Call it the backlash to beige. If you feel you've been mired in minimalism for too long, you'll be delighted to know big, punchy fabrics are all the rage in home decor. From bedding to curtains, armchairs to settees, homeowners, apartment dwellers and design specialists are opting for bold, bright colours instead of subtle patterns. Flowers, fruit, wide stripes, zany abstracts - there's no limit to the size of the print or the vividness of the hue. The trend is evident at fabric and furnishing houses ranging from high-end European labels to mid-tier interior and accessory companies. Finland-based Marimekko ( www.marimekko.com ) is known for its brilliant prints, and its winter collection doesn't disappoint. Its 100 per cent cotton bedlinen range includes a verdant leafy print (right) and one featuring primary-coloured trucks and buses for young fans of the brand. Also popular are oval designs in earthy colours and, for a festive touch, gold-leaf prints on deep red (right). German design duo Gabriel & Schwan ( www.gabriel-schwan.de ) offer fabrics that can be used for upholstery, curtains and bedding. An intriguing 3D line, featuring massive floral and other nature-inspired prints, comes in shades such as grass green and rose pink imprinted on white. Ikea ( www.ikea.com.hk ), known for its subdued fabrics, has gone bold with big prints (check out the black-and-white Lillberg armchair and the eye-popping Hedda cushion cover). US-based furniture and fashion chain Anthropologie ( www.anthropologie . com) has pink and orange butterflies emblazoned on off-white ottomans. And brands such as Calico Corners ( www.calicocorners.com ) have table coverings made from floor-sweeping fabrics in block prints and upright armchairs in brilliant turquoise with a peacock feather design.
