VELVET

It’s all about velvet right now! This stunning textile can be casual as well as formal, but is always elegant. Velvet is cosy in winter and cool in summer and it just gets better with age. Velvet has been a popular upholstery fabric for centuries because of its durability. It was historically used on furnishings such as headboards, chairs, chaise lounges and curtains. This luxurious textile is fast becoming a modern staple, with plenty of contemporary sofa shapes arriving in velvet (velvet armchairs with brass feet make for a stunning on-trend combo too). While darker velvet shades such as navy, emerald green and mustard are coming through strongly, soft blush pinks are also growing in popularity. If you love the feel of velvet but aren’t ready to rush out and reupholster your sofa, consider adding a throw cushion to your existing lounge furniture or a small ottoman to your living room. In the bedroom, try sleeping on a velvet pillowcase and adding a velvet throw to your bed.

1 Butterscotch velvet pillowcase, $49, from Small Acorns. 2 Living & Co linen velvet cushion, $12, from The Warehouse. 3 Round velvet cushion, $145, from urbanhome.co.nz. 4 Mink velvet bean bag, AUD$129, from Kip & Co.