Textile tradeshow trends 2017

The vibrant tropical theme is seen to be growing season on season and will remain strong across interiors in 2017/2018. Throughout all shows we saw layers of tropical scenes explore oversized palms and jungle foliage reflected through printed, woven or embroidered constructions. Saturated colours and dark grounds were seen to be popular, giving the once fresh tropical paradise a deep exotic look.

At Maison & Objet, lush tropical landscapes were seen across all surfaces as wallpaper, décor and textiles celebrate this theme. Birds are a key animal; toucans, parrots and birds of paradise join flamingos, monkeys and cacti at centre stage.

This theme continues to evolve with print and pattern looking to fauna with complex animal patterns taking an abstract, almost camouflage direction. Tiger print, snakeskin, leopard spots and fish scales were seen throughout the shows, seamlessly sitting together through the layering of complimentary colours and textures for dramatic effect.

A strong theme throughout the shows is the idea of escaping the stresses of modern day life through creating calmness and serenity in the home. Quality fabrics predominantly featuring natural fibres and soft or raw untreated textures were highly visible.

At Maison & Objet, the simplicity of soft neutrals and barely tinted tones were highly visible across tabletop and bedding as well as textiles. Refined minimalism is seen through marble and light woods bringing a Nordic inspiration to furniture and accessories.

Comforting softness is a key design direction with a focus on tactility and heavily textured softness to create a sense of cocooning. Artisan dying techniques and finishing processes such as shibori, tie dye and stone washing were popular, there was a genuine appreciation for handmade authenticity. 

The trend focuses on savouring silence and stillness in the home, so sound dampening materials such as felt and wool were strongly visible.

The use of opulent and iridescent embellishments was a strong theme across all shows. Metallic yarns and foil printing shone through in textured compositions and colours. Finishes of metallic oxidisation, high shine mirror and liquid lacquer were seen across textiles, furniture and accessories.

Lavish embellishments such as lace inlays and opulent embroidery were coupled with luxurious silk and velvet while also a more discreet and precious look appeared throughout furniture and accessories with the use of real gold detailing. Warm metallic remains prominent across interiors brass was a key material used to bring shine to a space, and copper was also popular.

As seen at 2016 trade shows, florals were very present and beautifully painted. In particular, large scale florals were a strong trend seen across digital print, woven and embroidered constructions.

We are seeing a return to print in the high end which was particularly visible at Deco Off through complex substrates such as warp printing, and artisanal finishing process such as enzyme washing. Painterly landscapes were a strong theme, often printed in desaturated ombré styles.

Always evolving into new combinations and inspiring palettes, colour trends have an impact over all facets of design. Here are some of the key colour trends for the coming year as seen at the 2017 trade shows:

NOCTURNAL SHADES - Tones of black, midnight blue, dark teal and deep peacock pair beautifully with green, purple, burgundy and brown to explore darker atmospheres.

POWDERY PINK TONES - Pink & Copper shades are still strong. Dusty pinks and second skin tones were prominent across all shows. Powdery pink tones work well with rich mineral tones and Rosewood & burgundy make a sophisticated appearance.

BURNT NATURAL TONES - Ochre, orange and red remain important colours. Burnished orange and russet red were showcased on elegant and considered pieces.

BARELY TINTED NEUTRALS - Desaturated tones were evident as trending colours as pastel tones pale and greys explore tinted palettes towards jade green, pale blue and lilac. This direction applied elegantly to styling, giving muted yet eye catching layered displays.

GREENERY - In line with the central role greenery is taking across interiors as the 2017 Pantone Colour of the Year, green as a colour also drove many palettes across the shows. Dovetailing the popular tropical theme and interiors fascination with bringing wilderness indoors, this hue goes deep into nature with richly saturated pine and forest tones, emeralds and teals. 

RED & TURQUOISE BLUES - This combination captivates for a fresh take on tropical. This colour theme was Catherine Martin's signature colour palette for the Faena Hotel in South Beach, Miami!