Elemental

Ever-popular botanical prints are on pause for now as other nature-inspired, more elemental colours and patterns come to the fore. The muted colours seen in nature – sky blues, cloudy whites, leafy greens, muddy browns – are strong, says Suz Tonascia of Bolt of Cloth, along with clay and sand tones. Patterning and textures range from the striations of stone, to coral and kelp, woven effects and even the dawn sky.

Briony Beckett of Harvey Furnishings agrees: “Neutral tones are taking more of a back seat moving forward, with colours close to nature such as deep greens, soft blues and warm brown tones coming to the forefront as people become more comfortable with bolder colour again.”

Says Kelly Henderson of Hemptech: “We have seen growth in customers looking for beautiful warm greens which work in so well with naturals. Layering natural shades from off-white to dark beiges will forever be a staple colour scheme... and gives the opportunity to add colour seasonally.”

Riffing off the natural trend is an increasing focus on the environment and sustainability as consumers prioritise healthy living, with use of linens, hemp, recycled fibres and dyes to envelop our homes in durable and organic fabrics. Says Briony: “We are seeing a bigger focus on being more eco-conscious consumers, and with the ability to transform anything from coconut husk to milk into fabrics, the way forward is recycling. Linen-look, and even 100% linen, is no longer enough to keep the sustainability-focused customer shopping.”

Linen flax is one of the most sustainable raw materials in the world, says Linda Abbott of Martha’s Furnishing Fabrics. “From plant to fabric, linen is processed with the smallest possible ecological footprint, produces no waste and is biodegradable. It is also antibacterial, heat and moisture wicking, anti-static and naturally acoustic.”