textile
tutorial
The latest trends in fabrics, flooring
and wallcoverings
BY BRIDGET FABI
Wallpaper and fabric patterns were in full
bloom at Heimtextil, the preeminent trade
fair for the textile markets. We sent our
intrepid trend reporter Bridget Fabi to this
year’s event to unravel the aforementioned,
and other, emerging trends in threads.
Scattered over a range of materials and categories,
from silks and cottons to wallpaper and flooring,
prints were dominant at the 2010 Heimtextil. Mix-
and-match florals, stripes and big prints created a
romantic ambiance in linens, while opulent bright
colours, classic sophistication and ethnic flair were
evident in every category.
The demand for quality, creativity and
sustainability is growing as evidenced by the
products on show at the fair, which included
linens for the table, bed and bath; carpet and
flooring; wallpapers and coverings, and window
textiles.
The Trend Forum, a breathtaking and elaborate
showcase of directions for 2010 and 2011, was executed by six
renowned designers. The four themes they selected for presentation
were eco deluxe, opulence and temptation; simplicity distinguished by
high quality, and the contrast between reality and fantasy.
Trend Synopsis
NEUTRALS & MIXED TEXTURES Opposites attract and the unusual is
usual. Feathers and shells on the walls and leather mixed with silk are
two examples of this trend.
OPULENCE & TEMPTATION Theatrical, avant-garde and over-the-top
contemporary twists on classic design eras are creating a new standard
of heirloom design.
TOP RIGHT: EXHIBITION STAND AT HEIMTEXTIL TAKEN BY BRIDGET FABI
CENTRE: IMAGE COURTESY OF ATT-ROTEX. WWW.ATT-ROTEX.COM. TW
BOTTOM LEFT: EXHIBITION STAND AT HEIMTEXTIL TAKEN BY BRIDGET FABI
ECO LUXE Quality, design, creativity and sustainability are the keys to
the future of design. High-quality, natural materials in neutral shades
of flax, bark and ecru prevail.
HYPER BRIGHTS Bright, modern and bold experimentation with
colour shown in brave and humorous combinations of florals, checks,
plaids, polka dots and stripes.
The next Heimtexil runs January 12 to 15, 2011.
