How Fashion Influences Interior Design

It’s almost that time of year again when New York fashion week takes the world by storm. But have you ever noticed how the styles that monopolize the runway make their way into our homes?

Just think about it, natural fibers first made their appearance in the shape of espadrilles, hats, and baskets on the catwalk but quickly became a staple of the interior design world through the “natural” décor trend (i.e. plant baskets, storage boxes, and wicker chairs). Or take, cottagecore —which started with ruffle hemmed dresses and whimsical fashion trends that soon became a design lifestyle with floral wallpaper and rustic furnishings.

Otre Res Tile by Daltile

What is the difference between fashion design and interior design?

While interior design and fashion design are famously interlinked, there is still a difference to be noted between the two. For instance, fashion design works with textiles and clothing to create an aesthetic style reflective of personality whereas interior design works within your environment to create a functional space through beauty and flow. Some may argue that fashion design is more heavily influenced by cultural and societal developments while modern science and functional architecture hold a larger influence in interior design.

What factors influence interior design?

Design by LISA KOOISTRA Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Culture. 

How does culture influence interior design? Culture is a byproduct of the societies we live in and is translated into design through colors, symbols, and materials. These elements can hold a great deal of meaning for people and influence decision-making when it comes to picking out everything from flooring to paint colors.

Economics.

As evident throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the economy has a huge impact on our home design —not just for budgetary reasons, but in terms of reflecting the current state of the world. For instance, during the 1920s when the economy was booming, design invested in high-end materials such as gold, chrome, and velvet but when the World Wars, struck, homeowners turned to practical and simple finishes like wood. Currently, during pandemic days, the home has become a place of reprieve and refuge, leading a call back to natural elements, spa finishes, and bold infusions of personality.

Sustainability. 

Both fashion and interior design have been heavily influenced by the green movement these past few years, as designers look to use organic, natural materials in their designs to create a final product that’s sustainable in terms of lifetime and carbon footprint.

Trending Now

So what are the current fashion trends making their way into our interior design sphere now? Let’s take a look…

Eyelet Lace 

Design by HIBOU DESIGN + CO Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

We saw eyelet lace become popular, particularly in summer fashion through midi dresses, eyelet embroidered crops, and ruffle shirts. When it comes to this trend in interior design, the eyelet lace transfers to textiles through delicate white carpets, gauzy lace window curtains, and silky white bed linens.

Velvet

Graber Drapes

Velvet adds a touch of luxury without the cost and so it’s no surprise that this fashion trend made its way into our interiors. From crushed velvet pants and vintage velvet button-ups to velvet headboards and couches, it’s safe to say velvet has easily adapted to fashion and home decor.

Green

Design by HIBOU DESIGN + CO Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Green seems to be the color that’s risen out of the ashes of the pandemic, with fashion designers such as Bottega Veneta and Molly Goddard co-opting the color in runway shows with dresses, pantsuits, heels, and purses. Now we’re seeing the color everywhere in design with several paint companies naming a trendy sage green color of the year and interior designers using green liberally through kitchen cabinetry, accent walls, and tiling.  

Denim 

Design by REBECCA HAY Photography by JASON HARTOG

No matter the decade, it seems that the fashion design world always returns to denim. This popular style has made its way into interior design through furnishings like blue area rugs, denim accent pillows, upcycled denim chairs, and textured wallpaper.

The 70s 

Design by TEB INTERIORS Photography by STEPHANI BUCHMAN

This trend, which began on the runway with the rise of fringe and oversized silhouettes, has since transformed living spaces with its textured fabrics, upholstered furnishings, and geometric patterns. Think burnt orange, sunken living rooms, and fun tiling when trying to achieve a 70s vibe.

Don’t let your design inspiration stop here! Check out our latest blog on “Interior Design Trends” and catch up on the latest in flooring and design when you read our summer issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine.