The cover story

3 fabrics that are making a splash

Good upholstery fabrics should be enduring both in quality and looks. However, this doesn’t mean they have to be plain.

If there’s one thing we love, it’s watching one of our pieces become something altogether different through the creative use of fabric. With such a wide range of choices available, everything from bold colours and patterns to more muted, subtle tones and textures, it can be difficult knowing what to look for. Here are a few beautiful and practical fabrics that have been making an impact on us.

James Dunlop Grande Boucle
Woven in Italy using a combination of natural and synthetic fibres, Grande Boucle lends a tailored finish to furnishings. Available in neutral and bright tones, this fabric has a soft handle that is luxurious to the touch. We have used Grande Boucle extensively here with outstanding results, as exemplified by this Bronx sofa in rich Topaz and the Bertie in the soft off-white, Silk.

Warwick Akito
With a flecked, rustic finish, this two-toned upholstery plain is exceptionally versatile for both urban commercial and residential settings. A chunky look lends Akito a sense of playfulness and relaxation and, as it is made using cotton certified to Oeko-Tex sustainability standards, it’s also a planet-friendly choice. Shown here in Sand on the Freya couch, we love how this fabric delivers a soft natural look.

Textilia Archive
Fine low-pile velvet never goes out of style. Archive is made using a practical polyester blend for both comfort and practicality. Available in fifteen muted, matte shades, this fabric delivers a timeless, aged character with a rich sense of depth. Our Christchurch and Wellington showrooms are making great use of this new release, as seen here on the Bronte settee in colour Relic.