Upholstery Trends 2012

Most designers agree that neutral, natural fabrics are most today for upholstered furniture. However, there is another group of decorators who say that bright prints are popular. The compromise is larger neutral pieces and smaller brightly patterned pieces, or colorful pillows serving as accents on gently colored upholstered pieces.

According to David Buffington of Brentwood Interiors, “Natural tone linens or linen blends are dominant, but intricate jacquards, bold Ikats, and suzani designs are popular, as well as woven geometrics.”

Gail Adkins of Change Magic Interior Redesign reports her clients are looking for texture and durability  in neutral--but not boring-- colors. “We’re adding interest with colorful accessories,” she says, “such as throws and pillows, as well as lamps and artwork, all of which can be more easily replaced than an upholstered piece.”

Saying that simple natural fabrics from cotton to leather are popular among customers is Amanda Sweeney of Just Design This. Sweeney suggests that ramie fabrics are up to eight times stronger than cotton and that hemp provides super durability.

Rebecca Burns of Rebecca’s Furniture & Design says she is very fond of some new fabrics that combine natural fabrics (linen and cotton) with a bit of sparkle. “They are down to earth and glamorous at the same time--there’s nothing fussy about them,” she says.

Burns agrees that customers are putting neutral shades on their larger upholstered pieces and tend to put geometric prints on chairs. “We recommend spending money on great pillows, and we do a lot of custom pillows with specialty fabrics.”

Monica Leach of Designer Floors & Interiors reports that clients are selecting heavier fabrics with a high abrasion rating, designated by a number of Wyzenberk double rubs for their living rooms. Like others, Leach says homeowners are selecting neutrals for their upholstered pieces and are using color and pattern in their accessories.

Saying that many of her clients look for a pop of bright color in each room to achieve harmony, Sammie Gail of The Fabric House adds that “harmony is achieved with a soft neutral upholstery, draperies, or flooring. Families are asking for a plush, something durable and soft.”

In making upholstery choices for durability, Gail says it does depend on the intended use of a piece. “Everyday fabric needs to be rated for about 30,000 double rubs, and a pattern will hide some soiling,” she says.

With a different outlook is Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den  Interiors. “My manufacturers are showing brighter colors on upholstered pieces, and my clients are buying them,” she says. “Performance fabrics are also selling quite well.”

Reporting that a couch to be used by children and pets requires selection of a fabric that is durable, washable, and low maintenance is Hannah Crowell of Belak & Crowell Interiors. “Good choices are linens, chenille, denims, and sturdy cottons. Shabby linen is beautiful, resilient, and lasts a lifetime but it can be plain if not well accessorized,” says Crowell.

Experts agree that colors that hold promise for 2012 range from ivory brown to silver and light grays, accented with emerald, ruby, amethyst, sapphire, yellow, coral, and turquoise. Paired with these colors and gentle textures, one can look for wood panels and mirrored accessories.

“It's no news that the somber colors of the recession are making way for some pops of color this year,” says Julia Wooters of Ambiance by Design. “Orange, yellow, and turquoise are foreseen as the accents to use in pillows, art, trim, and accessories. In upholstery for large items, however, neutrals continue to dominate.”

Continuing trends in upholstered pieces include tufting and channeling, as well as nailheads for accents. Curves are also popular, from couch shapes to wingback chairs, camel back sofas, and more.  u

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

Ambiance By Design
Nashville
615/ 661-6474

Belak & Crowell Interiors
Nashville
615/ 627-8989

Brentwood Interiors
Brentwood
615/ 376-6361

Change Magic
Nashville
615/ 275-9514

Decorating Den Interiors
Nashville
615/ 469-7334

Designer Floors & Interiors
Nashville
615/ 646-2292

The Fabric House
Nashville
615/ 837-0000

Just Design This
Nashville
615/ 578-4738

Margi’s Chair
Nashville
615/ 463-3322

Rebecca’s Furniture & Design
Franklin
615/ 595-2553