When I’m designing soft furnishings whether it’s for a quiet corner of a family home, a welcoming aged care lounge, or a sun-soaked childcare reading nook I’m always thinking about what sits beneath the surface.
Not just the colour palette (though that’s important too), but how the fabric feels, how it wears, and what it’s made of. What we touch every day matters. It shapes how we feel in a space. And sometimes, it can even affect our wellbeing more than we realise.
That’s why, at em billie co, I’ve become a little obsessed with choosing fabrics that are not only beautiful and long-lasting, but also better for our health.
Why It Matters
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the difference quality textiles make. Many off-the-shelf furnishings are made quickly, cheaply, and with materials treated in ways that aren’t always kind to our bodies or our homes.
Some common fabrics are coated in chemical finishes to resist stains or flames — necessary in certain cases, but often overused in others. These treatments can release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) over time, which may impact indoor air quality.
In a family home, that can mean little ones and pets breathing in more than just comfort. In care or education settings, it’s worth considering the longer-term impact of these choices on vulnerable groups.
What We Choose Instead
We work with a selection of upholstery-grade fabrics chosen not only for their beauty and durability, but also for what they don’t contain.
-
Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified options – meaning no harmful substances, even in the smallest threads.
-
Natural blends with linen, cotton, or wool where possible — breathable, timeless, and gentle on skin.
-
High-performance commercial fabrics that offer longevity without relying heavily on harsh chemicals — ideal for high-traffic environments.
-
Locally milled or consciously sourced from brands like Catherine Martin and Linia by Warwick — so we know exactly what we’re bringing into your space.
Longevity = Less Waste
The other side of this story is simple: when things last, we buy less. Choosing fabric that performs over time resisting fading, pilling, or stretching out of shape means we’re not sending tired cushions or worn-out covers to landfill every couple of years.
I design our pieces to be loved hard to survive shared couches, sticky fingers, family movie nights, and the odd coffee spill at work. You shouldn’t need to replace them with every trend or season. They should feel personal, practical, and proudly made.
Made in WA, With Purpose
Each em billie co piece is sewn by our local team right here in Perth. It’s one of my favourite things to share with clients knowing that when you bring our pieces into your space, you’re supporting a supply chain that’s close to home and deeply considered from start to finish.
Whether you’re styling your home or furnishing a care facility, we’ll help you select fabrics that look and feel right but also do right. For the people using the space every day, and for the environment we all share.
If you're curious to see or feel the difference, I’d love to show you. You can book a in person visit or reach out at hello@embillieco.au we’ll pop together a few samples that suit your needs, and your style.
With love Em x