DESKTOP
MOBILE
Sticky fingers. Wet noses. Toys, food, and muddy feet. If your home sees a lot of action, your fabrics need to hold up. The right textiles can make everyday messes easier to manage, while still looking and feeling great over time.
Dan Moir from James Dunlop Textiles knows exactly what that takes. With years of experience helping homeowners and designers choose the right materials, he’s seen how the right fabric choice can make all the difference in busy homes.
Here’s what to look for when life is a little less than pristine.
1. Choose fabrics with built-in stain resistance
Look for textiles that have stain protection woven in, not just sprayed on. Built-in treatments at the fibre level last longer, resist fading and don’t wash out over time. They’re ideal for furniture and soft furnishings in busy living areas or kids’ rooms.
2. Be smart with colour
Light colours may look fresh at first, but they’ll show every mark in a high-use space. Go for mid-tones or patterned fabrics that help disguise day-to-day wear. If you love a lighter look, test a swatch in your home first to see how it holds up.
3. Pick tightly woven synthetics
Tight weaves are harder to snag or stretch out of shape, especially with claws or rough play. Many modern synthetics are soft to the touch but far more durable than natural fibres. Look for ones made for upholstery or high-use zones.
4. Check the care requirements
Some fabrics can be spot-cleaned, others need professional care. Make sure you know what’s involved before you buy. If it’s going on a frequently used item like a sofa or dining bench, washable or easy-care options are worth prioritising.
5. Consider fire resistance
If your fabric will sit near a fireplace, heater or kitchen, check whether it meets fire safety standards. Certain synthetics and wool blends are designed to resist ignition and won’t carry a flame if exposed to heat.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips, and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying in your home, buying, or selling, join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at every stage of your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips, and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying in your home, buying, or selling, join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at every stage of your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Dan Moir, Sales Director at James Dunlop Textiles, to explore how fabric, texture, and thoughtful design can transform a home from a space that looks good into one that feels truly liveable. With over a century of heritage and innovation behind the brand, Dan brings both deep family roots and forward-thinking industry knowledge to a conversation that ranges from aesthetics to performance and everything in between.
Search similar articles
Sticky fingers. Wet noses. Toys, food, and muddy feet. If your home sees a lot of action, your fabrics need to hold up. The right textiles can make everyday messes easier to manage, while still looking and feeling great over time.
Dan Moir from James Dunlop Textiles knows exactly what that takes. With years of experience helping homeowners and designers choose the right materials, he’s seen how the right fabric choice can make all the difference in busy homes.
Here’s what to look for when life is a little less than pristine.
1. Choose fabrics with built-in stain resistance
Look for textiles that have stain protection woven in, not just sprayed on. Built-in treatments at the fibre level last longer, resist fading and don’t wash out over time. They’re ideal for furniture and soft furnishings in busy living areas or kids’ rooms.
2. Be smart with colour
Light colours may look fresh at first, but they’ll show every mark in a high-use space. Go for mid-tones or patterned fabrics that help disguise day-to-day wear. If you love a lighter look, test a swatch in your home first to see how it holds up.
3. Pick tightly woven synthetics
Tight weaves are harder to snag or stretch out of shape, especially with claws or rough play. Many modern synthetics are soft to the touch but far more durable than natural fibres. Look for ones made for upholstery or high-use zones.
4. Check the care requirements
Some fabrics can be spot-cleaned, others need professional care. Make sure you know what’s involved before you buy. If it’s going on a frequently used item like a sofa or dining bench, washable or easy-care options are worth prioritising.
5. Consider fire resistance
If your fabric will sit near a fireplace, heater or kitchen, check whether it meets fire safety standards. Certain synthetics and wool blends are designed to resist ignition and won’t carry a flame if exposed to heat.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips, and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying in your home, buying, or selling, join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at every stage of your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips, and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying in your home, buying, or selling, join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at every stage of your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Dan Moir, Sales Director at James Dunlop Textiles, to explore how fabric, texture, and thoughtful design can transform a home from a space that looks good into one that feels truly liveable. With over a century of heritage and innovation behind the brand, Dan brings both deep family roots and forward-thinking industry knowledge to a conversation that ranges from aesthetics to performance and everything in between.
Search similar articles
Related Articles
Top tips for setting your kitchen budget
Kitchen Studio’s Mark Bruce shares tips for setting a realistic kitchen budget that keeps your renovation on track.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Box™.
Box isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.