Graphic patterns emerge as key trends in Heimtextil

A rethink of carpets was also depicted: suppliers such as Toucan-T presented PVC, latex and bitumen-free solutions that save around 12,600 tonnes of waste and 70,000 barrels of crude oil per 10,000 tonnes of raw material. The growing trend towards carpet tiles also offers more than just design advantages over rolled goods. This is because the smaller packaging units reduce CO2 values simply by improving transport options.

Textiles and floor coverings that are characterised by their health-promoting aspects were also in demand. Products by exhibitors such as Tecnografica, Cerda Fabrics and Essegomma were odourless, breathable, antibacterial and anti-allergenic. They had sound-absorbing abilities and/or clean the air in the room thanks to their special characteristics. Suppliers such as Höpke are marking the paradigm shift in the elderly and care sector with particularly easy-care and at the same time attractive fabrics.

Interest in sustainable solutions is also growing in digital printing, which was given a new position at Heimtextil. International market leaders such as HP are increasingly developing sustainable alternatives, including latex technologies that can be combined with recyclable materials, as well as a range of water-based inks and odourless prints that are also suitable for hospitals and schools. In terms of design, exhibitors like Mimaki demonstrated their skills in adapting one and the same work of art (Tessa Koops) on canvas, wallpaper and textile.

Suppliers such as AS Création, ATT Rotex, Rasch, Grandeco, Architects Paper and Galerie inspired people to seek out new walls. The looks ranged from industrial and rustic-natural to sophisticated Art Deco, which also fits in well with the unmistakable renaissance of the peacock motif. The very haptic qualities, including wall, stone and plant looks, are and will remain in vogue. Designs from European metropolises, from London club chic to Amsterdam tile styles (AS Design), provide fresh impetus. In the case of motifs, graphic and geometric patterns in particular appeared to replace floral designs. Geometric metallic structures, for example, have an impressive effect. Oversized enlarged dots or plant details such as those to be found at Wallpera and Casadeco pop up in between and look fresh and colourful. Technical innovations can be found among almost all suppliers in the field of fire protection and odourless materials. However, cost-effective roller solutions as an alternative to complex digital printing, for example with Rasch, also ensure movement in the industry.

Exhibitors such as Apelt, Eustergerling, Heco, IFI Design, Saum & Viebahn and Style Library fully exploited the creative strength of decorative textiles at the new Interior Decoration hotspot. As part of impressive presentations, they immersed visitors in different style worlds. In line with the major trends, graphic designs dominated the scene. These range from simple geometric patterns such as diamonds, checks and stripes to complex, multi-coloured optical illusions. The sophisticated mix of different yarns, weaves and materials plays just as important a role as the alternation between translucency and opacity: curtains and blinds exhibit openwork patterns, cut-outs and patina aspects. High-quality ‘patchwork carpets’ give rise to exciting, haptic creations with piles of different heights. Matching sofa and cushion covers are characterised by two-tone mottled and grippy structures.

Intelligent darkening systems such as those from Buchheister not only provide privacy but also become an attractive design element.

Exhibitors such as Lanerossi, Silkeborg Uldspinderi and Zoeppritz presented trends for blankets, cushions and plaids, that is accessories that can be used to give interiors a lift on a seasonal basis. They impressed with wide and very harmonious colour fans. In amongst the pastels that also dominated here, an urban hunting lodge feeling arises with robust brown and khaki shades in combination with bright orange. Fans of the 70s will be pleased with a special novelty: the good old terry cloth has found its way into interior design.

Particular attention was paid by Heimtextil 2019 to sleep as a new lifestyle theme. The various solutions for improving nightly regeneration ranged from hotel beds that can be individually adjusted to suit the guest (GX by Rummel) and smart sleep sensor mats from Withings Sleep to technical materials from space travel at Outlast Technologies. These regulate the temperature during sleep by changing their physical state. Sustainability also moved further into focus. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India