch
Custom Designed with all the Trimmings
Just when you thought modern design had taken over all of your traditional loves, we’re here to show you that fancy favorites like trimmings are much more modern than you thought

This month we look at passementerie—that’s French for “trimmings”—with decidedly fresh eyes. Though often associated with more formal interiors, trim is showing up as an exciting means of interior expression suitable for diverse—and, yes, even modern—styles.

The designers we spoke with agree. “Contemporary interpretations of passementerie are moving away from classic laces, braids and fringes,” says Raina Steinmeier of Homemade Couture. “Instead, we are seeing more flat trimmings and ‘fringes’ composed of wood beads, tortoiseshell, leather and even glass,” says the designer, who counts new introductions from Kravet among her favorites.

At Great Jones Home (206-448-9405), designer Carrie Hayden has embellished graphic pillows with a fashion-forward mix of trims, including exquisite eye candy from Los Angeles-based Janet Yonaty, Inc. The look is young, sophisticated and hip.

“Trimmings needn’t bring down high contemporary design,” insists Laurel Ann Kulseth of Laurel Ann Studios (Seattle Design Center, Ste. P-367, 206-767-2711), a custom lampshade designer who loves to manipulate existing trims or combine textures in unexpected ways. Her sources of inspiration include Mokuba ribbon and trimmings from Samuel & Sons, Brimar and Houles. “[Trimmings] just mean attention to detail,” Kulseth says. With hundreds of new gimps, cords and tapes available, the options for finishing the edge of a curtain, defining the shape of a seat or making a pillow or shade distinct are infinitely fresh—and, frequently, irresistible.


Small metal bead key tassel in antique gold by Janet Yonaty, Inc., available to the trade through Polly McArthur & Associates, 607 Fidalgo St., (206) 768-1964.


Rosettes by Janet Yonaty, Inc., available to the trade through Polly McArthur & Associates, 607 Fidalgo St., (206) 768-1964.


Tassel fringe by Janet Yonaty, Inc., available to the trade through Polly McArthur & Associates; Samuel & Sons border available to the trade through Jennifer West; Kravet tape available to the trade through Kravet/Lee Jofa.


Custom hand-sewn shade in silk pongee, silk charmeuse lining with Samuel & Sons Greek key bordered with brown soutache, $275 at Laurel Ann Studios.