Our Fabrics

Here at Whitemeadow we look forward to the annual trip to Brussels to one of the major trade shows in our calendar, MoOD. Visiting rather than exhibiting, this trip is often a catalyst for the new fabric trends to make their way into our ranges.

This year saw the show move from its long standing home to a new, fresh environment. Having had a quick google as to what we could expect, it was safe to say that we were slightly wary of the so called ‘sheds’. Arriving at the show we were pleasantly surprised. Apart from being slightly warm (the air-con was broken and Brussels was experiencing a heat wave), the halls were light and airy allowing the fabrics to be showcased to their best potential.

Walking around the show the stands were smaller than before but it didn’t mean that the offerings were limited, from your basic plain fabrics to sumptuous velvets, there was plenty to explore. It became clear that digital printing onto all types of fabrics was something that a lot of suppliers for the upholstery sector are experimenting with, achieving varying degrees of success. Some of the most interesting we saw are pictured below.

We also saw a resurgence in more natural looking fabrics. Chunky plains with the desired natural look but the performance characteristics of synthetics. These were often paired with accent fabrics covered in plant and flower motifs, a trend that has worked its way into the interior market from women’s fashion.

Whitemeadow source fabrics from all corners of the world which means it can sometimes be difficult to see all fabrics when they are still new. Having the majority of our main suppliers under one roof means that we can contrast and compare and choose the best fabrics for any projects we are working on. It also gives us the opportunity to find brand new suppliers that we may not have seen before enabling us to offer our customers something new and exciting.

Overall, an interesting show with some lovely new fabrics which we hope to present to you very soon. See you again next year MoOD.

To celebrate National Bed Month this March, we're taking a look at what will be popular in the world of bedroom interiors this year, and how you can offer your customers the look they want.

All is Quiet, all is Calm

Bedrooms are more than just a place to sleep, they are our sanctuaries, a place to relax and switch off from the busy world outside. Never more so have consumers yearned for a calm and nurturing space from their bedrooms, and with Dulux releasing their soothing colour of the year- Heart Wood, you can expect to see an increase in demand for bedding, lighting and accessories that reflect this need for rest and quietude. With that in mind, our designers have worked on bed frame designs that will appeal to consumers looking for exactly this. The Milan bed frame offers an intelligently designed frame and interior, so it feels and appears as the epitome of comfort, a pillow. Minimal use of timber on the headboard and a flange edge creates a fresh, soft and luxurious look and feel. And new for this year is the Dolly fabric in Cream, just to add to the cosiness of the look!

A Lust for Luxury

We have certainly seen a significant increase in the demand for upholstered bed frames in velvet fabrics over the past couple of seasons, and 2018 will be no different. The consumer’s desire for a decadent and super-luxe look shows no sign of abating, and there is now a strong move towards display models made up in velvets. These fabrics cross over to many styles, from traditional styles such as the Kensington (below) to the contemporary Brixton.

Beautiful Botanicals

The botanical interiors theme has been gaining pace throughout the home recently and 2018 looks to be the year it reaches our bedrooms too! We noticed at the January Furniture Show a significant amount of botanical inspired interiors and fabrics that were used on everything from sofas, bed frames and chairs to curtains and rugs. To introduce this look in store, try a display model made up in a botanical inspired fabric such as the Stockholm in Marinello Olive.

Due North

The Scandi trend is one that has been around for a while, but with so many ways to use this style it is one that is set to stay popular.  Inspired by this look and with a tasteful nod to the contemporary, Southbank was released mid 2017 and is gaining momentum on shop floors.   The model features the unique blend of smooth woven fabric for the frame and headboard, mixed with the quilted version of the same fabric for a strong, on trend look.

Jewel in the Crown

For a contemporary twist, and to add a bit of drama to a room, consumers this year will also look towards adding rich tones such as emerald and sapphire to their colour palettes. One model that stood out from the crowd at the January Furniture Show for us was the Ellen bed, displayed in the new Lumino Turquoise fabric. This looks set to be a top seller and many customers have ordered it the stunning jewel tone it was display in.

To view our full range of upholstered bed frames, log in or sign up for a trade account, exclusive for Whitemeadow customers.

When it comes to interior design, fashionable trends can come and go in the blink of an eye. Although the world of interior design moves fast, some trends are more than temporary phases.

They influence the way people see their perfect home, giving people the vision and products that will play an important role in their living spaces for years to come. At Whitemeadow, we manufacture a huge variety of product styles, giving you unrivalled choice and the chance to give your customers the exact piece they need to finish their look.

To help keep you in the loop, here’s our guide to which 2018 interior design trends to watch out for:

Blue Tones

Ever since Dulux announced Denim Drift as their colour of the year in 2017, blue tones have been sweeping through the design world. And it’s set to continue in 2018.

Denim Drift is a versatile grey-blue colour that takes on different characteristics depending on how it’s used. It’s influenced endless combinations between bolder, striking colours and muted, lighter shades of blue, creating interesting balances of colour throughout the room.

With this colour trend, blue furniture is a must-have for your customers. Whether your customers use a vibrant or bold centerpiece or subtler shades for a more understated look, blue tones are guaranteed to match their dream design.

To see for yourself how we are using blue tones in 2018, be sure to pop over to the Whitemeadow stand where we will exhibiting our brand new models in the latest fabrics.

Bring the outdoors inside

One trend that isn’t going anywhere this year is to bring the outdoors inside.

With elements of nature and potted plants (or even faux plants, for those that don't possess green fingers) throughout the room, this trend is a fantastic way of bringing new life into your home.

To really set the design off, sofas in sumptuous browns or rich emerald tones make the perfect focal point in this trend, like the Haddon, above, in Holm Olive. Complementing the plants, these colours will really tie together the nature theme of the room which your customers won’t be able to resist. The botanical theme will be playing a large part in our stand at the January Furniture Show later this moth, so be sure to come along!

Velvet

As vintage styles find their way into the design world, velvet upholstery is making a big comeback.

Velvet is a unique fabric that gives colours a rich and textured tone you can’t get anywhere else. Paired with warm colours such as burnt orange or deep cranberry, velvet upholstery provides texture, warmth and comfort with a luxurious feeling.

Adding an extra bit of glitz and glamour to the room, this trend will continue to rise in popularity throughout 2018. Discover how we are using exquisite new velvets with our new upholstery and bed collections at the January Furniture show later this month.

Textures

Textures make rooms feel more alive. Shying away from the cold minimalist look, textures help to convey elements of cosiness, warmth and depth, making them perfect for the winter months.

Although velvet is a popular choice, textures are shown through a rise in leather, suede and classic diamond buttoning in upholstery.

Houndstooth

Houndstooth has been a hot trend on the cat walks and high streets in recent seasons, and we see no sign of that changing any time soon! The heritage-inspired print has appeared everywhere from skirts and shoes to curtains and cushions, but we believe our Enzo sofa collection in houndstooth makes an eye-catching and super-stylish addition to any home. The print adds depth, giving the illusion of a bigger space, so is great for large and small rooms alike. If black and white is too overwhelming for your customer, steer them in the direction of the more neutral houndstooth fabric colours such as stone or grey. It also has the ability to compliment many colours, making it an extremely versatile print.

For more details, visit our stand at the January Furniture show where the Enzo will be showcased.

At Whitemeadow, our products are ever changing and evolving. We not only keep up-to-date with current design trends, but help shape them by staying one step ahead. We give your business the latest trends with high-quality British made products, providing you with only the best for your customers. Make sure you visit the Whitemeadow upholstery and bed stands at the January Furniture Show 2018 ( Hall 1 F40 & G21) to see some of these trends brought to life!