Velvet Dream

'Circus Pouf', Normann Copenhagen

Last year, velvet started to be more and more present in fashion and design. Heretofore, most of us would probably associate velvet with an image of quilted, often heavy furniture or stylized space in lofty tone. Today, velvet upholstery is applied on modern, light furniture, making it look elegant and stylish. Velvet is also used for curtains, carpets or wall coverings but you can find a velvet-like paint too.

I love the juxtapose of this soft, plush material and contrasting elements, for example, in stone or metal. Due to dense texture and pragmatic reasons, velvet furniture and accessories are prefered in single pieces, however, there are some spectacular examples of spaces, where designers didn’t spare velvet.

Jil Sander Store in Berlin, Andrea Tognon, Photographer: Jan Kapitän / Büro Bum Bum

 

'Accordion Wall', Gio Ponti

'RD Sofa - Half', Douglas and Bec

India Mahdavi handles velvet with virtuosi, applying it not only on furniture but also on interior design elements. Designed by Mahdavi, RED Valentino stores, for instance, are filled up with pink and yellow velvet. Velvet decorative wall panels and furniture, together with brush brass elements and white backdrop make the ambient warm, playful, dreamy and elegant, at the same time.

RED Valentino Store in Rome, India Mahdavi

 

RED Valentino Store in London, India Mahdavi

The Happy Room for Fendi at Design Miami, Cristina Celestino, Photographer: Mattia Balsamini

Very contrasting, yet spectacular example of space with domination of velvet, is the latest interior design by Gamfratesi – Flora Danica and Copenhague in Parisian La Maison du Danemark. On the ground floor we are enveloped in soft turquoise and gray tones, first floor, on the contrary, is filled up with dark and navy blue tones. Both spaces are sophisticated and beautifully balanced.

          

Maison du Danemark in Paris, GUBI and GamFratesi, Photographer: Heidi Lerkendfeldt

'Fly Topan', &tradition

 'Mayor Sofa and Flowerpot Lamp', &tradition

'Nakki' Mika Tolvanen for WOUD

Corner of Apparatus Studio, Image: Apparatus Studio

Soft and tactile, velvet fosters sense of comfort and adds elegance. I wonder how strong velvet trend will be and what imprints it’s going to leave in interior design. What are your thoughts?

Text: Joanna Banach