In the ever-evolving world of residential interiors, colour is far more than a visual choice, it is an emotional, tactile, and experiential tool. Few understand this interplay better than Kimberle Frost, Director of Merchandising at Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics, the residential-facing brand identity of Ultrafabrics, launched earlier this year to meet the needs of modern living spaces. With over three decades of experience spanning textile design, colour forecasting, and material innovation, Kimberle has shaped a philosophy where beauty, durability, and responsibility coexist seamlessly.
© Kimberle Frost
"Over the last 30+ years, I've moved between studios and manufacturing environments," Kimberle explains. "That blend taught me to think not just about how colour looks, but how it feels in a space, and how it performs over time, under real light, with real use." At Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics, this marriage of creativity and technical rigour is at the heart of every collection, a joy Kimberle describes as both her craft and her calling.
The brand's approach to colour begins with the tactile experience. "Performance materials should never ask people to compromise on beauty," Kimberle notes. "We start with how a material lives in a home, how it sits alongside wood, stone, metal, paint, and daylight." From there, colour is reverse-engineered to complement the material's hand and structure. The result is a palette with depth, softness, and nuance, a story told on the surface itself, while durability quietly works in the background.
© Ultraleather
Ultraleather.
In Europe and beyond, Kimberle observes a distinct shift toward grounded, nature-inspired palettes. Chalky whites, limestone, sand, muted terracotta, forest and olive greens, and deep inky blues dominate interiors. These colours are restorative and versatile, pairing beautifully with textured materials and natural finishes. "The overall shift is toward palettes that feel calm and human, not glossy or overly processed," she says, emphasising the emotional resonance of well-chosen colour.
For designers hesitant about bold choices, Kimberle offers a reassuring mantra: "There are no colour mistakes." Exploration and context are key, view colours in morning, afternoon, and artificial light; feel the texture; juxtapose shades. Colour is relational, she insists, and the most compelling interiors come from intuition, testing, and iterative design rather than rigid rules.
© Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics
Volar Bio Collection.
Texture and colour are inseparable in Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics' work. On supple surfaces, muted tones gain warmth, depth, and life. "A green on a flat wall can feel formal; on a warm, textured surface, it feels comforting and lived-in," Kimberle explains. This attention to touch and materiality ensures interiors that not only look beautiful but feel inviting.
Sustainability is integral, not peripheral. Collections like Volar Bio showcase recycled, renewable, and bio-based content, from REPREVE® recycled polyester to Susterra® bio-based resin, without compromising colour integrity. "We test how pigments perform with new backings and resins to ensure the final color still feels rich and dimensional," she says. Sustainability, in Kimberle's view, deepens the colour story, connecting aesthetic choices to responsible material practices.
© Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics
Tottori Collection Colour Refresh Timeless Greens and Corals.
When specifying fabrics for high-use areas, Kimberle advises a balance of resilience and subtlety. Midtones and layered neutrals withstand wear gracefully, while accent colours and textures bring personality and vibrancy. Well-being and emotional comfort remain central: low-contrast, nature-referencing palettes, soft warm neutrals, gentle greens, misty blues, clay tones, foster calm and grounding. "Add a deeper anchor tone for security and richness without disrupting tranquility," she notes.
Looking ahead, Kimberle foresees a new era of smarter, kinder materials. Bio-based inputs, improved pigment efficiency, precise digital colour control, and circularity in product lifecycles will define the next generation of performance fabrics. The goal is clear: interiors that harmonise beauty, durability, and conscience, delivering spaces that feel as good as they look.
© Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics
Tottori Collection Colour Statement Blues and Golds.
At Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics, Kimberle's philosophy underscores a transformative truth: colour and touch are not just design tools, they are instruments of emotion, comfort, and sustainability. By combining performance with poetic nuance, the brand is reshaping residential interiors for the modern home, ensuring that beauty, functionality, and conscience coexist in every material choice.
More information:
Ultraleather
[email protected]
www.ultraleather.com
Ultrafabrics
303 South Broadway
Suite 201
Tarrytown 10591
+877 309 6648
[email protected]
www.ultrafabricsinc.com
New York
