How to Style the Soft Utility Trend

The past couple of years have seen some unexpected trend pairings in the interior design space — think decorative minimalism, refined bohemian and cosy glam. Enter one of our current favourites: soft utilitarian. Borrowing some of our favourite elements of utility style décor, and reimagining them in spaces that feel serene, warm and inviting.  

A perennial favourite, utilitarian and industrial style interiors are known for their bold lines and heavy-duty materials. Between the exposed brick and polished concrete of it all, you’d be forgiven for thinking that utility-inspired décor needs to lean harsh or intense.

 
Thus, soft utility décor was born. Pops of colour and cosy textures invite opportunity for self-expression; there’s plenty of room to make this trend your own. If you’re interested in learning how to style your own soft utility inspired bed, here's the lowdown. 

When pairing pieces together, it’s important to strike a balance between aesthetic influences. Whilst we’re all for print mixing and purposeful colour clashing, we want to avoid the risk of feeling overstimulated. Bedrooms are for relaxing in, after all.

Whether you opt for complementary colours or soft neutrals, colour-blocking is a great way to provide some breathing room. A common theme in the soft utility trend is a neutral base, like our Abbotson Linen collection in flax. Light and soothing, these tones trend away from harshness and lend a calming quality to your space. 

Introducing these hues in larger pieces of bedding like a bed cover or sheet set will help break up your printed pieces and give them room to shine. 

One of the most effective — and literal — ways to soften your utility-inspired bedroom décor is with texture. Relaxed fibres like our Belgian flax linen and cotton chambray bring an inviting, lived-in feeling to your bedding ensemble. 

Decorative additions like cushions and throws are a simple and effective way to introduce pops of contrasting texture. Texture can be introduced through visual cues like the hand-painted florals of our Ilaria cushion, or more tactile finishes like our Ostan cushion or Oncot throw.