We have three new collections from Arte I'd like to profile for you.

First up is Penelope Odyssey which sees Arte using muted metallics to great effect again. Arte designers are masterful in the way they use metallic hues, creating beautiful highlights and movement which is never harsh or shiny. The patterns in Penelope are broadly Moorish, with a multi-layered printing process providing wonderful depth. There's a great 'plain' which has a speckled foreground on a metallic backdrop.

While on the topic of metallics - they've been around for a few seasons now but there were still plenty on show at Maison Objet last week.

Cosmopolitan is a riot of colour, patterns and textures. Featuring large-scaled paisleys, ziggurats and ikats, the designs are definitely diverse and bold. The orange colourway below is certainly not for the fainthearted, though Arte always include great neutrals, Cosmopolitan is no different...

As with many of Arte's collections, Cosmopolitan's designs are heavily textured, see the close-up below...

Like Cosmopolitan Marrakech is another high quality vinyl collection from Arte with high-impact patterns. The designs from Marrakech are more painterly than Cosmopolitan with subtle use of metallics and sponging effects. Again we see large-scale designs and texture...

I particularly love the grass-cloth effect of the design Berber...

Marrakech also has a broad colour palette with some lovely neutrals and super saturated jewel colours...

Marrakech isn't all drama, along with the more restrained Berber there's also a handsome embossed design called 'Diamond'...

So three varied offerings from Arte for the new year - certainly something for all design persuasions. I invite you to call into one of our showrooms to view these exciting new collections.

We are very excited to announce that Unique Fabrics now represents Houlès in New Zealand as well as Australia.

As a primer for those of you unfamiliar with this French company: Houlès is a family-run business specialising in the creation of trimmings, hardware, fabrics and accessories. The parent company was established in 1928 in the heart of Paris in the Faubourg Saint Antoine area, the traditional district for upholsterers, interior designers and architects. The company's warehouse is located in Saint Etienne, the historical birth place of trimmings and ribbon industries.

Over the last 80 years Houlès has become a world renown brand, crafting the finest passementerie, drapery and upholstery hardware and fabrics. The breath and depth of their products are exceptional. We are thrilled to offer these designs to all our Australasian customers.

For more information check out their collection pages here or visit your nearest Unique showroom and view the samples. Brochures and catalogs are available on request. We look forward to showing you the Houlès range.

I can't think of a more inspiring way to start the year than with a new Andrew Martin collection. And as we've come to expect from them it's exceptional. It's called Compass, a title which perfectly sets the theme of the collection with its diverse patterns, textures and colours.

There are many clever touches, particularly with the wallcoverings (Engineer Book) and their witty trompe l'oeil effects of weathered boards, suitcases, riveted iron panels etc...

And there is a broad selection designs: from woven Native American patterns, to printed kilim designs and carpet stripes...

Compass also brings the glamour with luxurious velvets, pleated and embroidered silks and wools...

Of course with Andrew Martin this mash-up of styles works together beautifully. Therein lies the genius of their collections; they are eminently liveable.

Hi everyone, welcome back to the Unique Fabrics blog for 2012. I hope you've all had a happy holiday break and have recharged the creative batteries for the coming year.

January is always a busy month for us with plenty of new products and projects. Our main focus is on the Brisbane showroom and with the opening a mere 6 weeks away the to-do list is still rather lengthy. I'll post some progress shots soon.

As far as January events go Maison et Objet in Paris is a must-see for the interior textiles industry. It starts on the 20th and we'll be attending as usual. The exhibits are always inspiring, brimming with upcoming trends and designers. Again, we'll post some images and report back on the things that catch our eyes.

As for new product: You should know by now that we always kick start the year with a swag of beautiful collections. This year is certainly no different with six new ranges coming your way with a focus on wallcoverings. But more on those in a few days time.

In the meantime here are a few preview shots to whet the appetite...

I say it every year: hasn't time flown! Only nine working days left for us. We will be closing on Thursday the 22nd, so any last minute orders must be placed asap, (I'm always pleasantly surprised by how busy our warehouse is in December).

We will be reopening on Monday the 16th of January.

Thank you for your support throughout 2011, it has been another busy, and successful, year for us. We look forward to working with you in 2012, and wish you a wonderful Christmas and a happy holiday season.