Impressive imprint in print

Sharmila Chand

2016 is the year of an interesting mix of interior trends. From exotic jungle prints to bold industrial style and quirky folk touches, the trends this year are fun and experimental. Colours are psychedelic and interior schemes are full of exotic flavor.

Talking about prints, we have seen a whole lot of ideas from Outdoors to Folk, all set to liven-up our living spaces.

Here, some of the top names in the world of interiors, divulge their opinion on the trending print patterns.

Anand Goenka, Founder and Partner, Lalana, an exclusive fashion brand which offers unique digital printing and enables finest fabric selection, says,  “Prints are high on trend these days. You could use value added fabrics like embroidered or embroidery on jacquard fabrics in muted shades such as beige, taupe, ecru, ivory etc to create a more subtle canvas on which you can play up accents in furniture & accessories. Flowery prints are a great way to add pep & jazz in your home with minimal effort. Hand painted floral fabrics come in a variety of colours & moods. Use patterns that are soft & easy on the eye to make you feel lighter unlike deep colours & bolder patterns that make the space look dense. Stripes are reminiscent of summer breeziness.  You can use stripes in monochromatic or multi-coloured pastel shades as cushions in open areas of your home, or in the balcony or lawn spaces are great to use while you enjoy the summer breeze." 

Large-scale florals, bold digital prints, metallic and eco-friendly fabrics are in vogue, according to Retesh Sharma, Director, Zynna. “Patterns on muted grounds will still stay an evergreen option. Floral patterns though forgotten, may present a unique feel of a home if they are incorporated in a proper manner. Floral designs and textiles are a growing trend, not only in the interior design world, but also in other markets such as fashion. You can also have more fun with your palette by throwing together stripes, florals, hand sketches and geometrics in an array of colours and textures. Natural elements such as warm woods, soft comfortable fabrics, textured tiles that bring dimension and smooth sleek surfaces is the main focus for 2016’s home décor. "

Ramachandra Shastry, Director, Rumors Fine Furnishings believes that bringing plants and living walls to home is the call of the trend this year. Horticulture inspired fabrics and wallpapers are hot this season. Simplicity and nature inspired prints will be a hit this time.'

Traditional & modern chic

“There are customers who adore traditional, but love it more with a touch of restraint. There is a design style that veers more toward a cleaner, more minimalist sensibility. This is for them,” says Tina Roy, Design Head at Urban Ladder. This online furniture and home décor company has launched an exclusive in-house décor collections, ‘India Modern’ and ‘Happy Ink’. It symbolises the unique spin of contrast between centuries of traditions and modern day chaos. ‘India Modern’ brings together two varieties of traditionally inspired home décor: ‘Amer’ and ‘Tree of Life’.  A collection celebrates the revival of India’s rich architectural and design heritage. An interplay of vibrant yellows and deep indigos offset by sober greys, juxtaposes the traditional with the modern.

Vibrant & Bold

Enliven your home with vibrant cushion covers featuring spring summer theme. Floral and Aztec prints on white or an array of tropical colours and patterns can render freshness to the look of the room.

Think green

“For latest trending patterns  in print, it’s botanical all the way,” says Mala Sapra, the Business Owner and Director, ‘Cottons and Satins by Mala’.  “Think green, lots of leaves and foliage and look to nature for inspiration. Botanicals are an extension of the jungle trend we saw in the spring. Encapsulating everything from the large florals to leafy greens, it is the best way to bring the outdoors inside.”

“By incorporating statement pieces in bold colours like yellow and green, you can create a colourful vibe in your home. Use print-on-print wallpaper, couch and cushion plus a lampshade in the same print can make a statement like nothing else. Get experimental with prints,” she adds.

Offbeat & Stylish

There is a plenty of choice for those with an eye for the offbeat, quirky and vibrant prints. While it may remind you of a computer game for kids but check out the Doodle Man and Owl Prowl next time you go shopping for prints. The ‘Doodle Man’ designs use a mix of monochrome patterns and visual textures with bright accents to highlight the playful, spontaneous side of life.

Inspired by the bird of prey, the ‘Owl Prowl’ designs feature assorted prints in vibrant hues. Bold, graphic and unconventional, this collection is ideal to add a pop of colour to any space.

— The writer is a freelance writer