Huge technological advancements in digital printing have fueled a creative boom in home textiles over the past couple of years.
Machines capable of printing onto any kind of surface in amazing high-definition have made possible the mass production of ever-more bold and intricate designs, stimulating an explosion of home textiles in every kind of style, from the bohemian or tropical to perfectly reproduced design classics.
Advancements in technology have been matched by an equally strong trend for artisan handicrafts, which have sent hand-loom weaving into the realms of cutting edge home interiors and high fashion.
The unique Harris Tweed now has a place in the V&A Museum and, thanks to Vivienne Westwood, the best of British couture. Other designers are incorporating this distinctive fabric into fashion accessories, like this fabulous Sketch London handbag, which retails for under £50 and blends rural tradition with urban chic in fine fashion.
In the home interiors field there are some amazing hand-woven fabrics to choose from. We loved the cushions, chair covers and other creations by award-winning designer Rowenna Mason, who exhibited with the UAL collective at Pulse this year.
Award winning textiles designer Rowenna Mason presented a beautiful range of handwoven interior accessories at Pulse 2016.
All Rowenna’s fabrics are made in her London studio, based at leading British talent incubator for designer-makers, Cockpit Arts. Here, the gifted designer brings together the best of traditional technique, rural materials, innovative design and urban inspiration.
Each piece incorporates colours, geometric patterns or structures from London’s dynamic city environment. Her vibrant designs celebrate the heritage of British weaving through contemporary design. Rowenna takes a fluid and instinctive approach to weaving, pushing the boundaries of the craft to create bold patterns.
Rowenna’s love of unique colour palettes can be seen in her colour cushion collections. Each cushion is handwoven using bright pure new wool, complex weaving and trimmed with stylish contrast piping.
Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort has acknowledged the textiles comeback by announcing plans for a month-long celebration in New York this September to celebrate fabric innovation. Collaborators include leading design schools, galleries and museums across the city
“There’s a revival in the materialisation of cloth,” says Edelkoort. “Textile is really on the rise, which is helpful because it was almost extinct.”
Further textural inspiration can be found at Heimtextil, the world’s biggest trade fair for home and contract textiles, next taking place from January 10 – 13 2017 at Messe Frankfurt in Germany.
Every year, the Trendtable of international experts filters out the most important general trends and provides valuable orientation and reliable trend prognoses for product developers, creative teams, furnishing experts and designers. Visit the website for more information.
Our tip: No great gift shop is complete without at least a smattering of stylish home textiles. Seek out local cottage industries for your own unique take on this design-led merchandise must-have. Pictured left, Suno Knoll fabrics.
