Velvets textile collection by Dedar

Italian textile manufacturer Dedar has launched a new collection of furnishing fabrics called "Geometric patterns," which blends graphic art with textiles. This collection features abstract lines and vibrant geometric shapes, making the fabrics suitable for both upholstery and curtains. The designs aim to introduce a playful and dynamic aesthetic to interior spaces. One notable fabric within the collection is Andirivieni, a double-faced material that utilizes contrasting colors to form an abstract representation of maps. This design is offered in six distinct color combinations, reflecting what Dedar describes as a "dual personality" with a "lively spirit" and a "subtle sense of play." The versatility of Andirivieni suggests its use in creating visually engaging and multi-dimensional interior elements. Another distinctive fabric in the collection is Volver, which is crafted using the traditional brocatelle technique. This method produces a raised texture that accentuates the contrast between matte and lustrous threads, adding depth and sophistication to the material. Volver's design is intended to draw attention to its intricate construction and the interplay of different finishes. The collection also includes Regimental, a fabric featuring a striped pattern inspired by traditional British school uniforms. Dedar characterizes Regimental as having rigorous lines yet bright, contrasting colors, imparting an "exuberant and comfortable spirit." This particular design combines a classic aesthetic with a modern, lively feel, suitable for contemporary interiors looking for a touch of structured vibrancy. Additionally, the Zai Saman fabric is part of the Geometric patterns collection. It showcases a geometric pattern embroidered on linen, available in a palette of desert-inspired tones. Zai Saman, like other fabrics in the collection, emphasizes intricate geometric lines and patterns, contributing to the overall theme of combining graphic art with functional textiles. The use of linen adds a natural texture and drape, enhancing its appeal for various furnishing applications. Dedar's "Geometric patterns" collection seeks to provide designers and consumers with a range of innovative and aesthetically rich fabric options. Each fabric, through its unique design and manufacturing technique, aims to transform living spaces with its distinct visual and tactile qualities, whether through abstract map-like patterns, contrasting textures, classic stripes, or embroidered geometric motifs. The collection as a whole offers diverse choices for enhancing upholstery and curtain designs with artistic geometric flair. #GeometricPatterns #FabricCollection #DedarTextiles #InteriorDesign #UpholsteryFabric #CurtainFabric #TextileDesign #HomeDecor #AbstractArt

Dedar, an Italian textile manufacturer, has introduced a new line of fabrics called The Art of Jacquard. This collection is notable for its vibrant colors and intricate graphic patterns, which are achieved by weaving ultra-thin yarns directly into the material rather than employing traditional methods such as embroidery, printing, or stamping. The collection emphasizes the sophisticated technique of jacquard weaving, which allows for complex designs and a rich textural quality. One prominent textile within this collection is "This Must Be The Place," a design that incorporates tropical birds and botanical motifs. These natural elements are juxtaposed with abstract architectural forms, a collaboration with French illustrator duo Icinori. The creation of this specific fabric involves an interlacing process of 160 threads per centimeter, utilizing four distinct wefts, one of which contributes a metallic effect to the overall design, adding depth and a subtle sheen. This intricate weaving technique contributes to the fabric's detailed imagery and robust construction, making it suitable for furniture upholstery, as shown in visuals featuring sofas adorned with the pattern. Another distinctive fabric in The Art of Jacquard collection is "Dalie Papaveri Tulipani." This design presents an abstract interpretation of a floral landscape. A unique characteristic of this textile is its resemblance to the reverse side of a traditional jacquard fabric, offering a sophisticated and unconventional aesthetic. This fabric is versatile, designed to be suitable for both curtain applications and seating upholstery, allowing for cohesive design schemes across different elements within an interior space. Additionally, the collection includes the "Be Bop A Lula" fabric, which draws inspiration from the imagery of warm summer nights on a Pacific island. This textile features a repeating pattern of palm trees rendered in a diverse array of playful colors. Its vivid and dynamic design makes it an option for those seeking to introduce a lively and exotic atmosphere into their living environments, whether through curtains or upholstered pieces. Finally, the "Intarsiato" jacquard weave stands out for its three-dimensional geometric pattern. This effect is achieved through the alternating use of matt and metallic yarns, which are woven together to create a visual resemblance to classic inlays of ebony and mother-of-pearl. The interplay of textures and finishes in the Intarsiato fabric provides a tactile and visually engaging surface, suitable for accent pieces such as armchairs and also curtains, demonstrating the collection's diverse applications and aesthetic range. #Dedar #JacquardFabric #TextileDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FabricCollection #LuxuryTextiles #PatternDesign #Upholstery

