It’s no longer about running around with swatches and matching – which you have to keep coming back and correcting and balancing. It’s about full palettes, lavish textures, and strong contrasts that are giving us the freedom to be who we are.
It’s now about having fun; and being unselfconscious like children are. If it works for you, it works. Remember, it’s your home. Meet the brands – who are redefining opulence and speaking to people’s desire to be truly unique, without having to fit the mould.
Rubelli It may be 150 years old but the Venetian textile company is still innovating with new designs and collaborations. It’s a newest collection of hand-dyed silk, damask, velvet and sheer designs inspired by Rembrandt, Brahms, Alice in Wonderland and Giotto are anything but cookie-cutter. They’re eccentric, colourful, romantic, and languid.
Those wanting furniture already upholstered in something Rubelli (though not this collection) can see it at Moroso in Milan. There are 29 pieces designed by 11 different designers, including 14 pieces by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola and several by London-based duo Doshi Levien, covered in fabrics by both Rubelli and Danish company Kvadrat. It’s a trend Rubelli hopes to see more of. (southpacifcfabrics.com www.rubelli.com)
Hermes The illustrator, colourist and storyteller on silk since the creation of its first scarf in 1937, Hermès collection of furnishing fabrics and wallpapers are striking the right note for their cherished themes: horse, travel and fantasy. The collection revolves around three families: the Illustrative, the Graphic and the Plains and semi-plains. (www.homefabricshermes.dedar.com/en)
De Gournay The famous French hand-painted wallpaper, whose designs range from Matisse-style chinoiserie to the antiqued wallcoverings found in Yves Saint Laurent’s Paris apartment, give you the freedom to express yourself. (www.milgate.com.au www.degournay.com)
De Le Cuona We love the hand-made, embossed fabrics that make use of only the finest materials. Its couture linens and tonal wool yarns which have more depth more the usual Joes with their unique embroideries that soften the austerity of modern design. (www.delacuona.com)
Fendi Casa Known for its leather and velvet-covered sofas in feisty mustard yellow and Prussian blue plus luxurious real fur throws. And great collaborations with well-known designers like Toan Nguyen and Thierry Lemaire. (www.luxurylivinggroup.com)
Longhi Renowned for armchairs (including Joe Colombo’s iconic 1963 Elda chair), sofas, tables, consoles, beds, bookcases, mirrors, lamps and rugs made in classic luxe materials: leather, linen, suede, marble and gold. And a soothing neutral colour palette from ecru to rust and conker brown. It’s new Regency collection of wooden tables featuring marquetry details and marble tops, and mocha-brown chairs with elegantly tapered neoclassical chairs is wowing the international style set. (www.longhi.it)
Zuber Every roll of this brand’s fanciful paper is hand-painted in France, as it has been since the 18th century. Samples of the historic, lavish designs can be sent from the workshop in France’s Alsace region. Guaranteed to speak to people’s desire to be truly unique. (www.zuber.fr)
