“In Australia and New Zealand we experience a deep connection to our surrounding landscapes, so there is a desire for interior colour palettes that reflect the colours of nature, to allow one to bring elements of the outdoors in. For the past decade, monochromatic, grey-based neutral tones have saturated the market, but now, post-pandemic, we see a return to warmth as people seek comforting colours within their homes.” - Annie Moir, James Dunlop Design Director.

This month we chatted to Annie Moir the James Dunlop Design Director about just how their products have captured the Architectural design market.  “James Dunlop is a textile brand with a rich heritage of over 100 years in New Zealand but our Australian story is still relatively young. In 2011, James Dunlop Textiles acquired Mokum Textiles, because we admired and respected the Mokum Brand and it gave us a direct foothold in the Australian market. For the proceeding few years we focused on all things Mokum and over time organically started to market the James Dunlop brand through this newly acquired channel.”

Not long after this introduction to the Australian landscape- the brand began working with our team at Lovelight, “it began when Lovelight reached out to view our product range. The lovelight team instantly connected with their James Dunlop account manager at the time, Patrick. Lovelight seemed to appreciate our diverse and relevant product offering, and we admired their enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to quality.” 

“In 2012, Australia represented about 25% of James Dunlop’s Australasian ‘home-market’ sales. Now, ten years on, Australia represents our largest market.” says Annie, and we can’t help but notice that this significant growth in market share lines up with the introduction of their best-selling Antipodes range which has been so universally embraced by designers and architects. As Annie describes, “we first launched Antipodes 7 years ago and it remains one of our most successful and most loved products. I think this is because it ticks all the boxes for a residential sheer; Antipodes emulates the appearance of yarn-dyed linen with a predominantly synthetic composition, making it a practical choice in Australia’s harsh environmental conditions.”

For the Architects that Lovelight has the pleasure of working with the curated Antipodes palette offers perfect neutrals; it has a natural linen fleck allowing Antipodes to sit seamlessly within either cool or warm colour schemes. The Barwon Heads House (above) and Walnut House (below) by Adam Kane are prime examples of where this fabric has been used to compliment the clean lines and vaulted ceilings. As Annie describes, “I love the clever use of natural light and open spaces where boundaries blur between indoors and out. I’m a huge fan of interior spaces that focus on texture – in these homes I really appreciate the juxtaposition of raw hard surfaces; where concrete, timber and stone combine with layers of tactile soft furnishings in their choice of upholstery, area rugs and, of course, softly draped James Dunlop sheers which allow dappled light to enter the spaces.” 

So what’s next for the textile manufacturer? Well, Annie told us that the company is working hard to create more sustainable ranges, “the technical advancement of recycled yarn production has led to textiles which are not only more environmentally friendly but also emulate the soft handle of virgin fibres.”

Their new release, Kumo Recycled, is woven in 92% recycled polyester derived from post-consumer PET plastic bottles. “those seeking a high-performance wider-width sheer that is fire retardant, will love how this fabric has also been expertly developed to emulate soft slubby cotton.” Of course, all fifteen shades “referencing Australasian flora and fauna,” will soon be available through the Lovelight sales team.