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Perfect patchwork: the trend taking over interiors
The playful needlework technique has made a welcome return. Here, we highlight the best contemporary pieces...
It’s no coincidence that Liberty has launched The Patchwork Collective (a project that invites artists across the UK to sew a patch each for a giant quilt) at the same time that British designer Max Lamb has reimagined his voluptuous ‘Soft Blob’ seats in patches of hand-sewn leather. Rather, it’s confirmation that patchwork is the latest trend to take the design world by storm. And it’s not just the British institution and the acclaimed designer that are championing the movement, as the following creations prove…
‘Basket Ramnek I’ by Cilla Ramnek for Svenskt Tenn
The contrast between this basket’s bright contemporary colours, which have been hand painted onto birch wood, and the traditional weave pattern is what makes it so appealing. Measuring 40 centimetres in diameter, it is the perfect vessel to store blankets and throws. Approx £460, svenskttenn.com
‘Sertão Seam’ table by Giorgio Bonaguro, Studiotwentyseven
If ever there was proof that patchwork can be subtle, it’s this table by Giorgio Bonaguro. The designer wanted to pay tribute to the ‘wild charm of northeast Brazil’ and its traditional leather craftsmanship, which can be seen in the details of the aniline leather. From £10,775, studiotwentyseven.com
‘Puderrosa’ chair, Pierre Yovanovitch
This charming oak dining chair’s upholstery is a play on röllakan, a traditional weaving technique that is renowned for its folk patterns and enduring quality. Just 15 have been made, each with a different section of a 20th century Swedish tapestry. Price on application, pierreyovanovitch.com
‘Pixie’ side table, Kit Kemp
The ‘Pixie’ is a lesson in how to transform a standard side table into a work of art. Its top has been hand painted with bold, geometric pattern reminiscent of Kit Kemp’s ‘Zig Zag’ – a fabric she designed for Christopher Farr. £600, shop.kitkemp.com
Cushion in ‘Topaasi’, Juslin Maunula
Add a touch of pattern to your sofa with this playful patchwork cushion, which comes in a variety of colour combinations. Made from leftover textile waste, it’s the sustainable way to do patchwork. £74, juslinmaunula.shop
‘Verano’ bedspread, John Lewis & Partners
Patchwork is synonymous with bedding as it has been used to create bedspreads for centuries. For a modern yet comforting take, John Lewis’s linen and cotton blend ‘Verano’ bedspread is a solid choice. £180, johnlewis.com
‘Costa’ fabric, Elitis
Patchwork doesn’t necessarily have to mean multicoloured. Take for example, Elitis’s ‘Costa‘ fabric. It’s comprised of alternating bronze tones and patterns that come together to form a delicate, crafted look. £354 per m, elitis.fr
‘Lud’o’ pouf by Patricia Urquiola for Cappellini
The last addition to the ‘Lud’o’ family of furniture may be small but it’s probably our favourite. The cheerful pouf comes with harlequin-esque slices of coloured upholstery in fixed combinations of fabrics and colours. Price on application cappellini.com
‘Archive Patchwork Tana Lawn Cotton’ fabric, Liberty
No edit of patchwork is complete without Liberty, as the British retailer’s 150 year history is so closely interwoven with the creative movement. This cotton is part of the brand’s ‘Retold’ collection, which champions designs from its archive. £30 per m, libertylondon.com
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