8 fabric trends that are defining the world of interior design
Fabric trends play a very important role in defining the overall look and feel of our homes. From sofas to curtains and pillows, fabric is prevalent throughout our interior space, and can enrich each room with inviting, cozy texture, eye-catching color and beautiful pattern.
Our homes should be a unique showcase of our personal style, and our fabric choices can not only help our interiors feel softer, cocooning and comfortable, they are the perfect place to make a stylish impact with the very latest interior design trends.
Here, we explore the fabric trends that have taken over the world of interior design in 2024. Whether you’re a maximalist, minimalist, or sit somewhere in between, there are beautiful looks for everyone.
Our 8 favorite fabric trends for 2024
2024 fabric trends embody such great variety, so there will be options to explore no matter your style.
1. Bold color combinations
(Image credit: Future / Lucy Searle)
Salone del Mobile design fair in Milian is one of the most important international furniture fairs in the design calendar. Hundreds of brands come together to showcase beautiful new products at this landmark event, and it can provide an insightful and exciting glimpse at both current and future design trends.
Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens’ content director attended the fair this year, and shared her thoughts on the fabric trends showcased.
‘There were many distinct fabric trends at Salone del Mobile 2024 that really caught my eye. Neutral-colored boucle upholstery is still everywhere, but we also saw plenty of plush velvets on sofas, armchairs and dining chairs, particularly in muted, smokey tones, such as dirty pinks and lilacs, often set against furnishings in bolder colors, such as deep greens and terracotta.’
She continues, ‘I noticed, too, that these more traditional upholstery fabrics are being combined with leather, both in the covering of the furniture, but also in the detailing, such as strapping, as seen in Turri’s newest collection. Romo showcased a wonderful selection of plains and geometrics, but presented excitingly punchy new color combinations, as you can see above, with beautiful royal blue fabric paired against a deep ochre. This simple trick brought a wonderful energy to their roomsets which is so easy to recreate at home.’
2. Calming colors of nature
(Image credit: One Represents Ltd)
From the warmth of wool to the tactile texture of bouclé, we are designing our homes to be more comfortable and cozier than ever, with calming, neutral color palettes inspired by nature and inviting natural materials favored by dwellers and designers alike.
A key theme for interior trends in 2023 and set to continue into 2024 is bringing the outside in, and using materials such as wood, rattan, stone, cork and natural fabrics to establish a calming, indoor-outdoor feel.
For fabric, this is demonstrated through raw, rustic textures and a more unrefined look, with pronounced warps and wefts, stubby textures and cloths that appear to have been cut straight from an artisan weaver’s loom.
Alexandra Jones at Couture Living says, ‘think raw silks, cotton linens, bouclés, wools and heavy weaves in tones such as taupes, creams, browns and grays.’
3. Nostalgic, heritage prints
(Image credit: SOANE)
Whether it’s tartan, a timeless William Morris print or an intricate damask pattern, we are constantly intertwining styles of the past with designs of the present to establish characterful, transitional decor ideas.
From classic designs transformed with new color combinations or textures, to heritage color palettes used in more modern settings, 2024 will see a beautiful blend of the old and new, with many contemporary interpretations of traditional prints.
‘Looking back to more classical and traditional styles can often bring great comfort for design in the home, and this style is set to become a well-established trend for 2024,’ says Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens’ digital editor.
ART & ARTIFACT Strawberry Thief Throw Blanket – William Morris Print
San Angelo Striped Throw Blanket
SOHO HOME Harlyn Checked Mohair-Blend Throw
4. Expressive patterns and layering
(Image credit: Katie Charlotte / Isabel Ladd Interiors)
Louisa Tratalos, Head of Brand at Arley House, says ‘with design inspiration more accessible than ever before, we’re seeing homeowner’s tastes evolve and become braver. As we transition to 2024, this more confident approach to interiors has encouraged a step away from safe, muted tones of the past, in favor of expressionist trends that feature graphic prints and rich color palettes.’
For many, this is all about layering beautiful fabrics in different patterns and textures, and establishing an expressive look rich in color and dynamic print.
Interior designer Ann Marie Cousins from AMC Design advises, ‘when styling different patterns together, think about the scale of each pattern as it’s important to layer them and add a combination of different sizes. Large prints will immediately draw the eye so opt for this pattern on a sofa, headboard, armchair or rug as these tend to be the statement pieces in a room. Pair this with smaller patterns which work perfectly for curtains or blinds as well as decorative items such as lampshades or scatter.’
Of course, not all designs need to be as big and bold, layering patterns and creating elegant contrasts with different fabrics can be just as effective and stylish with calmer color palettes and small-scale prints.