Dedar Milano has unveiled its latest 'light and luminous' fabric collection, launched at the close of 2024, which serves to reinterpret and enrich the brand's existing textile library. This new collection features 20 sheer materials and wallcoverings, expanding upon Dedar’s White Writings family with new embroideries, vibrant color palettes, and metallic voiles. The collection introduces a range of transparencies, blending natural fibers such as linen and hemp with wool to create lightweight and airy designs. Textural sheers incorporate innovative materials like raffia and explore new weaving techniques to vary levels of transparency. While many of these sheer fabrics utilize muted tones to emphasize subtle details, Dedar Milano has also incorporated bold colors, offering a broader spectrum of design possibilities. A notable addition is "Lumillumina," inspired by the Finnish word for snow, which reinterprets the geometric motifs of Dedar’s "Nevicava" fabric. This new iteration integrates metallic veins, drawing parallels to jewelry from the early 20th century, evoking the styles of René Lalique and Georges Fouquet, as well as the fashion trends of the Roaring Twenties. Further expansions in the transparencies category include two soft, drapey sheers with distinct natural characteristics. One is a slightly slubbed, linen-rich canvas weave, and the other is "Cnossian," a hemp fabric that presents white nuances with a warm, golden undertone. The collection also features wool fabrics, offering an unusual billowy interpretation for luminous curtains. "Leporello" introduces a wavy, three-dimensional effect through pleating, while other flexible fabrics use wool yarns of varying thicknesses in sparse weaves to achieve increasing levels of transparency. A textured woolly canvas weave, "Autrebois," highlights the importance of texture within the collection. Two fire-retardant fabrics, available in double width, are also part of the transparencies range, offering washability and crease resistance. These fabrics present a diverse array of styles, from the micro-geometric patterns of "Kin" to linen-like textures, all enhanced by airy weaves and bulky ondé threads. The collection also features fabrics enriched with embroidery and artistic touches, particularly within the "White Writings" family. These new sheers introduce unprecedented visual and design elements, creating volumetric chiaroscuro effects through the play of light and shadow when viewed against a backlight. The embroidered motifs, sometimes placed on existing collection grounds, allow for numerous combinations, from conventional to more surprising and personal expressions. The degree of transparency varies significantly, from dense and precise embroideries like "Cielo" and "Aplomb" to more irregular textures on a "Wide Linen Sablé" ground. Several embroidered motifs revisit patterns from "Promenade Kafkaïenne" and "Liberabirinto," applying them to different grounds. "Dancing the Horizon" uses a fine, densely warped merino wool, while "Regolith" features pure linen with a textural translucency. "Rabdomante" stands out with its energetic, instinctive topstitched motif on a semi-transparent, extra-fine wool ground, offering a sartorial drape. "Calicanto Lieve" explores an abstract combination of materials, animated by expressive fil coupé fringes. Dedar Milano has also transformed these sheer fabrics into wallcoverings. "Goral Wall" combines organic shapes resembling branches or corals with a background of thick, uneven matka silk. "Lost in Nazca Wall" depicts a prehistoric labyrinth on pure silk shantung, while "Za Wall" and "Ze Wall" superimpose pictorial motifs on frosted linen chintz and laminated jute, respectively. "Idola Theatri Wall" features an amplified light burnishing effect that creates an evanescent forest on laminated jute, and "Yamnaya Letters Wall" evokes imaginary alphabets. "Marmore Wall" draws inspiration from Japanese suminagashi and Turkish ebru marbling, outlining gentle, circular patterns inspired by nature. In the realm of moiré wallcoverings, Dedar, a pioneer in reinventing moiré since the 1990s, introduces "Amoir Libre" and "Amoir Fou." These new moirés, with their multicoloured "tail" effects, complement silkier fabrics and marbled textile wallcoverings, coexisting harmoniously with the new white-based wallcoverings in the collection. Dedar's approach to moiré has modernized its use, moving beyond classical applications to embrace affinities with natural forms like marble veining and ocean waves, giving it a contemporary appeal. #DedarMilano #FabricCollection #TextileDesign #InteriorDesign #Wallcoverings #SheerFabrics #LuxuryTextiles #Moiré #WhiteWritings

Dedar, an Italian brand, has unveiled a new collection of textile wall coverings, drawing inspiration from the grand tapestries found in historical castles. The collection aims to bring a luxurious and warm atmosphere to interiors, while also offering practical benefits such as sound softening. It features four distinct patterned designs and a selection of classic weaves, each crafted to showcase the subtle tactile qualities of natural fibers like linen and jute. The patterned designs within the collection include collaborations with the illustration duo Icinori. Among these is "This Must Be the Place," which features a paradisiacal bird motif. Another design is "Altronde," depicting a magical cityscape. Both of these intricate designs are screen-printed, color by color, onto pure linen, emphasizing the artisanal quality and depth of the artwork. The process of screen-printing allows for rich, layered visuals that contribute to the collection's sophisticated aesthetic. Alongside the patterned offerings, Dedar's collection also introduces new classic weaves. These designs are characterized by their subtle textures, which evoke the raw, natural feel of materials. "Mandolino" and "Toile Bâche" are two such designs, recalling the appearance of a painter's unprimed canvas. Another notable weave, "Fitzcarraldo," draws inspiration from the fine yarns of a gauzy chambray shirt, providing a delicate yet robust texture. Raffaele Fabrizio, the artistic director at Dedar, highlights the collection's overall contribution to interior spaces. He notes that the wall coverings are designed to create an environment infused with texture, a palpable sense of warmth, and an overarching feeling of comfort. This emphasis on sensory experience underscores the brand's commitment to enhancing living spaces through thoughtful design and high-quality materials. The collection is a product of Dedar's expertise in textile design, focusing on wall coverings that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. By referencing historical luxury while incorporating contemporary design elements, Dedar aims to offer versatile options for interior designers and homeowners seeking to elevate their spaces. The use of natural fibers and meticulous screen-printing techniques are central to the collection's appeal, providing durable and visually striking solutions for wall decoration. The wall coverings are presented as a means to transform a room's ambiance, making it more inviting and acoustically pleasing, akin to the effect of traditional castle tapestries. #TextileWallCoverings #Dedar #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryTextiles #ScreenPrintedDesigns #NaturalFibers #WallDecoration

Maharam has partnered with fashion designer Sander Lak to launch a new collection of woollen upholstery textiles. This collaboration builds on Lak's previous work, particularly his final A/W20 collection for his former label, Sies Marjan, which closed due to the pandemic. During that period, Lak explored sustainable practices, including a collaboration with Cornell University on eco-printing techniques and transforming sustainable wool upholstery from textile artist Claudy Jongstra into fashion pieces. The initial connection between Lak and Maharam was facilitated through Jongstra's Drenthe Heath fabric, an exclusive Maharam textile made from indigenous sheep in the Netherlands. Lak utilized this fabric, custom-dyed with natural materials like walnut husks and indigo, for a Sies Marjan collection and a limited-edition capsule line for the Guggenheim store. The current collaboration with Maharam, part of their wool initiative launched in February 2021, focuses on three new wool fabrics. This initiative aims to address the growing interest in renewable natural fabrics for furniture upholstery while re-evaluating classic textiles. The collection includes materials made from post-consumer recycled wool and wool processed entirely at a single location to minimize environmental impact. Lak designed two woven felts, Gemma, which offers a solid and saturated finish, and Gemma Multi, an intricate and reversible mélange. The third fabric, Terra, is a chunky basket-weave wool that draws inspiration from his fashion background with its cable knit-like texture. These textiles are the result of extensive color experimentation, showcasing the inherent depth and nuances of wool. The combined palette across these fabrics features 150 colors, offering a fresh perspective on upholstery options. Lak's creative process for color selection is intuitive and imagery-based rather than relying on traditional color systems. He collects a vast database of random images and selects colors that resonate with him. He then creates mood boards with different color samples and observes them under various lighting conditions—afternoon, morning, and artificial light—to find the perfect shade. This method reflects his deep engagement with color and texture. The color palette for these wool textiles draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including natural elements like plants and sky colors, as well as mundane objects like cheese and crackers, milkshakes, and smoothies. He also incorporates bold color combinations found in digital icons and corporate branding from American companies such as McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Baskin-Robbins. Lak aimed to use these often aggressive or unnatural corporate colors and integrate them into natural fibers, creating a deliberate clash that mirrors contemporary life's opposing emotions. Mary Murphy, Maharam’s senior vice president of design, highlights Lak’s strong instinct for color, noting his preference for unusual and mysterious shades that transform under different light. She emphasizes his ability to combine unexpected elements, particularly in the mélange fabric, which reveals different aspects upon closer inspection. The collaboration allowed Lak creative freedom to express his distinct point of view, which Maharam values for bringing a fresh flavor to their line. The company views this as the beginning of a long-term partnership, with more collaborations anticipated in the future, underscoring their commitment to innovative design. #SanderLak #Maharam #TextileDesign #UpholsteryFabrics #WoolCollection #SustainableTextiles #ColorPalette #InteriorDesign #FashionCollaboration

