New season interior design trends

As we head into the cosier months and cooler temperatures, there’s a whole new phase of trends destined to warm up the interior design world. Here’s my round-up if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next upholstery project…

Colour

The colour experts at Dulux have announced their shade of the year for 2021 and it’s a slightly controversial choice. Described as “a bolstering shade that connects back to nature and the simple things,” Brave Ground is a warm, earthy tone that some cynics have dismissed as a ‘dull brown’ and rather dreary. I quite like it though. I get it that 2020 has been a tough year and we could all do with a lift for the spirits, but I’m not sure a bright pink or neon yellow is the miracle response to a Pandemic. You can’t just paint yourself happy with a cheery shade on your wall.

Instead, I think this warm neutral is easy, earthy, comforting and a great base for an interior colour palette. It would work so well punctuated with a really bold, patterned fabric or against some more expressive, bright statement colours. Give it a go!

Texture

No surprises – an autumnal mindset is always accompanied by more richly textured fabrics. I’m seeing loads of bouclé and fluffy mohair’s, as well as incredible 3-D and ribbed velvets. Kirkby Design, in particular, have got this trend spot on with their range of chenille bouclé weaves. The viscose-based chenille comes in a tonal mix of colours and I know it’s going to be a super popular choice.

Gobi range by Kirkby. Photos from the Kirkby website.

“My feeling is that if you want your furniture to wrap you up and give you a hug – the easiest way is to choose a material that is tactile and touchably irresistible.”

There’s a real sense of sensory, touchable warmth to lots of the fabric compositions – a trend I love any time of year. My feeling is that if you want your furniture to wrap you up and give you a hug – the easiest way is to choose a material that is tactile and touchably irresistible. All of the above will give you just that AND you’ll be scoring style points too. Bingo!

Volume range by Kirkby. Photos from the Kirkby website.

Pattern

There are a few really interesting things going on in textile design at the moment. Here’s a selection of my favourites…

Check Please

I’m a big fan of the Romo range and I think they’ve nailed it this season with their decorative, textured weaves. The overall feel is quite Scandi-influenced with a much-expected mood of staying at home. I really like the bold and creative use of modern cotton stripes and checks. The Kemble range is understated and very versatile – I can see these co-ordinating scales and repeats being used in multi-purpose rooms such as an open plan kitchen/diner.

Kemble range by Romo. Photo from the Romo website.

Oxley Range by Romo. Photos from the Romo website.

Back to Nature

It’s the most plundered point of reference for fabric design, and once again there are some great nature-inspired prints about to launch this season. Villa Nova have nailed it with their beautiful new Scene range of wall coverings featuring scenes of rolling landscapes. The accompanying collection of prints, weaves and embroideries have some incredible painterly palettes and designs. Can’t wait to get stuck in with some of these!

Go Bold

Printed velvets are going nowhere. Thank GOODNESS, because you know I’m a massive fan. This season, Linwood Fabrics have blown me away with their new Kami range. A heady mix of intricate pattern and vibrant colour, I think there’s quite an ethnic influence going on here. In any case, it’s a really luxurious little collection, not just because of the sumptuous feel of the fabric, but I just know these prints will look fabulous on the right piece of furniture. Well worth a look.

Kami range by Linwood. Photo from the Linwood website.

Sustainability

We’re all quite rightly taking more accountability for our environmental impact and I’m really pleased to see that fabric manufacturers are doing their bit too. It’s not just about saving an old sofa from landfill (although that’s a great place to start); it’s about starting to make conscious decisions about the fabrics we choose too. Camira fabrics are leading the charge with their recycled twill weave fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles that were sourced from the Mediterranean sea and beaches.

Oceanic range made of recycled plastic by Camira. Photo from the Camira website.

Equally, the beautifully understated Acara range from Romo incorporates recycled yarns, but nonetheless has a superbly sophisticated, luxury look and feel. The result is a really good soft, cotton plain that I can see being contrasted with something more adventurous. A great all-rounder.

Acara range by Romo. Photo from the Romo website.

Has that taster inspired you to get going with a new season project? Drop me a line for an initial, no-obligation quote by filling in the online contact form. Alternatively, you can email me directly at sharon@vintiqueupholstery.com or call me on 07764 182 783.