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    What Designers Wish They Knew Before Choosing Fabric - and the Colours They’re Betting on for 2026

    December 15, 2025

    by Home Fabrics

    Every designer knows the frustration of a fabric fail — when colours fade, stains refuse to budge, or care routines become overwhelming. We asked five of South Africa’s top decorators to open up about their biggest fabric regrets.

     

    Here’s the twist: two of them had none. Their secret? Choosing performance fabrics like FibreGuard right from the start.

     

    These stories go beyond cautionary tales, they’re real lessons in why the right fabric matters. From tackling stubborn stains in busy family homes to resisting wear in commercial spaces, the decorators shared how FibreGuard helps them create beautiful, lasting interiors. And to top it off, they revealed their colour predictions for the seasons ahead, proving that style and practicality can go hand in hand.
    HF_Article_What Designers Wish They Knew Before Choosing Fabric_Dec2025_Image6

    What makes FibreGuard a game-changer?

    FibreGuard isn’t just for sofas. It’s the fabric that stands up to life’s messes – spills, pets, kids and the everyday hustle – while keeping the look fresh and luxurious. Designers told us how shifting to Decorator's Choice by FibreGuard transformed their projects, enabling them to push boundaries with vibrant colours and bold textures without fear of damage or excessive maintenance.

     

    "If only I knew about FibreGuard when I decorated my own home I would have used it for everything."

    What’s next? The surprising 2026 colour trends you need to know

    While the fabric fails stories were eye-opening, the conversation quickly turned to what’s exciting for 2026. Drawing on insights from Pantone’s Spring/Summer 2026 palette and WGSN’s trend forecasts, decorators revealed the shades they believe will dominate interiors next year – and they might surprise you.

     

    There’s so much more than safe neutrals. While timeless tones continue to anchor many interiors, designers are increasingly embracing richer, moodier colours. Jewel-inspired hues, inky blues, deep forest greens and warm, earthy reds are bringing character and contrast to curated spaces; adding depth without overpowering the room.
    HF_Article_What Designers Wish They Knew Before Choosing Fabric_Dec2025_Image3

    Which colours are decorators loving right now?

    • Moody blues and deep teals: Offering calmness with drama
    • Earthy terracotta and warm reds: Bringing warmth and grounded energy
    • Muted mauves and plums: Sophisticated but unexpected neutrals
    • Jewel-inspired greens: A fresh take on classic forest tones

    • Bright pops of mustard and gold: For a playful yet luxe accent

       

    Pick your colour today!
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    Farnaz & Farnaz Weaves by Nina Campbell 

    These colours, paired with FibreGuard’s durable performance, empower designers to take bolder risks with vibrant fabrics, confident they won’t be stuck with high-maintenance choices. For example, Smooth Horizon by Carlucci embraces moody blues and vibrant hues through flowing gradients and organic shapes, while Farnaz & Farnaz Weaves by Nina Campbell showcases rich, earthy tones and bold patterns that bring warmth and character to any space.

    Why bold colours and FibreGuard are a perfect match

    Bold shades aren’t just for the brave - they’re for the well-informed. With FibreGuard’s advanced stain resistance and colourfast technology, designers can confidently specify vibrant hues that stay striking, even in high-traffic spaces.

     

    How will you embrace colour in 2026?

    Fabric choices can make or break a project, and hearing from decorators about their challenges and how FibreGuard saved the day is both a lesson and an inspiration. As we head into 2026, it’s clear that performance fabrics and bold colour palettes will go hand in hand, opening up exciting new possibilities for interiors that are as resilient as they are beautiful.
    HF_Article_What Designers Wish They Knew Before Choosing Fabric_Dec2025_ImageFarnaz

    Shop the look

    Here are some of our favourite fabrics featured in this article, and where you can buy them.

    Farnaz Weaves Fabric Collection
    HFArticleWhat Designers Wish They Knew Before Choosing FabricDec2025ImageGrit from Decorators Choi

    Shop the look

    Here are some of our favourite fabrics featured in this article, and where you can buy them.

    Grit from Decorator's Choice by FibreGuard
    HFArticleWhat Designers Wish They Knew Before Choosing FabricDec2025ImageSmooth Horizon by Carlucc

    Shop the look

    Here are some of our favourite fabrics featured in this article, and where you can buy them.

    Smooth Horizon by Carlucci