This is the second in our series about trends in textiles and other home design materials. Our first article delivered the goods with amazing insights into new fabric trends for outdoor spaces and a look at environmentally-friendly materials being developed for natural-looking wicker. Take a look at that article if you are interested in learning more about outdoor fabrics, including options for the DIYer. Then, continue reading to see what our team thinks are the big trends to keep an eye on for your bathroom and other indoor spaces. This article goes beyond textiles and talks about tile and other texture-building, and style-enhancing materials.

Textile trends for the bathroom and beyond

We’re surrounded by fabric in our homes, so we thought we’d start by sharing some of our thoughts on textiles for 2017 and 2018. Keep these in mind as you plan your projects for the year.

White is where it’s at. White textiles are back in fashion, and not just as throw pillows or accent pieces. In 2017 and 2018 you’re going to see white used as a pallet that designers will build from.

Texture takes over. Adding texture on top of all that white is going to be the key to keeping things from getting boring. Including metallic fabrics in the mix is a particularly hot new texture-driven trend.

Mixing materials is still, and always will be, in fashion. We’re seeing a lot of new takes on combining contrasting styles and textures. You can see examples of this trend in some of our outdoor furniture collections where we’ve mixed stainless steel, mesh fabrics, and other materials with our signature teak wood.

The top trends

When you think of bathroom design, your mind likely goes to towels, shower curtains, and tile. We’re pretty confident that you didn’t think of wallpaper. But, believe it or not, wallpaper is the next great thing in bathroom technology and design.

We’re not talking about your grandmother’s gold lamay, textured, constantly curling at the edges wallpaper. And we’re definitely not talking about 10-inch wide wallpaper borders that wind images of summer days in the park, fields of daisies, or Texas stars around every wall of the house. What we’ve got to tell you about is all new, and all amazing.

Wallpaper technology

People have been trying to use wallpaper in bathrooms for generations. We saw a lot of it in the 1970s, and it was mostly pretty awful. Unless you were willing and able to spend a fortune and wait a month for installation to be complete, there was just no way to achieve a fashionable look that would last in such a damp environment. Things have certainly changed. Wallpaper tech has come so far that it isn’t uncommon to use wallpaper in the shower. That’s not a typo, and we haven’t fallen off our rockers. We said it: Wallpaper in the the shower!

Wall&deco

The first company to make the leap and create wallpaper that works in wet, harsh environments was Wall&deco. While others are entering the market, they are still the industry leader. And, believe it or not, they started out making wallpaper for exterior walls. Yep, you can wallpaper your entire house if you want. But, we’ll stick to the bathroom for now.

Their Wet System™ is a patent pending technology specifically created for wet environments. By combining beautiful design with a watertight system of primer, adhesive, fibers, and a protective finish, they have achieved something very special. It is an all-in-one system that is accessible for any homeowner who wants to do something special in their bathroom.

Mix and match

Think about mixing and matching wallpaper and textiles. This can seem like a daunting task if you aren’t working with an experienced designer, but if you start with manufacturers who offer both fabric and wallpaper, you’ll be off to a good start. Walker Greenbank PLC, the luxury furnishings company, has five different brands, all with a wide variety of styles, that are sure to make your bathroom design as unique as you are.

• If your style tends toward the traditional, check out Zoffany.
• Style Library should be your first stop for ultra-modern.
• If you are looking for bright, beachy and tropical, look at the Harlequin line.
• For unique heritage style fabric and wallpaper check out Morris & Co.
• Sanderson offers an eclectic mix where you’re sure to find something that perfectly fits your taste.Their Sanderson Home collection offers a more budget-friendly variety of styles.

Trends in tile

Undoubtedly, the most important decision you’ll make in your bathroom, other than which teak accessories and furniture pieces to include, is what tile to choose. You can build an entire design around a tile choice. So here’s a look at our team’s picks for the hottest tile trends for 2017 and 2018.

Fabric look

Porcelain tiles are not only beautiful, they can also mimic the look of just about any other material. The latest style trend is fabric-look porcelain tiles. You can use them on bathroom floors. Or, better yet, use them on the walls as an alternative to wallpaper. Once you start down this road, you may be surprised at the delicate, detailed fabric-like features, bold prints and bright solid colors that you’ll find to choose from.

Cement look tiles

Ceramic tiles are among the most durable tiles available. And the latest trend is cement lookalike tiles. The look can provide an interesting contrast to an otherwise more traditional design. And, we have to admit, our teak bath stools look fabulous sitting on these tiles.

Wood grain

This isn’t a new trend, but it is one that is going to continue for the foreseeable future. The quality, look and feel of wood-grain porcelain tiles make them a timeless choice. And they’ll compliment just about any style from rustic to ultra-modern.

A look at the future of textiles

As we approach the end of our two-part series on textiles and other design materials, we thought we’d add in a little fun and take a look at some of the trends the futurists and prognosticators are forecasting as future trends. We present these trends to you courtesy of Popular Science Magazine.

Interactive walls

Artists and designers alike are experimenting with conductive paints and integrated LEDs to create interactive wallpaper and wall paints.

Color shifting carpets

Would you like a rug that changes color when you walk on it? Well, if things work out, you may have a heat-sensitive, thermochromic ink-coated carpet in your future.

Bio-fabrics

In the near future, you may be able to furnish your home with textiles that are grown in the shape, color, and style you want, rather than woven from man-made or natural fibers.

Thanks for reading

We hope you enjoyed our series on textiles and design materials. While you’re here, don’t forget to shop our unique, high-quality, and exclusive collection of teak bathroom furniture and accessories. And check out our new line of outdoor patio furniture. Thanks for stopping by.