Think of a radish. The outside is bright red, but when you cut it open, it’s white on the inside. “Natural fibers like cotton or silk are like a radish when you dy them. The dye only dyes the top layers of fibers,” explains John Miller of Classic Designs of Wilmington. “But, Sunbrella fabric is like a carrot. When you cut open a carrot, it’s orange on the inside as well.”

Classic Designs of Wilmington is the only store in our area that sells Sunbrella fabric by the yard. “We have accounts with many local furniture stores, but we are the only store that offers the full line of Sunbrella fabrics,” Miller shares. The Sunbrella line of fabrics include jacquards and chenille and fabrics with a variety of textures, colors and patterns. Fabrics range in prices anywhere from $30 a yard to $200 a yard. Fabrics are ordered and most arrive within two to three business days.

“What’s important to remember is that Sunbrella fabric isn’t just an outside fabric. The fabric isn’t just for awnings and boats.” Miller stresses that this high-end fabric is perfect for chairs, sofas and love seats, as well as appropriate for kitchens and dining rooms. “This performance fabric is perfect for indoor and outdoor items. The fabric suits busy lifestyles,” Miller explains.

The fabric is resistant to mildew and mold, and also water-resistant. Even more surprising is the fabric can be washed in Clorox water and won’t fade or bleach out. Miller shares, “The durability of the fabric makes it desirable. Even if your guests or family spills grape juice or red wine on the fabric, the stain will come out.” Miller even explained that since joining Trull’s business, he has reupholstered his family’s furniture in Sunbrella fabric.

Classic Designs showroom boasts fabulous antiques and high-end reproductions, and with Randy Trull’s, owner of Classic Designs of Wilmington, frequent trips to Europe, there’s always something new. Recently, the store acquired several unique antiques from E.F. Hutton’s estate in Long Island. But, the uniqueness of the traditional and aged pieces of furniture is that with Sunbrella fabric, something old can be something new and modern. “Every piece of antique furniture except for one or two needlepoints has been covered in Sunbrella fabric,” Miller shared.

Walking through the showroom is like walking through a museum, but a museum where you aren’t walking on pins and needles. I watched as Miller’s adorable two-year-old daughter looked right at home sitting on a piece of antique furniture covered in Sunbrella fabric.

“Sunbrella’s line of tassels and trims won’t fade either, adding to the life of the item,” Miller explains. “Basically, the products are indestructible. The fabric and trims will disintegrate before they fade.” Sunbrella’s fabrics unique chemical compound also means the fabric is very “green.” Homeowners or boat owners won’t need to replace the Sunbrella fabric like they would natural fabrics like cotton or silk.

Classic Designs of Wilmington specializes in interior design and in decorating. They can also custom-build furniture for clients as well. Trull has been in the design business for more than fifty years. His resume is extensive and his passion insatiable. And, at a young seventy-nine-years-old, Trull has no plans of stopping anytime soon. However, retirement plans include completing his autobiography and launching a new line.

Both Trull and Miller are also pleased to announce that they are in the process of releasing a line of placemats and tablecloths using Sunbrella fabric. “Randy is retiring this year, but with this new endeavor he’ll still keep busy,” Miller explains. Miller’s decorating and design talents were discovered by his mother-in-law. “I had my degree in marketing and design, but I finished college and began working in an accounting firm.” After a chance conversation with his mother-in-law and a lesson in sewing, Miller began designing highend homes and for commercial property in Kentucky before moving to North Carolina last year. With a staggering number of more than sixty years of experience between themselves, Trull and Miller make a dynamic and talented team of decorators.

Whether you are in the market for a new and unique piece of antique furniture, need assistance in creating a new look, or wanting to recover an existing piece of furniture with a stain and fade resistant piece of Sunbrella fabric, visit Classic Designs of Wilmington.