Textiles continue to define both mood and function. Linnéa Alm Wahlberg, Communication, Environment and Quality Manager of Astrid, is exploring this intersection with a thoughtful approach to material innovation and sensory experience. Her recent insights from Maison Objet and Stockholm Design Week highlight how texture, sustainability, and subtle colour palettes are shaping the industry's trajectory in 2026.
© Astrid
Redefining natural touch
A standout in Astrid's 2026 collection is the Napoli Recycled line, paired with its companion Positano Recycled. These flameproof polyesters, which are made of recycled materials to a large point, offer a softness and drape that mimic natural fibres. 'We wanted to make it look and feel as natural as possible while ensuring it is flameproof,' Linnéa explains. This duality has resonated across European markets. 'In the UK, for instance, there is a particularly strong demand for flameproof textiles, but our approach has been relevant everywhere, including Scandinavia,' she adds.
The tactile quality of these textiles has drawn attention at trade events, reinforcing that the sensory experience remains central to contemporary interiors. 'People often react the same with textiles, they love to touch them. It brings joy,' she observes. The collection's understated elegance, with softer colour scales and minimal patterns, differentiates it in settings like Paris, where deeper, more intense palettes are common.
© Astrid
Texture, structure, and cozy aesthetics
Building on these innovations, Linnéa highlights the evolution of the flame-retardant Harrietta collection. 'We have continued to explore colour and weave structure as tools for variation. Harrietta receives consistent praise for its refined appearance, ease of use, and high percentage of recycled content, and now we are increasing that percentage even further,' she explains. By introducing new warp colours in beige and brown, deeper shades emerge, giving the collection a more earthy expression.
New weave structures, such as sablé and half Panama, add texture and character while remaining inspired by the tactile quality of natural fibres. 'The sablé structure is particularly appreciated within these collections,' she notes. Variations in warp and weft form the foundation of creativity, allowing the same warp to be used across multiple collections, creating fabrics that are diverse yet harmoniously connected. 'This approach gives designers the freedom to explore endless combinations while supporting a more sustainable production process,' she emphasises.
Collaborative curation
Linnéa also stresses the value of presenting textiles within curated environments. Collaborations with brands such as Hyfer Objects allow the interplay of light and fabric to be fully experienced. 'When you place our products on furniture or in a thoughtfully designed space, it really helps people experience the feeling of the textile,' she says. Decisions on collaboration often emerge organically, guided by shared aesthetic values and a passion for craft. 'We need to share the same world, of aesthetics and materials,' Linnéa observes.
© Astrid
Evolving designs and future directions
Feedback from architects and customers informs new developments, such as the upcoming Ischia collection. Drawing on previous inspirations like Murano and Levanto, the collection introduces a more transparent interpretation of Harrietta while translating poetic striping from Liana and Giulia into flame-retardant fabrics. 'We will go further with some of the designs that received the most interest,' Linnéa shares, signalling a commitment to responsive, user-informed design evolution.
By combining sustainability, tactile innovation, and nuanced collaboration, Linnéa exemplifies the ways interior textiles are responding to evolving professional demands. 'It is about creating spaces that feel natural, inviting, and thoughtful,' she reflects. Astrid's work reminds the industry that innovation is not just visual but experiential, ensuring interiors continue to resonate on both a sensory and emotional level.
More information:
Astrid
Nybrogatan 68,
114 41 Stockholm
[email protected] / [email protected]
www.astrid.se
+46 8 667 15 33
Sweden
