On trend: The huggable fabric that's defying the style odds

Beautiful textured boucle is enjoying a revival, fast becoming a feature in both high-end and suburban homes.

The soft, looped yarn first became popular in the 1940s but has re-emerged with a modern twist in recent years, first on accent furniture pieces such as occasional chairs and ottomans, then appearing on large-scale beds and sofas.

Coco Republic chief executive Anthony Spon-Smith says people love the look and feel of the tactile yarn.

“It’s so timeless and classic,” he says. “The influence of history plays a huge role in the future of design, and we tend to see past trends evolve and take on new relevant forms that speak of the current time.”

The pandemic has accelerated the boucle trend as our homes have become havens as well as home offices for many.

“The revival of boucle is no wonder, with a return to natural, textured fabrics as we all yearn for comfort and warmth in our homes,” says Megan Robinson, founder of Cachet furniture.

“It works so well on the organic, comforting curves we are seeing in furniture profiles today.”

Boucle also lends itself beautifully to the bedroom and pieces that encourage us to nest, rest and recharge, says Heatherly Design founder Georgie Leckey.

“After everything that has happened in the past two years, I think we are all in need of a visual hug, and current bedroom trends are highlighting colours, textures and silhouettes that help create a sense of calm,” she says. “From curved silhouettes to boucle upholstery, there is a rise in comforting designs that engage the senses and enhance the cosiness consumers are craving post-pandemic.”

Light, creamy, neutral tones are proving most popular even for those who may trad

itionally steer away from them for practical reasons.

“My theory is that, as opposed to a flatter structured fabric – like linen – it’s more user-friendly, so people feel more comfortable to use a lighter fabric when they otherwise wouldn’t,” Spon-Smith says.

“There is a misconception that boucle is hard to live with functionally, [however] due to its structure and rigidity it hides imperfections very well.”

Earthy tones, rusty reds and gun-metal greys also lend themselves beautifully to boucle.

“This season we are also loving our deep lapis blue and peachy salmon boucle for those wanting to make more of a statement in their space,” Leckey says.

Boucle as an interiors trend is not expected to fade quickly.

“I think boucle is here to stay … it’s versatile and adds an authentic modern twist,” Robinson says.