PATTERNS & TEXTURES
From tweeds to velvets
For the past five to 10 years, contemporary design was all the rage; it called for a more minimalist approach with sharp lines, cool monochromatic colours, as well as matte or flat fabrics. The feeling was streamlined and, in many ways, it had a “cooler” feel. But this year, experts have seen a shift in the fabrics that are being used for upholstery, window treatments, and accent pieces such as pillows and ottomans; they seem to have much heavier, weighted textures, and this is especially prevalent as we move into the fall months.
“What happens is, you have a trend that lasts for five to 10 years where the decor is cool and crisp, people live with that and then they need something that is warmer and cosier,” said Jonathon Auger, owner of C&M Textiles. “When you want to change something, it’s because you want something different. So if you had a plain grey or white couch with a smooth texture for the last few years, you’ll want to find something this time with more character and texture. Fabric trends are up and down cycles; you go from cool and modern to warm and textured.”
Right now, heavy textures are more prevalent in upholstery materials, where the look has gone back to a classic chenille or tweed with very heavy weaves and sometimes a multicolour palette.
“We’ve been buying a lot of prints for curtains as well,” Auger said.
Monique Walgrave, the owner of Chintz & Collections, has also seen a return to chenille in neutral colours. She said they are being used on sectionals as well as fabric headboards in bedrooms.
“Some people want a blank canvas and to have everything neutral, and then with the accessories they pick out pops of colour,” she said. “Chenille was a big trend before and it’s back — and it’s really nice now. These fabrics can be luxurious or casual, depending on the space. It’s easier that way to change things seasonally.”
Retro textures are also gaining in popularity.
“Besides the chenille tweedy look, a lot of our new fabrics are actually printed velvets,” Auger said. “When we were doing our buying last year, we were hesitant when we purchased these because we didn’t know how the market would react. We were choosing printed velvets with floral or damask or wishy-washy abstract prints. But they’re flying out of the store.
“I’m seeing a lot of younger people who are refurbishing antique furniture or making curtains and ottomans. The older generation already had these types of looks, but the younger generation never did, so they find them cool.”
These weightier textures are also incredibly forgiving, and Auger, who is a dad himself, sees the benefits of using such fabrics on things like a banquette in a breakfast nook in the kitchen. “Sometimes a texture is good because it can mask potential stains and crumbs,” he said, “whereas with a shiny matte fabric, you can see everything.” Even so, many of today’s fabrics are being pre-treated so that they are anti-stain, one of the biggest trends in textiles. They may not completely repel spills, but they are slow to absorb any liquid, giving you time to clean it up before any damage is done.
Walgrave recommends using texture in high-traffic areas as well, as these materials tend to be more durable and can withstand constant use. Heavy textures can be used for hallway or stair runners, family room couches, and fabriccovered dining-room chairs.
What is old is new again, especially when it comes to fabrics, and today ’s designs take both form and function into consideration. The minimalism of upholstery and window materials from the last decade has evolved into thick, strong textures that have depth and inherent good looks — a nod to the textures of years past. An added benefit of modern-day manufacturing is that these fabrics stand up to the wear and tear of a busy household, too.
In the end, you get the best of both worlds.