Trends are changing in the interior and upholstery world. So, as spring is now upon us, we seek out some insider information from interior expert Adrian Mottram of Angus Classic Interiors “one of Scotland’s most experienced curtain makers and upholsterers”. Here, he reveals about what fabrics and styles we should be introducing into our homes this season…..
1. Tartans & Plaids
Scottish tartans and wool plaids are here to stay, and have been around for the last two-to-three years. They have never been as popular, and we have stocked up on these fabrics to reflect this trend. We do all clan tartans, so the customer can have whatever one they want. However, interestingly, the biggest seller is actually a plaid, not a tartan. A common misconception is that people assume a soft furnishing plaid is actually a tartan. Plaids are made using the same process as a tartan, but unlike a tartan, they haven’t been around for hundreds of years, they have been created by a designer and become more prominent in the last 10-15 years.
2. Colour
In terms of colour, soft greys and deep rich charcoals are a popular choice, accented with bold colours. We are also seeing soft pastels coming in, they are what I called the ‘new neutrals’ (the old neutrals used to be magnolia and off-white).
When decorating, people build a room around a colour, often choosing two colours from each extreme of the pantone chart. We are seeing violets, pinks, light greens and emerald greens and navies coming in.
3. Fabrics & Upholstery
When it comes to upholstery, people are opting for wools rather than manmade fabrics.
However, coloured and patterned fabrics are not being introduced in a large quantity. For example, you wouldn’t upholster the entire three-piece suite in a tartan or plaid; you would only upholster one chair, like a Queen Anne or a wing back armchair, or lampshades or cushions.
At Angus Classic Interiors we stock fabrics before people know they want it, that’s because as well as being current, we are also one step ahead.
We have gone through the ‘minimal’ period in the last 12 years. Before this, people wanted gathered valances and swags and tails to dress a window. More recently people opted for a simple Roman blind. Today you can still have the minimal look, and be on trend, by introducing soft pastels with an upholstered pelmet in a rich punchy colour.
4. Curtains & Cuffs
What we are finding is people are introducing cuffs at the top of the blinds in an expensive fabric, because it is only 4-6 inches deep, and then when the trend changes, you can easily replace this small piece of fabric.
When it comes to curtaining, wave curtains are very in, thanks to ‘wave tape’. This gives curtains the eyelet-curtain-wave-effect without a pole. It is a minimal look too, because instead of a mishmash of folds, you have lovely even folds in the fabric. Minimalism is here to stay.
5. Bedrooms & Conservatories
When it comes to dressing other areas of the house – bedrooms and conservatories are just as important as the lounge/living area.
People are paying more attention to bedrooms, and matching bedspreads to curtains, while in the conservatory it is all changing: everyone had Venetian or vertical blinds in the conservatory, which made it quite cold and clinical, but now they are introducing fabrics by dressing conservatories with thermal-lined or blackout curtains, boosting its usage to 12 months of the year.
*If you need advice about revamping a room in your home, then call Angus Classic Interiors’ showroom on 01356 623982 for a chat with Adrian and his experienced staff, or pop into the showroom at 13 Bank Street, Brechin, DD9 6AU.