5. Florals are forever
(Image credit: SOANE Britain)
Floral patterns are one of the most popular and enduring fabric trends, with floral designs having been used across fashion and interior industries for centuries.
Of course, just like the rich variety in the natural world, there are so many types of floral fabric to choose from for floral room decor; from abstract to ditsy, baroque to retro and vintage, with many patterns utterly timeless in style.
However, there will always be floral fabrics that dominate certain eras, such as the graphic flower power movement of the 60s, and going into 2024, floral fabric trends seem to be more diverse than ever.
Brook Perdigon at The Fabric Collective says, ‘for 2024 we are looking towards modern florals that are inspired by nostalgia, bridging past and present through bold patterns with unusual color palettes.’
We love how this beautiful Karun Thakar – Coromandel Tulip print from Soane Britain adorns everything from the lampshades to the wallpaper ideas, curtains and sofa upholstery, helping to create a maximalist, modern feel with a nod to tradition. A wonderful example of the pattern-drenching trend.
6. Sustainable materials
(Image credit: Isabelle Small Original wallpaper Sarah Vanrenen at The Fabric Collective)
Trends come and go, but the recent focus on consuming and producing products that are less harmful to the environment will hopefully see the beginning of an enduring new era of long-lasting sustainable design.
Of course, we have natural, sustainable fabrics such as wool, linen and organic cotton, but as technologies advance, we are seeing more innovative fabric designs created through recycled materials and even bio-based fabrics, such as vegan leather, made from plants.
7. Stripes and checks are here to stay
(Image credit: Henry Prideaux)
Throughout 2023, simple, classic patterns such as stripes and checks have dominated interior and fashion industries – explore our guides on decorating with stripes and decorating with gingham for some lovely inspiration – and they still remain as popular as ever.
‘Traditionally seen as utilitarian fabrics, tickings and checks are cementing a new place in our homes, center stage. Historically used as lining fabrics for back-of-house areas such as kitchens, we are starting to put these simple prints front and center in the main rooms in people’s homes,’ says interior designer, Nicola Harding.
Used on everything from wallpaper to tiles, upholstery, carpet and accessories, these prints have an utterly timeless appeal.
Rebecca Craig, lead designer at Sanderson also supports this and says, ‘stripes continue to draw adoration and following our collaboration with Giles Deacon, we see that they are more adored than ever – pair stripes with geometrics and statement florals for a multilayered, theatrical look that speaks to the individual. Our Regency Aperigon stripe, in Gobelin/Porcelain plays to that love of pairing regal colors in a fun and contemporary way that still respects the traditionalism of the stripe. This green and blue colorway sets to be very popular in interiors this year.’
8. Traditional, artisan techniques
(Image credit: Lora Avedian photographed by Alun Callender)
As we have discussed, 2024 fabric trends will look back to more traditional patterns and prints for inspiration. This year will also see the rise of fabric designs with an artisanal, handmade appeal; paying homage to classic craft and fabric techniques of the past.
The history of fabric creation lies in handmade weaving techniques, and more and more of us are turning to fabrics and handcrafted designs that have a sense of history, place and craftsmanship, rather than coming straight from a machine.
This trend will not only be a visual style, such as hand-woven detailing and imperfect shapes, it will see consumers turn to more small-batch textile manufacturers and independent artisans who are specialists in their fields, adding a bespoke, hand-made feel to a space.
Above is an embroidered piece of fabric created by Lora Avedian, a London based multidisciplinary artist and author, who often uses scrap and vintage materials and traditional embroidery and embellishment techniques to create her work.
FAQs
What is the future of fabrics?
The future of fabric lies in sustainable design and manufacture that is better for the environment, and that will help to preserve the natural world which is so often the very source for so many unique fabric designs and trends.
As time goes by and technology advances, we are not only becoming better at creating fabric from all manner of materials, from plants to recycled plastics and more, but also, developing designs that are incredibly durable, versatile and long-lasting.
In terms of trends, we are seeing beautifully bold, adventurous interiors filled with color, pattern and texture, but also, more calming spaces that feel connected with nature and that celebrate traditional crafts and techniques.
Rebecca Craig, lead designer at Sanderson adds, ‘at Sanderson, we are committed to storytelling through design and the authenticity that sits at the heart of the story. Whether creating a sanctuary space or a statement room, ‘quiet luxury’ or layered maximalism, our legacy, layered in nostalgia and historical provenance allows us to build stories through iconic fabric designs. We appreciate the past of design just as much as we do the future, and the trend for not following trends allows us to stay true to our heritage and archival designs that provide timeless beauty and endless inspiration.’
For more trend inspiration and helpful decorating advice, we explore the 2024 wallpaper trends and decorating with patterns in our separate features.
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