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Transferable Indoor-Outdoor Living Trends

Diverse textures, weave constructions, and finishes are generally associated with interior furnishings. Selecting from an extensive range to curate a specific style and tactile experiences that elevate the comfort and atmosphere of an interior is commonly offered by textiles’ wholesalers. At Zepel, we have recognised another demand unique to fabric design. 

In Australia and New Zealand, our warm climates and open living areas that connect to the outdoors have created the desire for more textures and patterns to be available in outdoor fabrics. Specifically, it’s our passion for patio entertainment and creating seamless styling between these areas through complementary furnishings that’s a current trend. We investigated this topic with Product Developer, Jannah Stevens, to discuss outdoor design trends, and how they transition to interior schemes effortlessly while still retaining the tactility, diversity, and comfort of interior fabrics. 

Colour trends in adjoining interior & exterior spaces

Neutral and warm, spiced hues are still as popular as ever, and are making a great appearance in outdoor fabric design. Chocolate, rust, terracotta, nougat, sandstone, charcoal, and indigo are the signature shades colliding with interior colour schemes this season. Jannah notes, “layering shades of similar neutral tones reflecting a gradient scale is an elegant and sophisticated way to create interest in adjoining spaces without committing to bold shades that may date quickly.” This scheme connects interior and outdoor spaces with simplicity and complements relaxed styling. Fabrics with multiple flecks of these shades such as Aquatic by FibreGuard Outdoor work seamlessly within these areas and add a decorative element against plains. 

Images sourced from Pinterest.

Images sourced from Pinterest.

Aligning textures, weave constructions & patterns in interior & exterior spaces 

Rich textures typically associated with interiors such as bouclé’s, basket, dobby weaves, jacquards, and yarn dyed constructions are gaining traction in outdoor fabrics and bring that familiar living room comfort outside. Jannah notes that “these traditional weave types that are specifically engineered for outdoor environments, prioritise a luxurious hand feel and robust texture, and so closely resemble interior furnishings that it’s difficult to differentiate between the two. Due to this similarity in look and feel, current outdoor fabric designs can be selected for interior schemes, and when styling across multiple interior and exterior spaces create ease of design continuity.” 

Bold patterns such as the classic stripe, checks, and abstract striated designs are very popular and are making regular appearances in multiple outdoor collections. These classic patterns have a noticeably contemporary twist, be that through the weave construction and finish, or surprising colour and stitch work. 

Images sourced from Pinterest, AD France & Gubi.

Images sourced from Pinterest, AD France & Gubi.

Trending colour scheme 

Inky blues such as cobalt, indigo, and ultramarine are popular shades this season, and when coupled with the stripe in various iterations creates a traditional yet maximalist look. Jannah’s recommendation is pairing “textural plains like bouclé Kira and chunky weave Ohana, which are a part of our FibreGuard Outdoor range, with complex stripe designs.” The Amalfi Collection by Casamance presents a suite of decorative stripes that complement and elevate plain weaves with their contemporary iterations of abstract lines, stitch work patterns, and embellished broad stripes. 

Across our multiple outdoor collections by Casamance, Fischabcher 1819, and new additions to our FibreGuard Outdoor range, there is incredible scope to curate schemes with unique decorative and beautifully constructed high-performance fabrics. Importantly, all of these designs which are engineered with outdoor properties, can be applied to living spaces to create seamless styling. 

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Specifying Outdoor Fabrics for Hospitality

Trends & Inspiration

Coined by the Italians, Al Fresco meaning ‘in the fresh air,’ is defined as casual dining in an open-air setting. Australia’s warm climate, vibrant cities, and avid café culture have adopted this loved European tradition through the hospitality industry.