We’ve been talking about upholstery a lot lately – and no wonder! Diana Sisto, Creative Director at Brentwood Classics, an industry-leading sofa manufacturer, recently spoke at Stoney Creek Furniture’s Inside Out Home Show. She revealed the Top 10 upholstery trends to watch. If a new sofa or chair is in your future, take note.
1. Greek Keys. Echoing the elegant design of Greek architecture, a meander is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. These patterns are called the Greek Fret or Greek Key design. Perfect in a traditional or contemporary home, pieces upholstered in Greek Key designs are classic and enduring.
2. Ikat. Actually a dyeing technique similar to tie-dye, Ikat creates colourful, graphic patterns, often with rich ethnic or ritual meaning. Traditionally, Ikat are symbols of status prestige; in fact, some cultures believe the cloth is imbued with magical powers! Gorgeous in any decor but particularly suited to an eclectic or Bohemian space.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
3. Watercolour. If Monet comes to mind, you’re exactly right! Watercolour fabrics use a painting style reminiscent of the Impressionists. The designs are usually transparent and appear luminous because the pigments are laid down in a relatively pure form. Soft and sensual, Watercolour upholstery pairs well with this season’s pastel trend.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
4. Lace & Crochet. As with fashion, lace is a popular choice for upholstery this season. Traditionally openwork fabric patterned with holes in the work, fabrics are incorporating beautiful lace designs. Crochet, which often has flowing lines or scalloped edges to give interest, is also making an appearance. A traditional or Victorian home is well suited to this trend.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
5. Faux Bois. French for false wood, this upholstery trend is self explanatory. Showing up in various media, it’s a rugged yet modern look, a complement to most styles of decor.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
6. Artist Inspired: 60’s Modern. Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol are synonymous with abstract expressionism and pop art. These fabrics, like the art they draw inspiration from, have random patterns and often include imagery from advertising, news, etc. Whimsical and avant-garde, this style is for the risk taker.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
7. Skin Deep. With the 1920s popularized on TV and in movies, shagreen will be making its way to our homes. Traditionally made from the hides of shark and stingray, today’s faux shagreen is sleek and environmentally safe.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
8. Radiant Orchid & Blue Crush. Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid, is surprisingly versatile. As an accent, it complements olive and deeper hunter greens, as well as working well with turquoise, teal and light yellow. Likewise, Blue Crush acknowledges our everlasting love of blue, as a room’s focal point or a subtle accent. Look for rich green-blues or Moroccan blues.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
9. Ornaments. Details make the difference. Gorgeous button tufting, nailheads and skirt tapes are being worn by well-dressed sofas and chairs. Ornaments add a touch of sophistication.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
10. Oversized Prints & Patterns. Sure, solids are timeless, but if you’re fashion forward, big bold prints look incredible on large scale pieces, especially in spaces with plenty of ‘breathing room’. Bright colours enhance the effect.
Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics
When you’re buying spring fashions for you, just remember your upholstery may need a new look for the season too.
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