A SECTORAL INTERVIEW WITH ACADEMICAN, TEXTILE ENGINEER DIDEM ACAY BAYKAL ABOUT HOME TEXTILES AND HOMETEX
What will we see in home textile trends next season?
Ecological and economic changes in the world directly affect the textile sector. Negativities such as excess water and energy consumption, chemical use, waste production, excess land use are among the damages caused by textiles to nature. However, the increase in awareness, sustainability initiatives and innovative approaches in the sector in recent years signal that these effects will be reduced and more environmentally friendly structuring will be introduced. We can predict that a path will be taken in this direction regarding home textile trends in the next period.
With the increase in environmental awareness, natural and recyclable materials will be used more. Sustainable materials and fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, lyocell and recycled materials will become even more popular. Again, materials and production techniques that will cause the least harm to nature will be preferred in the production process. Production techniques and fabrics that will use energy and water and natural resources in a controlled and minimal way will be preferred.
Colors vary every year, but in recent years, we see that colors that we can use for long years are preferred and there is the comeback of natural colors. Natural color palettes and patterns, soil and green tones, natural stone colors and textures, soft pastel tones that create a peaceful atmosphere will be used.
In fabric patterns, simpler and plain designs will be seen in large objects, while larger patterns, colorful and eye-catching designs will be seen in complementary and decorative products.
Craftsmanship and traditional weaving techniques will be used more to provide a unique and personal touch. As a rising trend, handmade products and “customized” original designs that reflect personal styles will be seen more.
Textile products compatible with smart home technologies will be prominent. For example, technological innovations such as temperature regulating, self-cleaning, dirt and stain resistant fabrics will be more involved in home textile. Again, designs made using AI will combine with technological software to increase presentations and shows in the digital environment.
Soft textured fabrics such as plush and velvet, coarse fabrics woven/knitted from coarse textured and fancy yarns will be more preferred to offer a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Seat covers and soft cushions will both be a part of intimate decoration and also provide comfort.
Considering Türkiye’s position in home textiles, what do you think is the most valuable feature that distinguishes it from its competitors in the world?
The textile sector in Türkiye has a very deep-rooted history. In many cities, dealing with textiles has become a family tradition that has been passed down for generations... This enables us to reach high experience and expertise in both traditional and modern production in the textile sector. The fact that we have a wide range of products, both raw materials and finished products, also increases our competitiveness in the world market.
Although our enterprises have difficulty in establishing a cost balance in changing economic conditions in recent years, they continue to maintain their position in the world market by following technology and innovations, competence of the personnel and competitive marketing methods.
On the other hand, Türkiye’s geographical location and physical conditions allow rapid access to all markets in terms of both imports and exports, which allows it to play a fast and effective role. And of course, as Turkish people, our practical thinking ability and solution-oriented way of doing business take us one step ahead of our competitors in the world.
What are the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of designing in the field of home textiles?
I am not a designer; I am a textile engineer. However, since I have been working in the field of design for many years, I have had the opportunity to make many observations. Imagining and designing a product from scratch is a very enjoyable process for designers in all fields of textile, but the designer needs to maintain their productivity, constantly renew and improve oneself. This is possible by seeing, traveling, learning and experiencing. The designer can continue to do good work as long as they can continue to feed oneself, and I believe that it is necessary to support all designers in this regard.
The most beautiful thing about home textiles is that there is a great variety of products. We can see upholstery fabrics, drapery fabrics, floor textiles, bathroom and kitchen textiles, tablecloths and accessories, bedroom textiles, living room textiles and many more types of fabric under this umbrella.
The most enjoyable part of the work must be to imagine and produce designs that will make the users comfortable in living spaces, reflect the character of the space and people, and add value to the space/person by using pattern and color variations, yarn and material variations and technological innovations, and by reading the trends accurately.
But of course, we cannot see everything through rose-colored glasses; while shaping all this process, it is necessary to consider the material, cost, quality, deadline, expectations of the target market, quality assurance tests and many other criteria and to draw the roadmap accordingly. We can say that these are the challenges that restrict the designers.
What feature of HOMETEX do you think makes it stand out among other fairs?
HOMETEX is the only and largest home textile fair in Türkiye. I think it deserves this with the number of participants and visitors. Türkiye’s leading manufacturers as well as medium and small-scale producers who want to display their products and open up to new markets have the opportunity to establish the connections they want at this fair.
Designers have the opportunity to compare their own collections with the collections of competitors or companies they follow, to learn about the sector and future trends by visiting trend areas and following the seminars.
I think that the HOMETEX fair is on its way to becoming a fair with a similar setup and saturation to the large-scale home textile fairs held around the world. I am sure that the more we attach importance to design and designer, innovative ideas and innovations as well as technological developments, the more difference we will make and will achieve better export figures as a country.
What do you think are the important points that will inspire young designers and what are your suggestions for young designers to be?
My biggest advice to young designers will be to constantly improve themselves by keeping their eyes and ears open.
I suggest them to continuously follow fairs, exhibitions, museums, art events, shows, seminars on textiles, online trainings inside and outside Türkiye, to get to know different cultures and sociological structures, learn languages, experience the entire process of a fabric from beginning to end in factories and try to see the whole story. They should not lock themselves up in design offices, saying this is not their job. No matter how talented you are, it is not possible to be successful in textile without knowing the fiber, yarn, production process, dyeing, quality control, apparel, analyzing the expectations of the consumer, doing the right market research and knowing how to use technology. If they work accordingly and in a planned manner, I have no doubt that they will make very rapid progress.
