In the search for original ideas in the design world, everything old frequently is dusted off and redeemed as new again. This time bold floral patterns and crafted upholstery with buttons are getting yet another go-around on sofas and chairs.
The highly practical and often maligned slipcover is making a comeback too. The new covers are tailored to a custom fit with the latest bold, stylish floral patterns — which can be removed when you tire of them.
Custom slipcovers can be ordered with coordinated design detail to match other furniture pieces in the room’s grouping or stand alone as a warm accent in the room. Hot colors in Indian madras patches is showing up on large ottomans and occasional chairs.
Going the slipcover route “is a very practical choice for some of our customers,” said Michael Butler, designer and manager at Arhaus furniture store in Harbor East in Baltimore. “People concerned about being green can buy a stock sofa and pick out a slipcover for every season if they want.” Butler said.
Shopper Morris Moore says he would consider a slipcover, even one with a bold floral print, but not on something as big as a sofa. “If I found a pattern I really liked I would do upholstery,” he said. But a floral pattern “would have to have the WOW effect and even then I would only put it on a chair.”
On the upholstery scene, Butler said that “tufting is coming back.” It’s re-emerging on sofas and chairs, not just in old formal styles but showing off great contemporary styles and shapes.
“There’s nesting again,” Butler said. “Clean lines and modern are great to look at but not so good for sitting.”
