Travel-Inspired Interiors
Whether it’s the geometric patterns of Morocco, the vibrant colours of India or the warm tones of Africa, ethnic fabric is always popular. It’s a form of escapism through interior design, a way to keep hold of those incredible travel memories or embrace the cultures of those you are yet to visit.
Ethnic Fabric Colourways, from Neutral to Bold
I’m sure when most people think of ethnic style they envision bright, deep, warm tones in every colour imaginable! And whilst this works if you’re brave enough to try, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Ethnic fabric can work equally well with a calm, neutral colour palette.
One of the most beautiful and simple ways of bringing a bit of ethnic chic to your interiors is by keeping the walls a crisp white, with a relaxed neutral linen or cotton for blinds and curtains, warmer tones for cushions and an ethnic upholstery fabric for the furniture.
For bold colour-lovers, combining a hot pink with burnt oranges and browns can look exotic and exciting. Or make a statement in a kitchen or bathroom with deep blue and turquoise Moroccan tiles.
Use Pattern to Bring an Authentic Feel
Whether you take your inspiration from Africa, Asia or South America, pattern is key. Ethnic fabrics feature strong, detailed patterns that are incredibly beautiful in both bold and neutral tones.
If you’re fortunate enough to travel, a great way to build this style is to pick a unique piece and work around it. Or, if you’re staying closer to home, our showrooms hold some lovely pattern books by Malabar, who produce beautiful hand-woven ethnic fabric.
Mixing and matching the fabrics on your upholstery and cushions with complementary wall tapestries and rugs will pull your scheme together. Our stunning fabric, Cusco, is a great ikat design which looks fabulous as a feature footstool. Or, for a more subtle take on the ethnic style, our quirky Elephants Clarke fabric is perfect for curtains.
Accessorise for Ethnic Chic Style
When drawing on global interior design ideas, accessories can really bring a scheme to life. Souvenirs collected on your travels will add an authentic feel, but there are lots of ways to add ethnic style to your home without affecting your carbon footprint.
For a cosy feel, think about creating a subtle glow with intricate Moroccan lanterns, layer rugs and floor cushions in ethnic fabrics and add texture with clay pottery and traditional metal trays. Adorn your bathroom or bedroom walls with mirrors in distressed brass or pewter, or for a striking feature, turn a woven ethnic fabric into a hanging wall tapestry.
Picking the Right Pieces
Ethnic chic calls for a relaxed, informal feel, so choose laid-back pieces and keep furniture low to the ground - think floor cushions, low coffee tables, footstools and futon-style beds.
If you’re on a budget, updating your existing furniture is easy. Distressing wooden furniture and covering sofas, chairs and footstools in an ethnic upholstery fabric will really transform the space.