Moiré, a textile characterized by its distinctive undulating, rippling effect, has emerged as a dominant trend in interior design in 2024. Traditionally crafted from silk, this material is celebrated for its ability to reflect light and impart a sense of formality and gravitas, regardless of its color. The article highlights an example of its application in a Georgian townhouse in Holland Park, where designer Studio Ashby and architect William Smalley used petal-pink moiré from Dedar to entirely swathe a dressing room. This choice creates a sublimely decadent and romantic atmosphere, underscoring the fabric's aesthetic appeal. The origins of moiré are rooted in China, a historical hub of silk production and skilled weaving. The technique, also known as watered silk, historically involves calendaring. This process applies heat and pressure to folded lengths of rib-weave fabric using large, textured rollers. The pressure flattens and distorts parts of the warp and weft, resulting in the characteristic wood-grain-like pattern. Modern advancements also allow moiré-like designs to be printed onto various surfaces, including textiles and ceramics, expanding its versatility in contemporary design. Moiré's historical significance extends from the 17th to the 19th centuries, where it was synonymous with ceremony and formality. Queen Victoria and Russian Tsar Peter the Great famously wore blue moiré ribbon sashes. The fabric was a staple in court and evening attire, with historical fashion records from 1893 and 1897 mentioning dinner dresses made of 'rose-pink figured moiré' and 'white moiré' accents. The Victoria & Albert Museum even houses an opulent gown crafted from Prussian-blue moiré, adorned with metal buttons and chenille flowers, demonstrating its luxurious past. In more recent times, moiré continued to be favored by renowned fashion designers like Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. Its popularity also transitioned seamlessly into interiors. An inventory from Hampton Court Palace in 1695 reveals that lengths of silk moiré were used to complement tapestries, adding richness to state rooms. Centuries later, during Jacqueline Kennedy's tenure in the White House, apricot moiré upholstered bergère chairs, and deep leafy-green moiré adorned the walls of a salon. These historical and contemporary examples underscore moiré's enduring appeal as a material that can evoke a sense of royalty and sophisticated elegance in any space. #MoiréFabric #InteriorDesignTrends #SilkTextiles #HomeDecoration #LuxuryInteriors #TextileHistory #GeorgianTownhouse #Dedar

Velvet is a material that has a timeless and alluring quality, often associated with opulence and romantic glamour. It can infuse a room with a theatrical feel, add vibrant color and luster to cooler spaces, and introduce warmth, depth, and texture. Drawing inspiration from the Elizabethan era, incorporating velvet elements can lend a rich, decadent opulence and classic elegance that endures. This article explores various methods for integrating velvet into home decor, providing practical suggestions for enhancing interior spaces, particularly during cooler months. An accessible and cost-effective approach to introducing velvet is through cushion covers. By mixing different shades, such as soft pinks, burnt orange, or olive green, and layering them with cushions made from other materials like linen and chunky knit, a visually rich and texturally diverse effect can be achieved. Selma Nada Rajah from Temple & Webster suggests that even a single velvet cushion can contribute significantly to a cozy and layered look when combined with other textures. For bedrooms, a velvet bedhead can impart a sense of regal romance. When paired with crisp white bedding, it creates a clean and modern aesthetic. Alternatively, velvet bedding itself is practical for year-round use and easy to maintain. A velvet quilt cover in a jewel tone, for instance, can introduce softness and sheen. An example is the Sybilla headboard by Incy Interiors, which offers a flamboyant touch and comes in numerous color options, starting from $699. Statement armchairs upholstered in velvet are another enduring trend, provided the color harmonizes with the overall interior style. An olive green armchair, for example, can complement patterned wallpaper without creating visual clutter. For a home office, a velvet office chair with brass wheels can inject personality, warmth, and creativity into the workspace. In dining areas, brightly colored velvet chairs can elevate the space and make a bold statement. Mixing and matching different velvet chair colors is feasible, as long as the chair designs and seating heights remain consistent. The Molteni & C ‘Glove Up’ armchair by Patricia Urquiola, priced at $3395, is highlighted as an example of a luxurious velvet seating option. Velvet ottomans are presented as a functional yet stylish furniture piece, particularly those with hidden storage. They can enhance a room's aesthetic while providing practical storage for various household items like books, magazines, throws, and toys. The customisable Sybilla Ottoman by Incy Interiors, priced at $599, is noted for its practicality and elegance. Finally, velvet accents offer a subtler way to incorporate the material. Decorative velvet throws and quilts can update a room, with options for personalization such as monogramming. Velvet valances can create dramatic draping, adding a plush touch, while smaller accessories like jewelry boxes and trays introduce a hint of luxury. An emerald-green velvet sofa is showcased as an example, adding a playful formality to a Byron Bay beach shack, reinforcing the material's ability to combine comfort, warmth, and homeliness. The article concludes by highlighting specific velvet homeware products, including a patchwork velvet bedspread from Castle, a striped velvet cushion cover from Hard To Find, a velvet storage stool from Temple & Webster, an arch bedhead from Brosa, a merlot velvet cushion from Klovah, an elk bolster cushion from Jardan, a table lamp from Life Interiors, a velvet beanbag from Kip&Co;, a quilted hamper from Gorman, and a luxury velvet quilt cover from Aura Home, all demonstrating various ways to integrate velvet into diverse home settings. #VelvetDecor #HomeInteriors #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #LuxuryMaterials #TextileTrends #HomeAccents #BedroomDecor #LivingRoomDecor

