Style alert: Why boucle is the style you'll keep seeing on The Block

By
Lulu Wilkinson
September 14, 2023

What is boucle and why is it here to stay?

As on trend as it currently is, boucle is actually a very timeless style.

In fact, there’s one iconic figure who traditionally rocked it – fashion icon Coco Chanel. That jacket she always wore with the nubbly type fabric? That’s boucle. Couture Chanel jackets regularly featured the luxe fabric.

“Coco Chanel had this… it’s a classic!” Debra Waller–Pompe, Freedom’s interior designer confirmed.

Outside of the runway, boucle has found its way into our homes and turns out, it’s here to stay for a little while longer.

So, just how can you incorporate this hot look into your space?

The look was used in Steph and Gian's dining room chairs. Photo: Nine

Steph and Gian have used boucle throughout their home, including in their recent living and dining spaces.

That is no surprise. Steph has revealed she is a big fan of layering using both colours and textures, and boucle allows her to deliver a tactile look.

Rachel and Ryan's living room on The Block 2022. Photo: Nine

But as popular as boucle currently is, it’s actually been around for a while. Last year on The Block: Treechange, Rachel and Ryan served up a stunning living and dining space that was full of the hard-working, gorgeous looking fabric.

Boucle is easy to spot once you know what it is. It’s a looped yarn, or the fabric made as a result of that yarn. The loops are similar size, from tiny little circles to larger sized curls, giving a range of different executions.

Kristy and Brett's living room made the most of boucle. Photo: Nine

Steph isn’t the only Blockhead to have leapt on this trend in 2023. Kristy recently admitted to swooping in under Steph to secure this gorgeous boucle couch. The judges loved it – and no wonder.

It was complemented by a larger looped boucle rug, which layered the effect perfectly.

Steph and Gian used boucle in their bedhead. Photo: Nine

But boucle isn’t limited to just chairs and couches. Cushions, bedheads and even throws can all be made using the fabric.

Steph and Gian build a beautiful bed using a boucle bedhead in their studio space. They then added a range of linen and velvet.

“When you layer those natural materials and textures with that minimalistic and functional style of Scandinavian architecture, you get a warm and cosy atmosphere that’s really paired back,” said Steph.

“It allows us to use the space for life’s most meaningful moments.”

Steph and Gian used an outstanding olive occasional chair in their studio too. Photo: Nine

And of course, boucle doesn’t just have to be featured in creams or whites. Steph and Gian used an outstanding olive occasional chair in their studio too.

It gave a welcome pop of colour while staying true to their ‘neutral’ palette, as it is in earthy tones.

Kyle and Leslie used the style in their studio. Photo: Nine

Kyle and Leslie jumped on the trend in their studio pilates zone.

The zen bench is exceptionally inviting.

“Steph and Gian and Kyle and Leslie’s style is right on trend at the moment,” confirmed Deb. “Layering natural textures, very classic.”

Kyle and Leslie also included boucle in their studio bedroom, with the addition of this super luxurious swivel chair in a gentle natural colour.

It’s just ready for someone to sink into!

The trend was used on The Block, even before it was a trend. Photo: Nine

Always on trend (before it’s even a trend), is Georgia. She and Ronnie made Block audiences swoon with their stunning living and dining space in The Block: Fans v Faves.

Throughout the space was, you guessed it, boucle.

Georgia instinctively layered a range of vanilla and white tones to deliver a purely elegant area.

“It’s sophisticated, it’s pared back, yet it’s friendly and inviting,” said Georgia.

A light touch was used by Eliza and Liberty. Photo: Nine

Sometimes all you need is a light touch to start experimenting with a trend to see if it works for you. Eliza and Liberty have used boucle cushions in both their living room and this bedroom.

The gentle nod to the huge trend is the ideal way to get started.

From rugs to soft furnishings, armchairs, couches, bedheads, bolsters, footchairs, ottomans and more… bouclé is a hardworking, textually interesting and visually appealing trend that isn’t going anywhere.

“It’s everywhere,” Deb agreed. “Boucle is here to stay.”

The Block airs Sunday 7.00pm and continues Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on Nine and 9Now. Catch up on all the latest episodes on 9Now.

This article was originally published by Nine.com.au. Reproduced with permission.

The latest from The Block
See The Block listings plus recaps, room reveals and renovating advice.
Visit The Block Hub
Share: