The latest trends in fabrics are bold and innovative

Written by

16 July 2024

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6 min read

Fabrics can set the scene for residential and commercial projects. Explore the current fabric trends, from bouclé upholstery fabric to retro and sustainable designs.

Just like paint colours, decor and other design selections, fabric trends change from season to season, year to year.

“Several key trends were showcased at the 2024 Milan Furniture Fair reflecting a blend of sustainability, bold aesthetics and innovative textures,” says Natasha Lander, director at Svenska KJ | De Ploeg.

A play of colours and textures, these are the latest textile design trends to incorporate in homes and commercial projects.

Sustainability and eco-conscious choices

A significant trend identified is the focus on sustainable materials. Manufacturers are increasingly using recycled fibres, organic cotton and eco-friendly blends, such as those incorporating ocean plastics.

“This shift not only meets the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products but also introduces a variety of organic textures like hemp, jute and bamboo, which brings a natural, earthy feel to interiors,” says Lander.

“Svenska KJ | De Ploeg’s philosophy is dedicated to a greener future, emphasising the use of natural, sustainable and recycled yarns. This dedication not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures longevity and timelessness in our designs.”

Manufacturers are increasingly using recycled fibres, organic cotton and eco-friendly blends.

Bold colours and patterns

Clearly on show at the Milan Furniture Fair, bold and vibrant colour palettes are making a strong statement in 2024 – think rich jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue and deep burgundy. These hues are becoming popular choices for the dramatic flair they bring to spaces.

Similarly, dynamic patterns such as geometric designs and oversized florals are being used to inject energy and personality into upholstery and curtains.

Svenska KJ | De Ploeg provides a diverse range of vibrant colours including Alto, Alma, Bolster, Kust and Ploegwool, to name a few, along with a selection of recently introduced curtain fabrics with bold floral patterns.

Kust is a beautiful, sturdy upholstery fabric made from 100 per cent natural fibres. The cotton warp with the woollen weft gives this fabric a three-dimensional look and a fine touch.

Available in rich, deep tones, Alma is crafted from soft, acoustic velour. A sophisticated addition to interiors, it can be used for upholstery or drapery, making it a great option when looking for a single fabric that can cover multiple needs.

A sturdy, heavy quality furniture fabric with a light sheen, Bolster is a colorful fabric that consists of exciting colour combinations of warp and weft.

Texture play and fusion

“Textures are a major focal point with a trend towards mixing different fabrics to create a rich sensory experience,” says Lander. “Combining materials like velvet with linen or leather with wool is becoming popular, offering a sophisticated and tactile dimension to furniture.”

Textured velvets, bouclé and shaggy fabrics are particularly trendy, adding depth and visual interest.

The latest ranges from Svenska KJ | De Ploeg are highly textured and made with irregular yarns and chunky weaves.

“Despite their intricate textures, these fabrics remain flexible enough to accommodate the rounded curves of modern furniture designs.”

A beautiful example is Kreda. Composed of 35 per cent acrylic, 23 per cent viscose, 20 per cent polyester, 11 per cent cotton and 11 per cent linen, it is a coarsely structured fabric with a tonal linen look that’s perfect for furniture.

Umbra is a unique combination of two yarn colours that come together to create a beautiful three-dimensional texture. De Ploeg’s designers have carefully composed the colour schemes to provide soft shades and more vibrant hues that can be used in workplaces or home applications to bring a sense of style and sophistication.

This is a luxurious upholstery fabric crafted from an extra voluminous bouclé yarn. Designed to mimic the appearance of clouds, the large bouclé loops create a stunning, three-dimensional effect – the duo-tone palette further enhancing its depth and dimension.

Nuvola has a textrual, velvety softness for ultimate comfort.

Performance and functionality

Performance fabrics, designed to withstand daily wear and tear, are becoming increasingly favoured, especially for commercial settings.

“These fabrics are engineered for durability, featuring resistance to stains, fading and wear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. This practical elegance ensures that furniture remains both stylish and functional over time.

“The entire Svenska KJ | De Ploeg range is considered commercial grade with Martindale certification ranging from 45,000-100,000 and the designs are versatile and timeless enough to suit both commercial and residential projects,” says Lander.

Retro and vintage revival

Nostalgia plays a significant role in interior choices, with a recent resurgence of retro-inspired fabrics. Materials like velvets, corduroys and bouclé, reminiscent of past decades, are being reimagined with modern twists, appealing to those who appreciate vintage aesthetics combined with contemporary design.

Svenska KJ | De Ploeg maintain the essence of retro and vintage designs by producing some of its fabrics using the mill’s original mid-century weaving techniques and ensuring they fit seamlessly with current trends while remaining timeless.

The subtle square woven effect of Nubis adds a touch of whimsy, making it a beautiful choice for furniture designs. Rated to 100,000 Martindale cycles, the fabric is also treated with fire retardants.

Reminiscent of retro furniture designs, Monza Melange is a bouclé upholstery fabric with a woolly touch. Each colour scheme is woven with a pairing of two carefully selected, nature-inspired colours.

Lucir is a soft velour upholstery fabric with a vintage look. The fabric consists entirely of natural fibres, to which it owes its rich appearance. This creates a subtle shine due to the tencel content, and its soft touch is due to the pure virgin wool in the pile.

Customisation and personalisation

Personalisation is key to achieving an interior design style that resonates with individuals and bespoke upholstery solutions are a great way to do this.

“Consumers are looking for customised fabrics and unique designs that reflect their individual styles and preferences. This trend extends to both residential and commercial spaces, where tailored upholstery can enhance the specific ambience and functionality of the environment.”

With a wide range of fabrics and unique design options, Svenska KJ | De Ploeg can work with homeowners and design professionals to craft custom designs – allowing for personal touches that reflect individual styles and enhance the specific ambience of any space.

“We are committed to incorporating these trends into our collection, ensuring that our products meet the evolving needs of our customers while staying at the forefront of design excellence.”

“These trends highlight a dynamic interplay between style, sustainability and functionality, setting the stage for innovative and aesthetically pleasing interior design. At Svenska KJ | De Ploeg we are committed to incorporating these trends into our collection, ensuring that our products meet the evolving needs of our customers while staying at the forefront of design excellence.”

Whether you’d like your fabric to contrast or complement the rest of your interior palette, Svenska KJ can help find the right design. Explore the range of products on ArchiPro and get in touch with the team to learn more.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.