In this installment of 'What I Love,' San Francisco-based textile designer and editor of The Textile Eye, Saana Baker, presents a mood board showcasing her current inspirations in fabrics and wallcoverings. Baker, renowned for her ability to identify exceptional prints and patterns, has curated a selection that emphasizes bold hues and tactile textures, driven by a commitment to diversity in design and a response to contemporary global shifts. Baker’s mood board is a vibrant and eclectic collection featuring samples and swatches from international makers, reflecting a broader discussion within the design industry about ethical sourcing and cultural mindfulness. She explains that the theme is deeply rooted in significant global changes, including the social justice movement and its subsequent influence on design aesthetics. The result is a maximalist-friendly compilation characterized by plush materials, striking graphic motifs, and deeply saturated colors. The chosen palette is described as rich and unusual, utilizing innovative color combinations to convey an optimistic outlook for the future. Baker provides a detailed breakdown of 25 items on her mood board. She begins with the Linyati Fabric in Waterfall by Jiun Ho Textile, a linen velvet praised for its elegant luster and livability, making it an ideal complement for complex patterns. Next is the Hingtham Wallcovering in Clay by Black Artists + Designers Guild for S. Harris, a printed grass cloth inspired by Bhutanese ikat, which achieves visual depth through fine detail and polychromatic layering. The Tiger Nest Fabric in Lake, also from Black Artists + Designers Guild for S. Harris, is a fine embroidery mimicking ikat with feathered edges, noted for its evocative name and fresh palette of chartreuse, cobalt, and pale yellow. Jiun Ho Textile's Seronera Fabric in Thorn was inspired by Jiun Ho's extensive travels in the Serengeti, aiming to evoke a mood rather than literal motifs. The Machakos Fabric in Earth and Sky by Nzuri Textiles is a hand-painted Belgian linen design by Eno Jonah, drawing inspiration from African mask details. Shinto Fabric in Cinnabar by Jiun Ho Textile is a rustic boucle with a wool-blend warp yarn that allows for subtle colorations, supporting diverse palettes. The Anna May Wong Fabric in Midnight/Teal by Makrosha, designed by Esha Ahmed, is a finely woven jacquard inspired by the glamour of the art deco period. Makrosha’s Marci Mohair in Sumac is a classic plush mohair available in a wide range of rich colors, known for its enduring quality and ability to develop character with wear. Anamar’s Lamu Meshi Fabric in Lapis Bluff is a hand-woven, ribbed plain-weave silk fabric created in the Philippines using warp screen-printing. The Lightray Wallcovering in Patina is a collaboration between visual artist Lisa Hunt and Lori Weitzner, showcasing geometric yet subtle designs translated from fine art. The Banda Indigo Flatweave Rug by Eskayel is part of a unique collaboration where designer Shanan Campanaro worked with master ikat artisans in Sumba, Indonesia, to reinterpret her watercolor designs into rugs, wallpapers, and textiles. Malene Barnett’s Heritage Wallpaper for Lulu and Georgia, created by the Black Artists + Designers Guild founder, is inspired by her hand-built ceramics, featuring a raised surface-print technique for tactile dimensionality. Karen J. Revis for A-Street Prints designed the Waves Blue Wall Mural, a flowing watercolor design intended as a wall-sized mural. The Maji Fabric in Peacock by Black Artists + Designers Guild for S. Harris is a jacquard velvet with bright blue and striking gold yarns, creating a complex pattern. Anamar’s Beijing Kikko Fabric in Lazurite Peak features a hand-screen-printed globe pattern on the warp, with each color applied separately before hand-weaving. The Hamaka Textile in Humacao by Breuwen, designed by Grey Lux, is a digital linen print inspired by the weaving legacy of his Taino ancestors. Malene Barnett’s Alaari Wallpaper for Lulu and Georgia offers a sophisticated update to millennial pinks with its tonal spice combination. The Akimbo 5 Indigo Flatweave Rug by Eskayel is another example of collaboration with ikat weavers, noted for its inky depth. Nzuri Textiles' Yankari Fabric in Turkana showcases subtle color gradations and hand-drawn details, preserving the hand-touched imperfection of Eno Jonah’s original artwork. Makrosha’s Marci Mohair in Teal is a second colorway of their luxurious mohair velvet, known for its stunning depth of color. Anamar’s Andorra Meshi Fabric in Milori Crown, an archival pattern depicting dragon scales, is a heavy, hand-woven silk with a hand-screened warp and alternating teal colors in the ribs. The Majani Trim in Brass by Black Artists + Designers Guild for S. Harris features gold-toned beads juxtaposed with stiff raffia, creating compelling material contrast. The Bhavana Desert Fabric by Black Artists + Designers Guild for S. Harris is a decorative panel stripe combining print and embroidery with an antiqued white ink and crewel-like embroidery. The Amboseli Pillow in Maasai Blue by Nzuri Textiles is a special hand-woven textile from West Africa, produced on a strip loom by weavers who commit complex traditional patterns to memory. Finally, the Patu Trim in Bark by Black Artists + Designers Guild for S. Harris is a chic trim reminiscent of Maori incised decorations, embellished with beads and tonal embroidery. #TextileDesign #InteriorDesign #MoodBoard #SaanaBaker #Fabric #Wallcovering #JacquardVelvet #EmbroideredTrims #GlobalInspiration #DiversityInDesign

