Velvet: A Decor Favorite Now That Never Went Away

They were all fashion runways. Women's casual wear will enjoy Armani dresses made from this material. Harper's Bazaar named it the top trends for 2022. Celebrities wore versions by Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Gucci at the British Film Awards. It has also found its way into casual wear, jeans, t-shirts and t-shirts.

Once a luxurious and prestigious material, velvet has now become a fashion favorite at both the private label and mass market levels.

And as is often the case, what is most valued in fashion also applies to home decor.

"As an interior designer, I like to bring fashion trends into my designs," says Cincinnati resident Amy Youngblood. “Many of my clients find that both interior design and fashion give you the freedom to explore creatively and understand yourself better. and those around him. from. Fashionable interior design is followed and inspired by the engine.

But is it worth saying that velvet is "on trend"?

Here's Jessica Dowdell-Feder, editor-in-chief of HGTV Magazine:

“I spoke to our directors at Homes and Style about this, and to be honest, we all feel that velvet will never go away. This is one of those classic fabrics that adds texture and depth without adding any pattern. And that's great," he says.

For John McLain, an Orlando, Florida-based interior designer and author of the new book The Designer Inside (Gibbs Smith), Plus is about speed dialing in his little black furniture book.

"Velvet is the foundation of my designs," she says.

He built a velvet home theater wall for a client and says it has excellent sound absorbing properties. He calls the fabric "our favorite seat cover."

Velvet, she says, can offer a deep color and rich feel that "glows at a dinner party." At the same time, it can be more durable than you think, especially if you buy commercial grade faux velvet.

“The 'hand' or touch is so soft that the difference is not noticeable. "It's refined and tactile, just like the natural cotton equivalent," she says.

Dodel-Feder agrees. "For most families, a practical velvet is probably best. It's not as luxurious as real velvet, but it's easy to care for and soft. Since I have a dog, when I bought a sofa for my living room, I chose velvet," she says.

And Milton, Massachusetts-based designer Jillian Hayward Schable cautions consumers against choosing the right type of plush for their furniture.

"From furniture to accents, it can add a beautiful depth of texture and color. If you're looking for a pet- and family-friendly fabric, you'll want to choose performance velvet," she says.

Velvet is made of natural fibers such as silk, cotton, linen, wool; Less expensive versions may have a synthetic blend. Made of high quality velvety polyester.

The editorial staff of Domino magazine recently coined the name "plazacore" for this style, referring to the Manhattan hotel where children's book heroine Eloise stayed. It is emphasized by accessories such as crystal, shiny metals and soft velvet beds.

As for color, McLain says she usually likes light neutrals — “yes, even in families with kids” — but sometimes “we like the velvety effect of color. She's charming."

New York-based designer Gideon Mendelsohn says he will furnish sofas, chairs, headboards and walls in velvet when the budget allows. She likes muted grays and camel tones, as well as "deep turquoise, chocolate brown and burgundy."

"Lately I've been seeing velvet in sunset colors like ocher and orange," says HGTV associate director Laura Yun Hu.

But recently a magazine photographed a bed with pale pink velvet pillows. "There's something about the way velvet catches light that gives any color a beautiful dimension," Ha says.

And designer Nicole Fisher installed a curved champagne velvet bed in her West Village home in New York, creating a sophisticated yet cozy space. Then, in the TV room, she placed a pair of soft but brightly patterned velvet ottomans to accent the room's sapphire-blue walls.

"There are so many ways to create a cozy feel with velvet," she says.

Check out what some retailers have to offer:

If you're looking for something bigger, check out Junu Nation Buffet, a funky place with a chic, speakeasy vibe. It can be a fun space with plenty of storage, Carrara marble countertops, and brass accents. Available in Rhody Velvet, Deep Turquoise or Dark Green.

The retailer's other offerings include the Lena Elven chair. Vintage French and Italian floral tapestry inspired velvet dresses.

You'll find more comfortable and stylish chairs from Aarhaus, Article, Lulu and Georgia. And Tuma has a wonderfully soft and washable velvet headboard in anthracite, fume and linen.

Erin has beautiful moss or navy blue velvet trays and brass finished frames that make beautiful accessories. The parachute bed is made of washed cotton velor in a beautiful green or bronze color.

And to top it off with the material, check out the gorgeous Artic mosaic tile, which mimics the look of crushed velvet. It comes in two colors: Emerald and Cabernet.

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New York-based writer Kim Cook told the AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.

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