Simplicity and sans fuss - that's the aesthetic appeal of minimalism. The patternless, unprinted trend continues to take the design world by storm. And luxury fashion brands are even moving the minimalist look from the ready-to-wear collection to home and interiors. Following the news of Calvin Klein Home's 20th anniversary line, the parred back bedding and rug pieces had us thinking: Where could we source minimal textiles and fabrics for the home?
Kyoto
The southern part of Kyoto prefecture, which includes Kizugawa City, is famous for being the oldest manufacturer of cotton, hemp and spun rayon fabrics in Japan. And this is where you'll find textile firm, Kyoto Kizuna (KK).
KK is a complete producer of eco-friendly textiles and interior decoration products. Since the 1890s, the firm has been manufacturing woven Fusuma paper made from natural materials such as cotton and hemp. Rayon yarn was introduced soon after and continued beyond WWII, before the Sixties saw Kyoto delve into wall coverings made with cellulosic fiber textiles, using different yarns with varying textures, shapes, thickness and color.
Today, Kyoto employs a big digital printer to create new warp products and ribbon embroideries. It's the perfect melange of old tradition with new technology.
Because the interior textiles are made from natural materials, each fabric is breathable, and can absorb and release moisture. They have the ability to adjust the density of moisture in a room, preventing the occurrence of mould and mildew.
All Kyoto fabrics are bio-degradable when buried in the earth as waste, and do not release any toxic gas in the atmosphere when burned. Available on Le Souk, the camel-colored wall covering in hemp yarn is an earthy choice for the minimal home.
Meanwhile, the foggy grey wallpaper in pure rayon is an essential covering for the more urban home. Just pick a color and go wild.
Silk-Co
Established in 1993, Silk-Co is a young, pioneering entrant to the Lake Como silk sector established for centuries in Italy. Ideal for the modern home designer, Silk-Co designs and realises two collections each year - one for summer and one for winter - in accordance with the latest interiors trends, minimalism included.
In maintaining the parred-back aesthetic, certain Made In Italy fabrics in the firm's most recent collection feature jacquard properties for exquisite texture and maximum visual interest.
Popular among local designers as well as abroad, Silk-Co sells some 40% its fabrics in Italy domestic, with 60% of their fabrics sold worldwide through different sales network.
As well as pure silks, Silk-Co offers polyester-based crepe satins and Odalisca fabrics, which offer that luxurious finish for interior pieces. And the best part for minimalists? The floaty textiles come in a range of colors, without busy patterns and prints.
The home should be calming, and with minimalism, such an ambience is guaranteed.