Velvet, a fabric renowned for its silky, tufted texture, luminous sheen, and exceptional color-carrying capabilities, is celebrated for its ability to infuse interiors with opulence, warmth, and glamour. Its creation involves a unique weaving technique where two fabrics are simultaneously woven face-to-face, with the loops then cut to form a soft, dense pile. Historically, velvet was a luxury reserved for the affluent due to its silk and cotton composition and complex manufacturing. However, advancements have led to more affordable, hard-wearing man-made velvets, like poly-cotton, making this luxurious look accessible to a broader audience. Interior design experts emphasize velvet's enduring appeal, noting its versatility in both contemporary and traditional settings. Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune, highlights its ability to bring warmth and softness, acknowledging it's not the most practical for homes with pets or children, but unmatched in its depth of color. Hayley McAfee, head of Villa Nova, points out that velvet seamlessly transitions from a subtle accent, such as cushions, to a dominant feature like an entire sofa, always maintaining a sophisticated yet relaxed aesthetic. While it excels in living rooms and bedrooms, offering sophistication and coziness respectively, McAfee cautions against its use in kitchens due to cleaning difficulties. Velvet serves as an excellent medium to introduce vibrant colors and comfort into a living space, particularly through seating options. Saffron Hare, creative director of James Hare, suggests utilizing velvet boldly, especially in jewel-bright tones, for accent chairs or sofas. Patterned velvets, like Osborne & Little's Trebah velvet, can create a striking focal point in luxury living rooms, especially when paired with rich, jewel-toned walls. The fabric's rich texture beautifully balances intense wall colors and can seamlessly integrate natural motifs indoors. For dark or cool-toned rooms, velvet upholstery in warm spice tones can inject life and coziness. Vanessa Arbuthnott, a fabric designer, notes that velvet miraculously feels and looks more luxurious than most textiles and improves with age, with its inherent jewel-like colors capable of uplifting an entire room. Beyond upholstery, velvet drapes offer a sense of cocooning warmth, particularly in darker shades for fall and winter, where the pile allows light and shadow to create dynamic textural surfaces. In neutral-themed rooms, where texture is crucial to prevent a flat appearance, velvet provides essential softness and interest. Interior designer Tara Cain exemplifies this by using white velvet for sofas in an 'adult retreat,' creating a luxe yet interesting feel through a mix of cut velvets. For dining rooms, velvet chairs add glamour and comfort, elevating the dining experience. Anne Pulliam's design, featuring cobalt blue velvet chairs complementing blue hints in the wallpaper, showcases how velvet can contribute to a room's personality. In bedrooms, a velvet headboard acts as both a comfortable backdrop and a beautiful focal point, especially in bold colors, as demonstrated by Kitesgrove's design featuring a Forest Green Pierre Frey velvet headboard. For those new to velvet, starting with small accessories like cushions or footstools is recommended to introduce its tactile warmth. Furthermore, velvet is highly adaptable and can be mixed with various materials, such as linen for a contrast between luxury and relaxation, or with harder materials like wood and marble to add softness. It can even be used as a luxurious tablecloth, especially when paired with trimmings for a grand, traditional ambiance, as seen in VSP Interiors' designs. Velvet's compatibility extends to jewel colors, which are intensified by its luminous quality. Hayley McAfee points out that while bold hues like Chutney or Papavar emphasize its luxurious nature, pale hues can evoke warmth and comfort. Its ability to accommodate digital printing allows for intricate, detailed artwork across a spectrum of colors. Velvet harmonizes with contrasting rustic textures like wood and stone, lending glamour to country homes, and pairs equally well with silks, glass, and metallics for a sophisticated aesthetic. As a durable and heavy fabric, velvet is ideal for upholstery on sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, ottomans, and footstools, adding texture and softness. Lee Clarke, director of Warner House, confirms its suitability for upholstery due to its tight weave and durability. Its varying tones, depending on how light catches its cut-pile texture, make it particularly effective for large furniture pieces, softening their appearance. Simon Temprell also notes its sound-deadening properties, making it an excellent choice for media rooms, and mentions that printed, tooled, or 'aged' velvets can enhance its practicality for busy family homes, while its luminous sheen makes it fitting for both glamorous retro styles and relaxed furniture shapes. #VelvetDecor #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFabric #HomeDecorIdeas #TextileTrends #Upholstery #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomDecor #DiningRoomStyle #MaterialVersatility

The use of vintage and antique textiles in interior design offers a unique way to imbue spaces with character and historical depth. However, integrating these fabrics effectively requires careful consideration to avoid a shabby or overly 'Miss Havisham' aesthetic. While an antique armchair with faded chintz might appear charming at first, its condition could reveal itself as truly worn or stained upon closer inspection. This article suggests that while a full reupholstering might sometimes be necessary, antique textiles can still be incorporated successfully into modern interiors. Experts like Cassandra Ellis, founder of Atelier Ellis, and interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors advocate for vintage fabrics due to their ability to provide a lived-in, comfortable, and softened feel to a room. These fabrics can make a formal space feel more relaxed and approachable. Ellis notes that old fabric can give life to a piece in a way modern fabrics cannot, highlighting the sustainability aspect as well, given the abundance of existing textiles. Von Stockhausen similarly emphasizes that vintage fabrics add depth to an interior. A crucial factor when using vintage textiles for upholstery is suitability. Joanna Plant, an interior designer who frequently uses these materials, advises assessing the fabric's weight and fragility. Robust woven fabrics are suitable for ottoman tops, while more delicate materials might be better for less-stressed areas like the sides of furniture or headboards. Ellis cautions against using fragile materials like 1940s French silk velvet on high-traffic items like family sofas, suggesting they are better suited for occasional pieces such as bedroom chairs. For items requiring durability, linen sheets or Hungarian cloth are recommended, as they can be pieced together and are robust. While embracing imperfections is part of the charm, Henriette von Stockhausen advises against using fabrics that are beyond repair. Instead, she suggests repurposing usable sections and praises the art of patchworking for its environmental and soulful benefits. Joanna Plant offers a clever solution to prevent a 'scruffy' look: combining vintage textiles with new fabrics. This approach allows for the use of vintage materials on less-used parts of a piece, such as the inside back or outside arm of a chair, while more durable new linens or cotton velvets are used for high-wear areas like seat covers or leading edges of curtains. Trims can also add a crispness to vintage textiles, preventing them from appearing too shabby. Sourcing vintage textiles can be done through various channels, including specialized dealers like Katharine Pole, Amanda Leader, and The Dyeworks, as well as online platforms like Etsy and antique fairs such as Kempton or Ardingly. For fabrics that require minor restoration, a textile restorer is recommended, and dry-cleaning before upholstery is a vital step. The article highlights that Christopher Howe is known for his masterful use of antique textiles on furniture, creating beautiful examples. Finally, selecting an experienced upholsterer is paramount when working with vintage textiles. A skilled craftsperson will understand the unique challenges and sensitivities of these materials. It is advisable to visit the upholsterer and place the textile on the furniture piece together to ensure the desired outcome. Upholsterers should be briefed that perfection is not expected, and minor flaws or even patches are acceptable, reflecting the inherent nature of working with old materials. The overarching philosophy when using vintage textiles is to embrace their fragility and imperfections, viewing their use as a celebration of their history rather than allowing them to remain unused. #AntiqueTextiles #VintageFabrics #Upholstery #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #SustainableDesign #FurnitureRestoration #FabricSourcing #TextileArt

