Weekly Design Inspiration: Toile for Today

As with many fashions and trends, what was once considered passe is reinvented and has becomes new again. Such is the case with toile, which has been encompassed by the grandmillennial style. Toile can be taken in so many different directions, whether that be with accessories and accents, fabrics, or even designed in a completely urban way. The delicate pattern is so versatile; there is a way for everyone to make the pattern work for them.

What’s your Accent?

If you’re not ready to fully commit to the look, try incorporating the pattern into small accent pieces that can be easily swapped out. Vases, boxes, and bowls are all great ways to test out the pattern to see how it can work in your home. This also works for you if you have a fairly neutral and minimal palette, as the accent pieces won’t overpower the overall look and feel of the space. If you want to mix and match, see how toile can work with unexpected styles. Boho and toile work together because of the complementary tones and textures. 

Source: House Beautiful

Source: Sarah Tucker

Slip Up!

For those of us who are so into this style, consider using it on an investment piece, like a couch or armchair. Using slipcovers with a cheeky toile is a less expensive way to get the look. Plus, the formality of the slipcover and pleating only adds to the style. Another standout way to incorporate the style is to consider your window coverings. Toile has so often been used as wallpaper, using it as drapery provides a modern touch to the aesthetic.

Source: One Kings Lane

Toile in Harlem

One of the best parts of recurring trends is that someone, somewhere, will find a way to turn the trend on its head. That is exactly what companies like Flavor Paper have done. They have used the basic principles, such as tone on tone colouring and delicate designs, but used scenes that are more familiar to the modern eye than country scenes. No only will people appreciate the humour, but it marries the formality of the old style with the sensibility of the new. 

Source: Aphrochic

Source: Flavor Paper

Design Tip: If you want to fully commit to the grandmillennial style, use patterns and fabrics everywhere. Mix and match stripes, polka dots, and toile. Use pleating, bed skirts, and sham pillows. The beauty of the trend is the excessiveness!