Dashing Material Trends
Dashing Material Trends
A Softer Side
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, we have observed a notable increase in the use of fabrics within both retail environments and interior projects. This trend seems to build on the bow motif that gained popularity in 2023. Extending into a broader aesthetic that draws inspiration from styles often regarded as Nana-ish and traditionally feminine, transforming them into edgy designs. Additionally, there is a growing fascination with elements from distant historical periods, such as the Baroque era and the dramatic opulence of the Golden Age, adding a sense of grandeur to contemporary spaces.
This trend is all about texture and softness in unexpected places. Rooms are completely draped in opulent fabrics. Typically, hard fixtures, such as tables, chairs and plinths covered entirely with soft textures. Carpets running up from floors onto fixtures and walls creating immersive environments.
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Tulle & Mesh
Mesh-like fabrics can be used for layering. Good for use when visibility through needs to be maintained. Mesh fabrics such as tulle are quite rigid and can be used to form more structured shapes.
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Velvet
Great for more opulent displays and campaigns, velvet has a luxurious quality. Soft and tactile nature makes it good for areas where customers can get closer and interact with the installation.
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Fur
Successfully used by brands creating environments clad entirely in fake fur this fabric has a lot of personality and is not for the light hearted. Great for playful executions. Its highly textural nature makes it highly engaging.
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Carpet & Tufting
Plywood is a versatile material. It can be stained, painted or left raw to create different effects. An affordable material that can be used as cladding and to create cabinetry.
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Echo Panel
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Knitted
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Canvas
Crafted textural details are one way brands are adding their twist to this trend. Take Liberty in London, who are well known for their fabrics. They built a large-scale house instore made entirely from quilted patches of their fabrics. Each square telling it’s own unique story. Embroidery details, contrasting stitching and shredding down and weaving fabrics are some of the ways brands are making this trend their own.
The choice of fabric is important for the type of look you want to achieve. Choose a lightweight transparent fabric for a delicate, flowing effect and sheer layering. For a dramatic, theatrical look, go for taffeta or upholstery fabric, which offers volume and mimics curtain drapery. Retailers can also utilise waste materials from their processes to create cohesive campaign storytelling moments around sustainability and brand.
Playing with this trend instore can be as simple as switching out typical banner materials for sheer fabrics to create interesting layering effects. Or use existing instore fixtures and drape them with fabrics. When used cleverly alongside brands ’s seasonal campaigns, it will leave a lasting impression on customers through its tactility and ability to completely transform a space.
Contact us to learn more about these materials and how to use this trend in your next display.