This article explores the significance of an eighth-century Umayyad wool tapestry fragment from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, reconsidering common impressions of Islamic art. While Islamic art is often perceived through its precise and repetitive ornamental motifs, this tapestry fragment offers a counter-example, revealing a more playful spirit in early Islamic textiles. Dated to the mid-eighth century and attributed to the Umayyad Caliphate, the fragment features stylized rosettes and floral motifs that resemble bright flower sprays on a grassy background. The fragmentary nature of the tapestry, lacking selvedges, suggests it was part of a larger furnishing fabric. Reconstructing Umayyad homes from the seventh or eighth century is challenging due to the scarcity of extant textiles. However, wall paintings and mosaics from Umayyad palaces provide insights into their interior decorations. For instance, a fresco at Qusayr 'Amra depicts a heavily draped space with veiled doorways and colonnades, and covered seating, contrasting with the current austere state of these palaces. Similarly, floor mosaics at Khirbat al-Mafjar, edged with tassels, suggest the presence of carpets of similar size, reinforcing the idea of textile use in these grand spaces. The author posits that the floral tapestry fragment might have served as a wool seat or wall furnishing. A key aspect distinguishing this fragment is the irregular design and varied color application of its motifs, a departure from the strict repetitive or symmetrical layouts prevalent in decorative art from later Islamic dynasties. The central part of the textile, a band with a green background, features two rows of medallion-style rosettes. Each of the seven rosettes is distinct in color or form, with individually rendered petals. The flower bouquets on the red band, forming the edge, also exhibit this intentional variation, ensuring no two neighboring motifs are identical. This deliberate variety in repetition is paralleled in the facade of Qasr al-Mshatta, where carved rosettes within hexagons and hexafoils display distinct content while maintaining a general form. The interspaces are densely covered with grape leaves, alongside depictions of lions, griffins, and peacocks. This suggests that such decorative programs were designed to evoke a garden, mimicking the fabled Paradise garden, through a diverse array of flora and fauna. Therefore, the rosette tapestry fragment, whether used as a hanging or a cover, would have functioned as a segment of a portable garden. Spreading the tapestry would have transformed the environment, releasing a miniature Paradise and adding a sense of glamour, as if the owner were seated on a floral lawn or surrounded by fantastic creatures. This interpretation highlights the innovative and artistic intent behind early Islamic textile design, showcasing a sophisticated approach to decoration that went beyond mere repetition to create dynamic and symbolic spaces. #IslamicArt #UmayyadTextiles #TextileHistory #DecorativeArts #MetropolitanMuseum #ArtInterpretation #GardenMotifs #HomeDecor

This article explores VAYA Home's new collection of upholstery and drapes, designed to infuse elegance and personality into any living space through a blend of handcrafted artistry and advanced machine techniques. The collection draws inspiration from diverse real-world settings, offering a wide array of patterns, materials, and colors that engage and surprise. The designs aim to cater to various aesthetic preferences, from classic grandeur to modern simplicity, ensuring a unique and sophisticated feel for every home. The 'Venezia' collection, inspired by the majestic Palazzos of Venice, features intricate embroideries, beaten damasks, and metallic textures on bold jacquard fabrics. Key designs include the abstract Adriatico pattern for formal settings and the elaborate Ducale jacquard embroidery, ideal for living room seating. For more intimate spaces like bedrooms or lounges, the Kublai embroidery offers a matte fabric with a rich cotton and linen composition and delicate thread-work. Homes with a modern yet classical sensibility can opt for the Dorona fabric, which boasts a colorful damask pattern and beaten gold motifs. The Venezia collection provides a broad spectrum of colors to achieve a rich, fashionable, and elegant interior. The 'Meraki' collection is inspired by the lush thickets and shadows of the forest. It showcases rugged, textured warps for upholstery and super-soft drapes, creatively weaving imaginative scenes into elegant jacquards. This collection features motifs like large palm tree shadows, quirky elephant parades, and zooming strokes of metallic light, creating a narrative through fabric. Meraki embodies soul, love, and creativity, evident in its smoothly flowing ombrés, glamorous shines, bold outlines, and the soft sheen of hand-painted brushstrokes. The collection incorporates delicate embroidery on fine linen and extra-soft drapes, perfect for windows. The 'Jamewar' collection, synonymous with richness, blends the traditional intricate weave, historically favored by royals and aristocrats, with a glorious array of inspirations. It offers a diverse palette ranging from softer greys and brightly colored florals to patterns inspired by arches and palace landscapes. Fabrics vary from luxurious satin to rustic linen, with the collection's opulence stemming from the complex and sophisticated details of each piece. The color spectrum extends from earthy, delicate tones to vibrant shades with striking metallic overlays. Finally, the 'Madison' collection is tailored for chic office environments, drawing inspiration from mid-century Manhattan and heavily incorporating art deco elements. This collection combines sharp embroideries and lustrous weaves in gorgeous colors, featuring designs such as Chrysler, Broadway, and Gatsby. These fabrics are designed to bring a sophisticated and stylish ambiance to contemporary professional spaces, reflecting the timeless elegance of art deco aesthetics. #Upholstery #Drapes #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FabricCollections #VAYAHouse #VenetianInspiration #ForestInspired #ArtDeco

