In my 30-plus years in retail, I’ve been to a zillion markets. It takes a lot to wow me anymore. But oh my, that’s exactly what happened at the June Showtime Market. Here’s the official description of this fabric market that is a dream-come-true for fabric fanatics like me: “The internationally acclaimed Showtime Market offers the most comprehensive fabric, leather and trim presentations.” My description? Wow. Just, Wow.
Most of those who attend this market are furniture makers. But we carry so much fabric at Nell Hill’s, that we always take a team to see what’s new and which fabrics by the yard we want to add to our collection.
There is so much to tell you about the new trends showcased at market and the amazing designers who are passionate about their fabric collections. Here are my top takeaways:
Performance fabrics are a miracle. Seriously.
If you’ve ever shied away from upholstering your sofa in a light colored neutral because you were sure your kids, pets or husband would destroy it, never fear. Crypton to the rescue! Now you can welcome white, cream – any light color – into your home. Crypton fabric is treated to resist stains and inhibit the growth of bacteria. A customer at Nell Hill’s shared that her daughter took a Sharpie and drew a picture of a house and trees on their sofa. Miraculously, it all came out! We ordered lots of lovely neutrals in this wonder fabric, so if you’re thinking of reupholstering furniture, or getting something new, we will have a lot of great looks to choose from.
Art is inspiring fabrics.
We fell in love with the fabric of Lacefield Designs. Their line of art-inspired textiles was stunning. Their styles have been featured in House Beautiful, Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine and InStyle. And, soon, at Nell Hill’s!
Bohemian naturals stole our hearts.
We were enchanted by the work of Keystone Weaving, with their natural, organic textiles that took neutrals to a whole new level. These texture-rich fabrics seemed as if they would be at home in a Malibu beach house in the ‘70s, perfect for those who like an evolved, retro feel in their interior spaces, or something that reflects nature.
Niche designers are putting their hearts into their lines.
As a small retailer who spends every day working in the store with customers, I really enjoy meeting other interior design entrepreneurs who love what they do. Their enthusiasm about the power of their designs to help people create spaces they love was infectious.
There were so many wonderful design firms we enjoyed talking with, but one that captivated me was Laura & Kiran. I want to tell you more about this remarkable couple and the company they created in a future blog. (Kiran told us he and Laura met in India, and their first date lasted 36 hours. And, their love affair is still going strong today. Sigh!) Look for their gorgeous fabrics, handcrafted in India, at Nell Hill’s soon.
We also enjoyed meeting this designer for the Aquitaine collection, from ILIV Interior Textiles in England. The collection includes toile and floral prints inspired by traditional French patterns. Their fabrics are my go-to when I’m designing drapes for customers – love them!
Green is the new black.
When the designers told us this, they meant fabrics that are eco-friendly. We love that. But we’re also crazy about the color itself. It’s right up there with blue on my short list of color crushes.
Speaking of blue, I adored this print, a fresh look for a classic color combo: blue and white.
Red is showing strong.
Red is getting more and more popular in interior design. I’m glad to have it, and other hot colors, back. We were over the moon about this hot pink and blue fabric, a new interpretation of a traditional Ikat design. I can see this on a chair or pillow.
Renee Riley says
June 18, 2018 at 8:22 amInformative and Inspiring 🙂
Joni Wilson says
June 19, 2018 at 1:15 amI didn’t see a photo of the pink and blue you described in your last paragraph…
Linda L says
June 19, 2018 at 3:15 pmHow exciting! I’m really looking forward to my next visit to Nell Hill’s. Fabric from India always intrigues me and especially their beautiful paisley patterns.
franki says
June 19, 2018 at 8:46 pmFabric designers (and wallpaper designers) are in a class all by themselves!!! Brilliant!! franki
Jackie says
June 20, 2018 at 2:34 pmLove to hear that red is becoming more popular in the color trends. I saw crypton fabrics several years ago and thought it made good sense to have for upholstery. Brilliant idea.
Sherrie Smith says
June 21, 2018 at 4:03 pmLove the fabrics from India! They create fabulous fabrics that last forever. We lived in south India (ages and ages ago!!!) and I STILL have napkins and a couple tablecloths from there. I really love that red one with that little bit of blue. 🙂
Mason Smith says
June 25, 2018 at 12:02 amReally informative, last month I visited a store they have a warehouse with millions of yards of fabric, foam, tools, supplies and more. And the name of that store is Fabric Warehouse.