Today’s blog post was written by my summer intern, Courtney. I thought it would be fun to get a fresh and youthful perspective on the latest trends. Here’s her take on what’s hot in the world of upholstery and home decor fabric:
Courtney, summer intern at Tamara Heather Interior Design.
Hi, my name is Courtney and I’m interning for Tamara this summer. I’m currently an interior design major at Winthrop University. When Tamara requested that I write a guest blog post, I decided to talk about my current obsession: FABRIC! I am going nuts over all of the bright colors and geometric prints! Here are a few fabric trends that have caught my attention:
Large Scale Prints
Fabrics and image from Kravet.
Recently large scale prints are everywhere. These large scale prints are fabulous, but the only dilemma is that they have to be used on larger furniture pieces in order to see the entire print or repeat of the pattern. Using them on small things like throw pillows will work if the pattern is placed with care, but there is the risk the overall feel of the pattern will get lost.
Moroccan/Trellis/Quatrefoil
Left fabric: Robert Allen, right fabrics and image: Duralee.
I don’t know exactly what to call it, but it’s THE new trend to follow. There’s a variety of these sharp geometric shapes that are appearing in fabric lately. Tamara used one for a recent project and categorized it as a “trellis” print because the shape looked like a fence with interweaving geometrics. On the other hand, in some varieties I see more Moroccan tile-like shapes or quatrefoils from cathedrals. Whatever label you want to put on it, I’m loving it. I even have quatrefoils on my brand new bedding!
Greek
Left fabric and image: Robert Allen, right image via Etsy shop ElemenOPillows.
Greek-inspired fabric is exactly what it sounds like. The Greek fret and other motifs are incorporated in the fabric as well as some Santorini inspired blues and white. These patterns can give upholstered pieces and drapery a very clean and crisp overall effect.
Ikat
Left fabric: Kravet, right fabric and image: Robert Allen.
Ikat is really a dyeing technique, but we associate it more with the shapes and look it creates. Ikat has a lot of vertical movement and lines in it that often creates damask-like or diamond patterns. What I love about it is the hippie, middle eastern feel and the often bold color combinations!
Chevron
Right fabrics: Robert Allen.
Oh, the ever-popular chevron. It’s everywhere! It’s on our clothes, our bedding, our wrapping paper…you get the point. As much as I love chevron, I think it’s wearing out its welcome. Chevron has been around going on two years now, and I just don’t see it being permanent. My suggestion: use chevron in small doses in your home in places that aren’t permanent or hard to change for when it goes out of style.
Marble
Left fabric and image: Century Furniture, right fabric and image: Robert Allen.
Marbled fabric is a newer trend, and we haven’t seen much of it trickle into retail stores yet. I think it’s awesome, artsy, and so unique. We’ll have to see if this trend gains momentum!
Modern Florals
Left image: Century Furniture, right fabric and image: Duralee.
Florals are timeless and will never go out of style. However, lately I’ve noticed floral prints that are a bit more graphic and large rather than dainty and petite. In addition, a lot of new floral fabric has a watercolor look like the one shown here on the left, which I think is very artistic and elegant.
If you are ready to say goodbye to conservative prints and take a chance on something bold and new, you have a lot of choices. Hope you saw some fabrics you like here as much as I do!
__________
Tamara Leicester is a licensed interior designer and owner of Tamara Heather Interior Design, LLC. She designs casually elegant interiors with an artistic sensibility, often drawing upon the talent of local artists and craftspeople in her work. Dreaming about updating your space? Learn more at tamaraheatherinteriors.com.