The article identifies Dedar's 'Tiger Mountain' fabric as a dominant trend in interior design, noting its widespread appearance across various applications like sofas, armchairs, banquette seats, and pillows. The fabric, described as a luxurious jacquard velvet, draws inspiration from Tibetan carpets and features a design reminiscent of a tiger's coat. It is available in three distinct colorways: fauve (amber and black), graphite (white and black), and petrified wood (green with light accents). Despite its recent ubiquity, 'Tiger Mountain' was originally introduced by Dedar in 2018. The resurgence of its popularity is attributed to a broader trend of decorating with animal prints, though this specific fabric offers a more subtle and whimsical interpretation of the tiger motif. Unlike traditional, overtly bold tiger prints, Dedar's design deconstructs the animal pattern, infusing a fresh and playful energy into interiors. Designers are leveraging the fabric's dynamic nature and versatility in diverse ways, incorporating it into seat cushions for dining room benches, bedroom headboards, couches, and even bedspreads. The fabric consistently delivers an appealing aesthetic across these varied applications. The article suggests that 'Tiger Mountain' stands out due to its artistic character and ability to add visual and textural interest without overwhelming a space. For those interested in incorporating this trend, the article recommends requesting a sample from Dedar for bespoke projects or exploring upholstered pieces featuring 'Tiger Mountain' on platforms like 1stDibs, acknowledging the potentially high price point. It also offers more accessible alternatives that capture a similar whimsical allure, including an AllModern Gela Upholstered Ottoman with a deconstructed zig-zag and abstract motif, a Lulu and Georgia Tiger Jacquard Pillow with a vintage-inspired all-over tiger motif in black and ivory, and an AllModern Matra Dining Chair featuring a graphic print similar to 'Tiger Mountain' on its backrest. Ultimately, the article positions 'Tiger Mountain' as a defining fabric trend for the upcoming year, highlighting its blend of whimsical artistry, luxurious texture, and versatile application in modern interior design. #InteriorDesign #FabricTrends #TigerMountain #DedarMilano #AnimalPrintDecor #HomeDecor #JacquardVelvet #DesignTrends #TexturalInterest

Textiles, whether brought back from international travels or sourced from local designers, offer a unique way to introduce narrative and texture into home decor. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, textiles carry the stories of different times and places, making them cherished keepsakes. The article explores various methods for displaying these pieces, moving beyond common applications like pillows to highlight more creative and impactful design solutions. One effective approach is framing. Designer Christina Bryant, founder of St. Frank, advocates for framing textiles, particularly in acrylic box frames, which accentuate the handwork, three-dimensionality, and texture of the piece. This method also encourages sharing the textile's history and craftsmanship. An example showcases a framed scarf in a Houston living room designed by Meg Lonergan, demonstrating that not all textiles are raw fabric swatches. Another innovative use is transforming a textile into a headboard. Frances Merrill of Reath Design illustrates this by backing and upholstering an African textile with light padding, creating a comfortable and visually striking headboard. This method offers a distinctive alternative to traditional headboard designs, adding a personal and artistic touch to a bedroom. For those seeking a less permanent or upholstery-intensive solution, spreading a textile across the seat or back of a couch offers significant visual impact with minimal commitment. Textile designer Nathalie Farman-Farma of Décors Barbares, for instance, uses a vintage curtain to adorn her couch, achieving a dramatic effect without the need for professional upholstery. Similarly, Rebecca Atwood uses one of her original designs to enhance the back of a sofa, contributing to a calming room aesthetic. Smaller textile pieces can be repurposed into functional and decorative items such as poufs. Sally Breer of Co-Mingle Design utilizes kilims to create plush poufs, serving as additional seating and injecting color and pattern into a living room. Other small-scale upholstery projects mentioned include covering the seat of a chair, the front of a dresser, or the top of a bench. Textiles can also function as unique window treatments. Sally Breer suggests using vintage textiles for windows, especially those with unusual shapes or walls that need artistic enhancement, given their often-idiosyncratic sizes. This approach turns functional elements into decorative focal points, as seen in a stately living room with black and white Roman blinds. Finally, a simple yet impactful method is to hang textiles directly on the wall. British interior designer Abigail Ahern recommends draping a textile over a pole and mounting it, instantly transforming it into a piece of art. This technique, she explains, can make a space feel warm and cozy by elevating the textile to an artistic display. These diverse strategies allow textile enthusiasts to integrate their cherished pieces into their homes in creative and personalized ways, enhancing both the aesthetic and narrative of their living spaces. #TextileArt #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TextileDisplay #FramedTextiles #HeadboardDesign #FurnitureAccents #WindowTreatments #WallHangings

The year 2023 heralds a significant evolution in interior textiles, moving beyond previous trends like bouclé to introduce a diverse array of fabrics and trims. This shift is evident from recent industry showcases such as Paris Déco Off and upcoming collection previews. A prominent trend involves the reinterpretation of archival designs, with many fabric houses drawing inspiration from their historical collections. Texture is also a key focus, transitioning from coarse options to more refined materials like sleek-piled velvets and intricately woven tapestries. In terms of color, vibrant, saturated jewel tones maintain their popularity, with a particular emphasis on peacock blue due to its captivating and adaptable nature. Additionally, a notable development is the experimentation with monochromatic fabrics and trims, which aims to create depth and visual interest through inspiring neutral palettes. Several specific trends are highlighted for the upcoming year. "Making the Cut" signifies the emergence of cut velvet as a dominant textile. This material offers a tactile experience and comes in various colorways, providing a fresh alternative to traditional velvets. "Peacock Blue Is the New Neutral" underscores the versatility of this specific jewel tone, presenting it in a wide range of fabrics and patterns. This color is positioned as a sophisticated yet bold choice for interiors. "Fresh Takes on Tapestry" revives ancient craftsmanship, focusing on tapestry and crewelwork. Brands are either offering literal interpretations of historical verdure tapestries or whimsical reimaginings of nature scenes. Heritage houses like Morris & Co. are reproducing historical fabrics with original production quality, while Braquenié celebrates its bicentennial by reissuing over 50 fabrics, 30 wallpapers, and 10 rugs inspired by their archives and those of renowned cultural institutions. This approach merges historical elegance with contemporary design, as demonstrated by the layered display of Braquenié fabrics at Château de Louye during Paris Déco Off. "All That Glitters" introduces metallic threadwork and cording, adding a shimmering effect to fabrics. These metallic accents appear in themes ranging from underwater scenes to forest motifs, as well as abstract patterns, indicating a readiness among designers to incorporate sparkle. "Wanderlusting Prints" features Toile de Jouy and painterly scenic prints that evoke distant locales, creating a sense of travel and escapism within interior spaces. Finally, "White on White" addresses the resurgence of monochrome interiors by exploring innovative ways to add texture and depth to minimalist white palettes through techniques like tone-on-tone embroideries, fil coupé, and variations in fabric weight and sheerness. "Playful Passementerie" emphasizes the renewed interest in maximalism and historical details, making trimmings like ombré tassels and Art Deco fringe prominent design elements. Clarence House, for instance, is launching an extensive collection of solid-color trimmings to complement residential interiors, signaling a detailed and ornate approach to finishing touches. #FabricTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TextileInnovations #Velvet #Tapestry #JewelTones #MetallicFabrics #Passementerie

