Interior Design Fabric

Interior Design Fabric

2006 is a year of exciting and fun fabric trends in both the fashion and interior design industries. Balance is the theme for this year and bringing together the future with the past, the natural with the modern, the simplistic with the glamorous is the challenge for interior designers everywhere. In a world burdened with natural disasters, war and other serious issues design is filled with optimism once again and is certain to lift the spirits of many fabric consumers, regardless of what styles and trends you prefer.

Redefining the Blues

In the fashion and interior design industries blues have moved to the forefront this spring. According to the "New York Fashion Week Spring 2006" [September 9-16, 2005] report from color authority Pantone, Inc. "New York designers are awash in America's favorite color for Spring 2006. From sea to shining sea - the Mediterranean and Caribbean to the South Pacific and Atlantic - they have collected shades ranging from aquatic Blue Tint to placid Skyway and seaworthy Deep Ultramarine. Smooth sailing typifies the calm and effortless attitude infusing the season." The nautical theme has also been sweeping the fashion industry and will affect the fabric and interior design industries as well. Keep an eye out for seashells in fabrics and a simple beach house look with furniture.








Return of the White Room

White is about to have serious comeback this year inspired by design that is natural and clean, yet modern and functional. The Interior Design Trends 2006 Special Report on the Sheffield School of Interior Design website reports the opinions of successful designers from a variety of places. Karen C. Wirrig of Karen Cole Designs says "I see furniture being designed with sleeker lines, less carving but still great attention to quality and detail." "I rarely have a client who wants an ultra contemporary look," continues Wirrig, "but I often have clients who want cleaner lines and simpler interior designs." Pure white can also mixes easily with bright acid colors and works with mod and atomic age motifs, which are still hot.

Glamorous Simplicity 

Although many design trends currently focus on natural colors and clean lines nature creates a glamour all its own. This exciting return to colors that exist in rain forests, sunsets and tropical beaches allows interior designers to include beautiful and bright color schemes in almost any room. The "too much is never enough" rule of the 1980's has been transformed for showrooms in 2006. Prints are returning to our hearts and homes as well as luxurious fibers in rich saturated hues. Look for deep thick mohair and fine upholstery weight silks from Thailand, some of the finest silks in the world. There will also be a move towards futuristic fibers and constructions. The colors will be striking acid greens and fuschias, true oranges, turquoise and glamour would not be complete without metallics, like silver and gold! Flamestich, another delight from the 80's, is returning with a modern, chic appearance. I also predict a revival of polished chinz, but don't be scared, all these old school looks have been revamped to have hip, urban kind of feel.

Design for the Age of Aquarius

In this technological world interior design must also accommodate and blend a variety of electronic devices. I see modern furniture with everything from built in heaters to plug-ins for an i-pod. The Interior Design Trends 2006 Special Report from the Sheffield School of Interior Design also reports "interior designers and homeowners continue to struggle most with integrating the home office-and all the electronic equipment we now have-into the home." Designer Cari Pilon states that "Almost all homes have a computer, but not all homes have space for a home office." Pilon believes the challenge for designers is making sure "the computer desk doesn't look like it dropped from the sky into the family room. You need to be creative to include the computer desk into the dining room without losing the aesthetic of the dining room." On the other end of the spectrum there is a revival of some past styles, such as victorian fainting couches and and shelter sofas, all with more exposed wood.