Introduction: Life Happens—Design for It

Here on beautiful St. Simons Island, GA, our homes wear a lot of hats. They host birthday parties and beach days, sleepy movie nights and post-surf snack fests. They welcome guests, grandkids, and sometimes even the family dog covered in sand. As an interior designer deeply rooted in coastal Georgia, I’ve learned that true luxury isn’t about preciousness—it’s about livability. That’s why performance fabrics have become a non-negotiable staple in my design toolkit.

In today’s post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about these hard-working, stylish textiles that can survive toddlers with markers, sunscreen-sticky legs, and the occasional spill of sweet tea—all while still looking polished and coastal-cool.

What Are Performance Fabrics?

Performance fabrics are textiles engineered to resist stains, repel moisture, stand up to abrasion, and often include UV resistance—a must-have in sun-drenched spaces like porches and sunrooms here in St. Simons Island. Unlike the stiff or plastic-feeling options of yesteryear, today’s performance fabrics are soft, breathable, and just as beautiful as their high-maintenance cousins.

Top performance fabric brands I regularly specify include:

• Crypton®: Stain, odor, and moisture-resistant.
• Sunbrella®: Fade-resistant and ideal for indoor-outdoor living.
• InsideOut®: Bleach-cleanable, UV-resistant, and kid-approved.
• Revolution®: Eco-friendly, made without PFC chemicals.

Why Performance Fabrics Are a Coastal Essential

St. Simons Island life means humid days, sandy feet, salt spray, and spur-of-the-moment entertaining. Performance fabrics protect your investment while maintaining the relaxed elegance that coastal design is all about.

Here’s how these fabrics shine in everyday low-country living:

• Stain Resistance: Wine spills? Popsicle drips? Muddy paws? Performance fabrics offer peace of mind.
• UV Protection: Crucial for preserving color in rooms flooded with natural light.
• Easy Maintenance: Most clean with mild soap and water; some are bleach-safe.
• Kid & Pet Friendly: Durable enough for jumping, climbing, and cuddling—without sacrificing style.

Best Places to Use Performance Fabrics

From my St. Simons-based interior design projects, here’s where performance fabrics work their magic best:

1. Living Room Sofas & Sectionals Opt for soft, tightly woven performance fabrics that hold up to everyday lounging and the occasional cannonball from the kids.

2. Dining Chair Upholstery Yes, you can have light-colored dining chairs with kids. Just make sure it’s performance-rated (and add a marine-grade vinyl on the backs for bonus durability).

3. Outdoor Furniture Your screened porch deserves just as much design love as your living room. Sunbrella cushions in coastal blues and sandy neutrals stay fresh through every season.

4. Playroom Pillows and Bean Bags Let them climb, bounce, and snack with abandon. These soft surfaces won’t show the mess.

5. Bedroom Benches & Headboards Create softness and sophistication without worrying about dust or oils from little fingers.

Designer Tips: Choosing the Right Performance Fabric for Your Space

When helping my St. Simons clients select fabrics, I focus on both function and form. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Texture Matters: Don’t be afraid of soft chenilles or boucle—many are performance-rated now.
• Color Psychology: Neutrals are timeless, but coastal blues, driftwood taupes, and marshy greens hide wear beautifully.
• Cleanability: Always check if the fabric is water-cleanable, bleach-safe, or dry-clean only.
• Rub Count: Look for at least 30,000 double rubs for high-traffic areas.

Pro tip: Ask your designer (or fabric showroom) for a fabric swatch and test it with whatever chaos your household usually dishes out—think juice, chocolate, or salty sea water.

Sustainable and Stylish: You Can Have Both

Good news for the eco-conscious: many performance fabric brands now offer sustainable lines made from recycled fibers, free of harmful chemicals. Revolution, for instance, is made in the U.S. without PFCs and meets Greenguard Gold standards for indoor air quality.

So yes—you can have a home that’s healthy for your family and the planet, without sacrificing looks or function.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Worry-Free Living

Your home should be a place of peace, not a museum of “don’t touch that!” Performance fabrics make that possible. They let you say yes to spontaneous sleepovers, sandy toes, and family movie nights without hovering over the upholstery.

As a designer here in St. Simons Island, GA, I believe in beautiful spaces that work hard and feel easy. Performance fabrics help us get there—and keep it there for years to come.

Need Help Choosing the Right Fabrics for Your Space?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading a single piece, I’d love to help. Contact me at Kenchel Interior Design for a consultation.  Let’s turn your high-traffic spaces into high-style sanctuaries.