Najd is a new textile collection, designed by architect and designer Tristan Auer for Lelièvre Paris, drawing inspiration from Saudi Arabian design. The collection's distinctive natural and earthy color palette is directly referenced from the Najd desert, which also provides the collection with its name. The creative process behind Najd involved Tristan Auer's deep dive into the traditional architecture of the central Saudi Arabian region, translating its colors and structural lines into textile designs. The Najd desert, characterized by its vast expanses of natural earth and clay hues, served as a primary muse. This inspiration manifests in the striking interplay of orthogonal architectural structures and the organic, flowing lines of the desert's endless dunes. This juxtaposition of structured forms and natural fluidity is a core theme throughout the collection. The Najd textile collection offers a variety of designs, incorporating both geometric patterns and diverse textured surfaces. These visual and tactile elements are designed to evoke the rugged yet refined aesthetic of the desert landscape and its historical built environment. The collection is fabricated using a range of materials, including cotton Jacquard, linen, and high-performance fabrics, catering to various applications and functional requirements while maintaining the collection's aesthetic integrity. The use of these materials ensures both durability and a luxurious feel, aligning with the brand's commitment to quality. This collection, available through Dezeen Showroom, is positioned as a sophisticated option for interior design professionals and enthusiasts seeking to incorporate elements of exotic, culturally rich aesthetics into contemporary spaces. The colorways, while natural and earthy, are presented in a manner that allows for versatility in different design schemes, from minimalist to more ornate settings. By offering a blend of traditional inspiration and modern material technology, the Najd collection aims to provide textiles that are both aesthetically compelling and practical for everyday use. Lelièvre Paris emphasizes that the collection not only captures the visual essence of the Najd region but also its spirit, making it more than just a decorative element but a narrative piece within an interior. The choice of Tristan Auer, known for his work in luxury interior design and architecture, underscores the collection's high-end appeal and its potential to elevate diverse living and commercial environments. The collaboration highlights a bridge between traditional cultural motifs and contemporary design sensibilities, resulting in a textile offering that is both timeless and relevant. #TextileCollection #TristanAuer #LelièvreParis #SaudiArabianDesign #EarthTones #GeometricPatterns #TexturedFabrics #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration

The article introduces Danny Mehra, a Bengaluru-based carpet collector whose passion for tribal carpets has led to a remarkable collection of approximately 1,500 pieces from the 19th century, sourced primarily from the Silk Route. Mehra, a 64-year-old former finance professional, began his collecting journey serendipitously with a wedding gift from his mother-in-law. This initial gift, likely Azerbaijani carpets, sparked an interest that grew into a profound fascination with tribal weavings, particularly for their inherent imperfections and the stories they convey. Mehra's collection is characterized by its diversity in size, origin, motif, and color. His apartments are filled with carpets from regions such as Kurdistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and the Balkans. He emphasizes that the motifs on these carpets are more than mere decorations; they are narrative elements, with symbols like camels representing wealth, birds signifying faith, snakes wisdom, stars happiness, and trees of life perpetuity. His attraction to tribal carpets stems from their "Wabi sabi shibumi" quality—the beauty found in imperfection—a stark contrast to the rational world of finance he previously inhabited. His journey as a collector began with bargain hunting in Delhi and later extended to antique and thrift stores in Manhattan, where he discovered the abundance of carpets available. Mehra highlights the unique characteristics of tribal carpets, describing them as abstract, spontaneous, and naive, breaking traditional design rules. He explains that these carpets were primarily woven by women who improvised designs from their imaginations, often sharing stories while they worked. This spontaneous and creative process, he notes, results in distinct and whimsical compositions. Mehra shares insights into distinguishing different types of carpets, such as Persian and Kurdish. Persian carpets, including the long-piled Gabbeh, often exhibit a modern aesthetic comparable to the Bauhaus school, while Kurdish carpets are known for their bold designs and vibrant colors. Despite his extensive knowledge, Mehra acknowledges the ongoing learning process in collecting, humorously recounting "early collector's mistakes" and the difficulty in discerning fact from fiction in the often-colorful histories provided by dealers. The article also provides practical advice from Mehra for aspiring collectors. He advocates buying from the heart, selecting pieces that bring personal joy, and designing rooms around carpets rather than the reverse. He suggests hanging carpets on walls to fully appreciate their beauty, noting that they can be more affordable than paintings. Finally, Mehra views good old carpets as safe and lasting investments, though he advises against purchasing them solely for investment purposes, suggesting instead to be open to potential future windfalls. #CarpetCollection #TribalCarpets #BengaluruCollector #SilkRoute #HomeDecor #ArtCollecting #TextileArt #InteriorDesign #WabiSabi

KnollTextiles, a company known for its fabric collections, has reintroduced three original colors from its 1960s archives. This revival coincides with the 50th anniversary celebration of the company's notable Cato upholstery fabric collection. The three colors brought back are hot pink, yellow, and natural. The Cato collection, originally crafted through hand-weaving in Germany, transitioned to machine-weaving in Scotland in the 1970s, where production continues to this day. The fabric composition consists of 86 percent wool and 14 percent rayon. These reissued textiles are available for purchase at a price of $140 per linear yard. #KnollTextiles #TextileRevival #CatoCollection #FabricDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #VintageColors