It’s that feeling in the air that signals to us that everything is coming back to life – our spirit, our daily practices, our homes. A spring refresh can be as simple as a new and livelier assortment of textiles in the form of throw pillows, drapes, table linens or bedding in patterns and hues that transport us from the hibernation of winter into the renewal of spring. The patterns we’re enjoying are a maximalist burst of the welcome awakening of the season and the rejuvenation a change of palette can bring.
For the spring 2024 issue of aspire design and home, we enlisted the expert advice of four Archetypes to discuss all things textiles.
Catherine Martin
Oscar-winning designer/ textile designer
“I’ve always admired the way Art Nouveau took organic botanical forms and stylized or formalized them into extraordinary exotic patterns. I think when you are inspired by the past but living in the present, you can’t help but see the period through a contemporary lens. Whether it’s designing for a film or for a fabric and wallcovering collection, it’s about taking historical inspiration and interpreting it so a contemporary audience can connect to what you’re trying to convey. I believe combining old and new gives spaces soul.”
Saana Baker
Textile design consultant & founder of The Textile Eye
“I’m excited about the resurgence of interest in fine handmade items, from indigenous crafts to luxury, artisan-made goods. Every region has its own special textile history and product. I love learning about the specialized techniques and expertise it takes to create these masterpieces, often handed down through generations. Each piece becomes unique, worthy of being kept for years – the antithesis of fast home fashion.”
Breaking Patterns | Illuminating the insight, creativity and power of the female mind, photographer Thandiwe Muriu conveys the experience of being a woman living and working in modern Kenya in her first book, “CAMO.” The immersive photographic journey is an exploration into the perception of culture and beauty and a visual telling of preserving heritage while also moving forward.
Kendall Wilkinson
Interior designer/product designer
“I love the Belle Époque period, also known as the “Beautiful Era,” because there are a lot of warm materials used, like rich velvets, embroidered fabrics and large prints. It is a French classic design, and I am a classicist at heart.”
Rydhima Brar
Principle, R/terior Studio
“Textiles are like the secret spice in a recipe that makes a room come alive. I love incorporating luxurious materials like a good velvet – it adds depth and a tactile sense of luxury and is great for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. And I love Baroques and textured fabrics; they bring a unique story, texture and rich color vibrancy to a space. For me, textiles aren’t just décor, they’re a way to tell a story and add a bit of magic to every corner.”
