While most experts say that color is coming back in the home in the form of fabrics, some say they continue to see neutrals as popular. And at the same time, some of the experts prefer tweed or texture while others are very fond of the latest velvets.
“Performance fabrics are top-of-mind for everyone in the home fashion business. “Performance’ can mean many things from light-fastness and wearability to cleanability. Homeowners have lots of options and should have lots of questions,” says Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den Interiors. “The latest in performance fabrics are the textures, whether it is a soft, plush velvety material or nubby or smooth. Some textures would be recommended for upholstery and some for window fashions.”
According to Kate Fudim of Beth Haley Design, each year is bringing mor and more bold and eclectic textiles. “Perhaps that’s because smaller textile lines keep popping up and gaining traction with design distributors. But the result is a real uptick in vibrant pairings and truly custom results—textiles with metallic threads, plush velvets, woven paneled upholstery—you name it,” she says.
“For a long time, velvet was synonymous with luxury and stuffiness (or shall we say stiffness),” says Marcelle Guilbeau of Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design. “Today, with fabric technologies, this has changed and we’re seeing a velvet revival in response to the cozy trend that wants to embrace warmth and opulence too. It’s simply a wonderful option.”
She adds, “If you don’t want to commit to velvet in a big way, such as a velvet sofa, I recommend pops of velvet like the blue throw and accent pillows shown in the bedroom image in this article.” In addition, Guilbeau suggests that fur is one sure way to bring cozy opulence to a cold stark contemporary space. “We’re seeing lots of it and, naturally, faux fur will appeal to those of us that want to remain animal-conscious.”
In agreement is LaTonya Martin of Grande Home Designs, who says she is seeing velvets and bold colors and drapery coordinated with throws and pillows. She adds that she is seeing contemporary and modern mixes of patterns, florals and geometric.
Jennifer Jones of Jennifer Jones Design Inc. reports seeing burgundy, russet, rich blues, and an array of greens mixed with cream colors. “Velvet has been one of my ‘go to’ wovens due to its tactile nature, and today velvets are better due to the huge number of colorways available and the fabric’s improvements.”
Home decor fabrics are definitely favoring jewel tones and textures, according to Tanya Hembree of Onyx & Alabaster. “I’m seeing rich textures, velvets, and fringe on pillows and draperies. Draperies over blinds are definitely the ‘in’ things,” she says. “Wide open windows, more views, and more light rather than privacy and seclusion are where people are maximizing the openness of their homes through strategically dressing their windows.”
While agreeing that velvet is finding its way into upholstery and more eclectic interiors, Beth Jones of The Interior Collection says solid linen fabrics are still popular for window treatments. Reporting that warm colors might peek through in art and accessories, Jone says she sees cool, calming colors for the most part. Fresh from the Las Vegas Merchandise Mart, she suggests that navy and teal are on the rise and mismatched combinations of patterns are being seen.
Heather Castro of Holly Thompson Homes says she’s predicting lots of velvets and textures, as well as red/orange, Indigo blue, and blush pink, as well as purple and violet. “We are definitely seeing a trend toward pops of color—all these as well as chartreuse and hunter greens,” she adds.
Other trends to look for include upholstered headboards and footboards to provide a more nurturing and protected sleeping area. And some designers suggest that oriental rugs are making a comeback due to their colors and soft comfort.
Meredith Johnson of Dalton Wholesale Floors reports she is seeing customers add gray, blue, and neutral rugs to create a calm atmosphere. “Color and pattern work together to bring a space to life. Soft colors on the walls, a patterned rug, and mixed and matched pillows make a statement,” she says.
Home designers might also look for these details in the coming months: more antiques being added to a room, an Art Deco influence in both textile design and furniture silhouettes, and perhaps contrast stitching, contrast piping, and flanged seams added to upholstered pieces. In patterns, expect to see some over-scaled and asymmetrical shapes. Look also for floral patterns in bedding, pillows, chairs,and wallpaper. Today’s blooms are big, bold, and often abstract.
There are a number of decorating fabrics in the Nashville area including:
Brentwood Interiors Brentwood 615/ 376-6361
Beth Haley Design Nashville 615/ 228-3667
Dalton Wholesale Floors Adairsville GA 770/ 608-4669
Decorating Den Interiors Nashville 615/ 469-7334
Fabric Gallery and Decor Nashville 615/ 255-2707
Fabric House, The Nashville 615/ 837-0000
Grande Home Designs Nashville 615/ 582-1156
Holly Thompson Homes Franklin 615/ 721-7986
Interior Collection, The Gallatin 615/ 969-7248
Jennifer Jones Design Nashville 615/ 354-8907
Marcell Guilbeau Interior Design Nashville 615/ 585-9709
Onyx & Alabaster Franklin 615/ 628-8253