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Trends in Textiles: Designs That Reflect and Enhance a Brand

News • September 29, 2023

Article originally published in The Business News | September 11, 2023

We do it all the time.

We walk into a breakroom, lobby, waiting room, professional office or hospitality setting, and immediately form a first impression based on its furnishings.

That impression is one that directly reflects your business brand or identity.

Take for instance a marketing company that uses splashy colors to communicate a sense of vibrancy and creativity versus a therapist or doctor’s office that incorporates softer colors to convey a sense of calm.

The look and feel are designed intentionally to evoke an emotional response that aligns with your professional purpose.

But, how does someone know they’ll evoke an appropriate response from something as subtle as the material used on furniture?

The process of identifying trends begins with gathering insights on surface material trends and color stories across multiple industries including hospitality, healthcare, corporate, education and digital media.

The insights are then layered, one upon the other, to develop a composite.

Next, physical color palettes – one warm and one cool that reflect the composite – are developed.

These visual color palettes are then shared with textile mills and often influence the yarn colors they’ll produce for the coming season.

What are the emerging trends in textiles?

Within the textile industry as a whole, there’s been a significant shift toward textiles that are eco-conscious and responsibly sourced.

This shift has led to:

The emergence of innovative technology used to recycle discarded products and post-consumer waste to create new materials and yarns.
The incorporation of concepts, such as upcycling and “zero waste” to minimize the environmental impact of products.
The renewed use of organic, renewable fibers like cotton, linen, hemp and wool.

Color trends to watch incorporate both individual colors and color combinations that are both harmonious and surprising.

Natural and more subtle hues that promote a sense of calm and well-being are becoming more desirable.

Terra cotta, apricot, deep burgundy, soft blushes, earthy greens and tranquil blues are also on the rise.

This being said, based on our experience, there are always a couple of colors that never seem to go out of style.

Versions of blues and grays seem to have standings as classic color stories and are always in style.

The colors paired with natural wood elements and other more rustic organic materials create impressions of authentic, upscale settings that have a sense of timelessness, comfort and calm. The trend toward more home-like designs in hospitality, healthcare, office and education settings will likely continue to remain relevant.

Regardless of the project or industry, a few foundational pillars that support trends in textile design include:

Sustainability
Sophisticated style
A sense of timelessness
Approachability

Armed with these insights, perhaps the next time you walk through a waiting room or lobby it’s an entirely new experience with an “aha” moment or two.

One final takeaway, you have the power to use textile trends to build the brand identity of your choosing and to spark a great first and subsequent impression with customers and employees alike.