A is for Alpaca
Alpaca! Such a soft, luxurious material. Culled from these majestic beasts into a warm, almost silky and highly versatile fiber, alpaca adds a smart element of luxury to many elements of the home. However, because of alpaca’s unique set of qualities, it is also wise investment.
The feel of alpaca is very special. It is extremely soft, fine, strong, and warm. Like wool, alpaca is water, fire and stain resistant. However, it is lighter (yet somehow warmer) than wool. Also, alpaca fiber does not contain lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and easier to process with fewer chemicals.
The best place to use alpaca in the home? Any place that touches your body!
Throws: A cozy and light blanket with the added bonus of providing a hit of color and/or texture to the room.
I can never pass by a display of Alicia Adams’ throws without admiring the colors and practically petting the folded blankets. via aliciaadamsalpaca.com
Available in a smaller selection of hues, but very accessible in price, Crate and Barrel’s Lima throws are made in Peru. via crateandbarrel.com
Also made in Peru, the Noe throw from Sefte is woven from two hues of organic alpaca to imitate linen. via abchome.com
Pillows: Whether knitted into a soft pillow cover or left long and shaggy, alpaca pillows bridge the divide between cuddly and mature.
The knitted Kimsa pillow from Sefte resembles faux bois. via abchome.com
Restoration Hardware keeps their alpaca pillow covers shaggy but short, neutral and undyed, blended with a small amount of sheep wool. via restorationhardware.com
The classic shaggy (long-haired) pillow, this one from Mitchell Gold Bob Williams and shown in silver. via mgbwhome.com
Bedding Basics: Alpaca is used to fill bed pillows, comforters and mattresses, for a warm and hypoallergenic alternative. Many of these are produced organically.
Comforter filled with organic alpaca is winter weight cozy. via satarahome.com
Alpaca filled bed pillows are supportive and resistant to mold and mites. via satarahome.com
New and Vintage Upholstery: Upholstery fabric made from alpaca is just as luxurious as all of the above. Found on vintage pieces and also available for new pieces, alpaca velvet is especially gorgeous.
La Scala Alpaca Velvet from Place Textiles
Alpaca Herringbone (swoon) from Maharam
A vintage Saarinen Womb Chair, newly reupholstered with alpaca. via 1stdibs.com
A vintage ottoman, with original alpaca upholstery. via 1stdibs.com
Rugs: Something so soft is amazing under the feet and perfect for the bedroom. It’s like walking on clouds (trite but true).
I used a deep, alpaca rug in my client’s master bedroom as a soft and sexy contrast to the plush eggplant velvet headboard. via tamarahubinskyinteriors.com
Stephanie Morton hand weaves alpaca yarns into small flatweave rugs for your bedside or other cozy nooks. via stephaniemortonhandweaver.com
For gifting fun and warmth…
This water bottle cover, also from Alicia Adams, makes me happy and warm. It would make the perfect gift! via aliciaadamsalpaca.com
See my pinterest board for more alpaca inspirations.