Buyers' guide to fabrics
From strong purples and mustard greens to zingy yellows and chic corals, colour is a key trend when it comes to fabrics this season - as are patterns that pack a punch.
Innovation's Karen Thomas said colour was the dominant trend in the fabric collections coming out of Europe. Hot hues included all shades of chartreuse, strong blues, corals ("often mixed with chartreuse green tones") and purples, particularly Radiant Orchid, the 2014 Pantone Colour of the Year.
As for patterns, sharp digital floral prints and stripes in every which way were popular, she said.
"Stripes are everywhere in all forms - wide, narrow and irregular, two colours and multi-colours in sheers and prints as well as upholstery, where they feature strongly in heavily textured weaves," Ms Thomas said.
"There has also been a resurgence in ikat or kilim designs in strong earthy colour combinations for a real Aztec/South American or Middle Eastern look."
Josh Topelberg, of Decor Design Centre, said fresh sherbet yellow was a prominent colour at the recent Maison & Objet fair in Paris, while orchid, jade and cool blues co-ordinated with muted organic tones were also on-trend.
As for patterns, he said they took their cue from nature this season.
"We are seeing patterns inspired by natural surroundings and natural textures of landscape as well as precious materials," Mr Topelberg said.
According to Cecil Levi, of Heather Levi Interiors, floral prints are a big direction this season, from contemporary graphic florals to flowing botanicals.
WAYS WITH FABRIC *
Incorporating the latest textiles to your decor is bound only by a person's imagination, according to Ms Thomas.
Quick ways included using fabrics for tablecloths or placemats to tie in with new cushion colours in the living area, or as a bed runner.
"Most hotels have stopped using bedspreads and use all-white linen, and just a bed runner and cushions to dress the room and introduce some colour," Ms Thomas said. "This is a good way of bringing in seasonal changes."
Textiles could also be used to create a piece of art. "Panels of fabric hung on canvas are not only a great way to use colour at home but are good for acoustics and are more economical than large artworks and are easier to ring in season changes," Ms Thomas said.
Mr Levi suggested reupholstering a vintage chair or ottoman in a contemporary print or a plain, bold- coloured velvet, while Mr Topelberg recommended having a lampshade custom-made for a standard lamp. "It is also easily movable throughout a home to freshen up a space," he said.
Other ways to make colour statements at home were to upholster a bedhead or to incorporate colour in window dressings, Mr Topelberg said.
"Upholstered bedheads are as popular as ever and we are seeing people becoming more daring with fabric choice," he said. "There is no denying a fabric is most beautifully presented when it can drape - a colourful sheer peeking out from behind the curtains is a fresh and fun way to add colour without it being too dominant and overpowering."
