FABRIC TRENDS
Whimsical, expressive and uplifting – the latest looks show how to be stylishly striking
COOL BLUE
Our love affair with blue shows no sign of abating, and its power to create a calm interior knows no bounds. Its latest incarnation is graphic and sleek with sharp, geometric patterns that repeat in silky textures – this year’s blue is cool, collected and contemporary.
While blue can overwhelm a space, using a fabric that features several shades allows for greater choice when picking accessories. In Tabala (right), £136.50m, Black Edition, the different tones combine with off-white and grey, mimicking the variations of the sea as light reflects its hues. For a smaller splash of blue that works beautifully in a neutral space, the strikingly modern Cosmopolite in Teal (left), £67.10m, Camengo, used on this chair, finds the right balance. ‘This fabric is a wonderful jacquard with an extremely soft finish – the satin is particularly dense and combines deep colours, while the undulating and rounded lines are in keeping with current trends,’ says Emilie Senechal, head of design for Camengo.
EMBROIDERED BEAUTIES
Once considered old fashioned, embroidered textiles are back in a big way: inspired by fine art and created by boldfaced fashion designers, recent releases are downright joyous and delightfully decorative. The three-dimensional quality of these fine fabrics adds luxurious layers to home interiors, especially when used as curtains – the raised threads catch the light, enhancing each subtle stitch. You’ll see this roar into action across Faune et Flore (left), £540 a panel, by Louis Barthélemy (who has designed scarves for Dior and shoes for Louboutin) as part of his lively Egyptian-inspired fabrics and wallpapers – shimmering with animals and foliage – for Pierre Frey. Leaning into luxuriant motifs, the fluid embroidery of Rousseau (above), £108m, mimics paint strokes. ‘Inspired by the lush jungle foliage paintings of Henri Rousseau, this atmospheric design combines densely patterned layered leaves in detailed stitchwork with rich jewel-like tones to create a dramatic play of light and shade,’
says Sarah Macgregor, design director at Jane Churchill.
ABSTRACT FORMS
Irregular, organic shapes inspired by strong silhouettes and topography are cropping up all over. Often rendered in a full spectrum of brown, terracotta and off-white, these patterns work beautifully with raw wood furniture and textural upholstery. See Larsen’s Baya (right), £135m, which features bold wiggly shapes inspired by ‘the natural landscape seen from the sky’, according to design director Béatrice Bostvironnois. The trend also takes shape in Atelier Sud (above), £116.80m, Casamance – its blocky pattern enhanced by brush strokes explores raw and
gestural forms inspired by the crafts of artisanal makers.
EXTRA BOLD STRIPES
When we say stripes, it may bring up thoughts of Breton shirts, seaside deckchairs and circus tents. But the print is making big waves in interiors where the current stripe is large-scale and confident – it’s so loud, we dare say it’s a neutral. Pleasingly adaptable, this pattern works just as well as a curtain with a small-scale floral wallpaper as it does upholstered onto modern furniture. Changing its stripes with ease, Madeaux has introduced Claudette (above), £150m, which is available in five colours. What makes it so versatile? ‘It has a timeless appeal within interiors, bringing a sense of structure and a graphic edge to more whimsical florals and botanicals, as well as pairing perfectly with other geometric designs,’ says the fabric house’s founder, Richard Smith. Taking the trend a step further, interior decorator Ben Pentreath has produced a collection of houndstooth, check and striped woven fabrics and throws with Scotland’s Johnstons of Elgin. ‘The hardest part of the entire process has been limiting our choices to just weaves, so infinite
were the potential variations and possibilities,’ says Ben.
Refer to your wardrobe to get an insight into the patterns you’re most drawn to. If you have a lot of floaty floral dresses, you may gravitate towards flower or animal prints, whereas those with a more monochromatic wardrobe might favour bold stripes. As it’s always best to try before you buy, order samples of the patterns that speak to you and look at them in your home at different times of day. This will help you visualise adding them to the space on a larger scale.
Avoid using similar size patterns. I personally prefer a few large-scale prints as a dominant pattern, combining them with medium or smaller scale patterns for accent pieces. I am a big fan of maximalism but in this case, less can be more.
Different patterns with different colours can risk feeling chaotic and overwhelming, so stick to a colour scheme within the same tonal family or colour palette. If you want more colour, accent with bolder shades but make sure to use only 10% of this bold colour in your scheme.
Always order samples! It’s a small and cost-effective way of playing with patterns. Once you make your decision you can still use the samples for smaller art projects – or even as a coaster on your bedside table. With the world going through an intense period of change, more of us are clashing patterns and mixing objects from different cultures and periods to reflect our own individual styles. We’re learning that there really are no limits – be confident and own it!
You can save money and be more sustainable by opting for reupholstery. A patterned fabric goes a long way in changing a piece of furniture or the scale of an entire room, often with just a few metres. I was recently working on a project on a Greek island where we had limited access to importing furniture – we found some elegant grey bedroom benches and upholstered them in our colourful designs. It transformed the whole style of the house from mainstream to spectacular.
If maximalism’s not for you, then don’t do it! You can still use pattern in a more calm or simplistic design scheme and incorporate one or two patterned pieces as a highlight. If you do want to explore your inner maximalist, take a look at magazines and social media feeds or ask a professional interior designer for advice. It’s about finding the right patterns that work for you.
TEXTILE DESIGNER EVA SONAIKE TELLS US WHY IT’S TIME TO EMBRACE PATTERN – AND ADVISES ON HOW FABRIC CAN INJECT COLOUR AND ATMOSPHERE IN THE HOME COLOURFUL DESIGNS CAN TRANSFORM THE WHOLE STYLE OF A HOUSE FROM MAINSTREAM TO SPECTACULAR