By Justine Olivier
The world of fabrics is an interesting one. With so many textures, colours, designs and fusions available today, finding the right combination for your particular style and taste has never been easier.
According to June da Silva, of Hertex Fabrics, natural fibres, cottons, linens and wools have made a huge comeback, including fabrics with a lot of texture. While trends come and go, and professional advice should always be taken into consideration, at the end of the day you should always rely on your personal choice when it comes down to choosing fabric for your interiors – it’s your style that will never become stale and always remain fresh in your eyes.
The recent state of the economy has had an immense impact on fabric trends, as well as that of the catwalk, films and popular movements (such as the current “going-green” approach of the 21st century), each dictating to some extent the current fabric trends of 2011. Concurring with this, Katie Allen, of Katie Allen Decor and Design, says: “We are very much lead by the fabric houses and the international trends which filter down. With that being said, the major trends for 2011 include wool, natural fibres, neutral-coloured knits, and aged leather.”
Let us not forget that on the other side of the trend board, florals are making a huge comeback. “We’re noticing a lot of oversized florals and conversely, bold geometric colour fields as seen in the designs of the late Michael Szell and Kate Blee respectively,” explains Colin O’Mara Davis, of St Leger and Viney.
And it’s not hard to see why trends are now reflecting a more natural approach as people have become a lot more environmentally-conscious than ever before, embracing this ideal into every aspect of their lives and even into their fabric options. However, while a neutral palette is the latest trend, adding a vibrant burst of colour can inject an extra dimension into your interior spaces, heightening the aesthetic value of your areas.
Sam Sporides, of Halogen International, says that the colour palette is still one of understatement with “accents” of colour. “The greys, pewters, graphites, and charcoals are still very popular, and are further enhanced by shots of bold colour like yellows, purples and the gentler mauves.” Whether you choose to add these colours through soft furnishings such as scatter cushions or even add a dynamic colour by simply placing a throw in your room, the choice is yours.
Alternatively, you could even Fabcoat a fabric and place it on your wall as wallpaper, explains Daniela Da Rocha, of Da Rocha Interiors. “Upholster boards and create screens to divide areas and create interest,” she further adds.
As with most colours you can either create a dazzling complementary colour scheme or a brilliant contrast for your interiors; the key to matching and mismatching is all about colour combination.
Colin adds that mixing different patterns and textures can really liven up an interior, but it’s also worthwhile remembering that these features should be the scheme’s accents, not the focus.
June provides the perfect example for those wishing to create the ideal ambience for their setting: “Do a sofa in a plain colour with two armchairs in a pattern and a small pattern/stripe design perhaps on an ottoman. On the sofa you can repeat the designs used on the ottoman and armchairs as scatters to bring the whole story together. Mix natural fibred fabrics together in a scheme for a sophisticated, natural look or mix velvets and silks for a more glamorous look.”
Whether you choose to redo your furnishings with a select fabric, or bring in texture through soft furnishings or even through wallpaper, the array of choices is endless. Shop around for the fabric you desire, get professional advice, and always consider your personal preference. Keep in mind that fabric samples and swatches are always pivotal as you can not only see the material for yourself, but they also allow you the opportunity to actually feel the texture of the fabric, allowing you a more informed decision on your fabric preference.
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