Trimmings are back on trend – and these are the latest collections

Trimmings are back with a bang. Recently, there has been a shift within the interiors world moving towards a more decorative and layered approach to decor, one that celebrates thoughtful purchasing, personality and eclectic finishing touches. 

With that in mind, it’s perhaps unsurprising that there has been a rise in the demand for trimmings to adorn curtains, cushions, furniture and more, each adding a fanciful layer that feels tailored to the individual. Trimmings – or passementerie, as the French call it – allows us to express ourselves as simply, or as kitsch as we like. 

There are tremendous new offerings from Villa Nova, Neisha Crosland for Schumacher and Samuel & Sons. Here, we take a look at them, plus ways to use trimmings in your home. 

See: Interior design trends – top looks for the year ahead

Use trimmings to add interest to window dressings

British fabric house Villa Nova, known for its versatile textiles and wall-coverings, has introduced its first collection of trimmings (above and below) to its extensive existing range of contemporary textiles. 

This essential collection features decorative and embroidered braids, elegant fringes, exquisite tie backs, playful pom-poms and a simple key tassel.

The launch feels rather timely, as many of us are paying more attention to the finer details within our homes. ‘We have been working on this for a while now and wanted it to be a comprehensive and useful range of products,’ says Hayley McAfee, Design Director for Villa Nova.  

See: Country curtain ideas – window dressings for rural properties

The collection has been designed to work with the brands existing ranges, Hayley notes ‘We have produced a color palette of cotton trimmings that sit wonderfully with our printed products and our huge library of plains’. 

The trimmings range comprises of three distinct looks; ‘rustic and neutral’, ‘colorful cottons’ and ‘opulent and glitzy’ these trimmings have been designed to add a layer of individuality and a sense of whimsy to an interior. 

Add detailing to cushions with trimmings

Renowned British surface pattern designer, Neisha Crosland has created a collection of braids and tapes for American design house Schumacher. Espalier is Neisha’s first collection of printed fabrics, textured wall-coverings and coordinating trimmings for the American design firm. 

See: 5 tips for choosing the best upholstery fabrics – from interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch

The Neisha Crosland trimmings collection (above) consists of five different styles; Arcure Ripple Tape, Obi Tape, Topaki Stripe Tape, Topaki Stripe Tape Wide and Tuft Braid. Neisha’s inspiration for the collection spans continents and mediums and her artist’s eye makes for a collection that offers familiarity yet individuality. 

Dara Caponigro, Creative Director for Schumacher, comments on the collaboration ‘You can always see Neisha’s stamp on something, and that singularity is what drew us to her. Once you’re a fan, you’re a fan for life and I think our customers will love how the collection is cool but utterly disarming at the same time. That’s a rare combination’.

Founded more than three quarters of a century ago, Samuel & Sons knows a thing or two about trimmings. The brand has long been a coveted source for designers and architects in search of all things passementerie and this spring they are launching three new collections to add to its selection of over 15,000 trimmings (see above).

Samuel & Sons worked with Roger Thomas, Executive Vice President of Design for Wynn Resorts, on the luxurious Venezia collection (above). The patterns are interpretations of Roger’s sketches depicting details that inspired him while wandering through the churches, palaces, galleries and Biennale exhibitions near his home in Venice. 

Roger wanted the collection to 'express the delight and atmosphere of this most decorated and joyous city and the chimera of my memories reflected in its storied waters.'

The Donato and Galeazze Appliques from the Venezia Collection are a unique construction to this collection, they provide great diversity and add intrigue to even the simplest of cushions. 

Oceania (above) is a new embroidered trimmings range from Samuel & Sons that really brings the holiday vibes home. The designs depict stylised waves, vivid coral and patterns in the sand. 

Inspired by the tranquility of the Pacific Ocean and the sea life around the Hawaii Islands, the collection will deliver the beach-life look to your interiors.    

The Treillage collection was inspired by treille, architectural lattice work. There are three designs within the Samuel & Sons collection; an embroidered border, a lattice border and a cord. The designs feature a fresh garden palette with shades of emeralds, navy, Wedgwood and ivory.

Explore Villa Nova, Schumacher and Samuel & Sons trimming collections online – or at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London, SW10 0XE.