Decorator Fabric Trends

It’s not your imagination. There has been a significant shift in fabric trends. “Natural fabrics are very big right now,” says Lisa Huff of In Design. “Burlap-like fabrics with lots of texture in solids or prints are popular, as are French ‘script’ fabrics in linen- or burlap-like materials.”
While once there was a distinction between drapery and upholstery fabrics, Lynda Mosley, fabric buyer for The Fabric House, reports woven fabrics are popular for draperies and bed treatments today. Linen and linen-looks are very popular, and Ikats and Suzani fabrics have been gaining interest, Mosley says, and “are now as popular as florals.”
Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den Interiors says large patterns are prominent at the moment and it’s difficult to find “mini” prints if they are desired. “We are still seeing a wide range of color and a wide range of textures. We have velvets, wool, linens, and linen-look fabrics.”
Adding that there is a shift away from traditional patterns, Jones says, “We have a fun challenge working with traditional architecture and/or furnishings to create a more modern look.”
“We’re moving from less formal to more easy care,” says Gail Adkins of Change Magic. “The trend remains toward patterns and textures—Ikat, open and clean ethnic geometric patterns, and more neutral, natural textured fabrics for large upholstered pieces with color and pattern used for the accent pieces.”
Shirley Horowitz of Davishire Interiors that, while the trend is toward more prints, her clients favor unusual textures for both window treatments and upholstery. “Our clients aren’t interested in trends, and rely on us to present options to them. They want quality but have been reluctant because of the economy, uncertainty, and perceived guilt.”
Simplicity is also in favor, according to Horowitz with “less fluff, fewer pillows on the bed and sofa, less filling in the bed covers, Euro window treatments without swags and jabots, and a movement toward simpler lines in furnishings.”
Reporting a big interest in organic fabrics—both those that are actually natural and organic themes and patterns is Amanda Sweeney of Just Design This. “Textures are soft to the touch and interesting to the eyes with natural slubs from silk, for example,” says Sweeney. She adds that she is seeing paisley, hounds tooth, and organic shapes of all sizes. “Tan, ivory, chocolate brown, gray, and black are gaining popularity,” she says, “as are some animal prints.”
Halley Lamberth of Ta-Dah Design reports, “The big color this year is gray. But blues and golds remain popular, as well as large scale prints woven into linen. “Natural fabrics are being recognized and it won’t be long before homeowners embrace their use as part of the green movement,” she says.
“The best lighting in any room is natural lighting, but we always have to add to that,” says Sweeney. “Where once we used one Hollywood strip light over the mirror today we are using less harsh lights and more of them spaced around the bathroom,” she says.
Anna Aycock of Designs by Anna Aycock says she is seeing an increased interest in natural, green, earth-friendly fabrics and prints that incorporate words and phrases. The same trend is making light, airy, minimalistic window treatments very popular, she says.
Retro patterns and geometrics are new in popularity, according to Carolyn Campbell of Carolyn Campbell Interiors. She says she likes to bring the outdoors inside with organic, natural themes in colors and textures.
In agreement is Deborah of The Fabric Junkie, who says she is selling a lot of printed cottons, linens and silks, as well as large, bold prints. “Homeowners are moving toward contemporary modern and even retro fabrics designs.

There are a number of sources for decorator fabrics in the Nashville area including:

Brentwood Interiors
Brentwood
615/ 376-6361

Carolyn Campbell Interiors
Nashville
318/ 348-9065

Change Magic
Nashville
615/ 275-9514

Davishire Interiors
Nashville
615/ 298-2670

Decorating Den Interiors
Nashville
615/ 469-7334

Designs by Anna Aycock
Brentwood
615/ 414-5694

Fabric House, The
Nashville
615/ 837-0000

Fabric Junkie
Goodlettsville
615/ 851-1007

In Design
Brentwood
615/ 661-4340

Just Design This
Auburntown
615/ 578-4738

Merridian Home Furnishings
Nashville
615/ 895-3151

Ta-Dah Design
Hendersonville
615/ 824-0888