A partnership that covers all bases

Tradition, style and 100% "Made in Germany" – you don't have to look too hard to spot the common ground shared by Rolf Benz and rohi. The two companies have been working together for four decades. Why they complement each other so well is easily explained: good upholstery needs covers that are equally durable and elegant.The artisan textile manufacturer rohi was established over 80 years ago and is today managed by the third generation of the founding family. Based in northern Bavaria, the company designs and produces high-quality woollen fabrics for premium furniture manufacturers such as Rolf Benz. But not exclusively so: airlines, opera houses and theatres also rely on the know-how of these fabric experts. To continually re-invent oneself and yet still remain true to one's principles and also be successful – only a few companies manage to achieve this. rohi and Rolf Benz are among them.

INTERVIEW WITH KATRIN HIELLE-DAHM, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF THE ROHI DESIGN TEAM

You design and produce high-quality fabrics for Rolf Benz, most recently including the Rolf Benz TIRA sofa and the Rolf Benz 580 armchair, which were presented at the Milan Furniture Fair. What is so special about your current fabrics?

With all our fabrics, it's important to us that they are full of character and personality. In our latest creations, we achieve this with a sculpted, relief-like effect which looks both voluminous and soft. Its appearance changes between matt and glossy depending on the lighting – this makes the fabrics vibrant. The new range of colours is broad and extends from soft natural shades and warm, homely colours through to exciting contrasts. All our fabrics are subject to a fundamental prerequisite: they have to be low-maintenance and durable.

What do you draw inspiration from when developing new fabrics?

Exchanging ideas is very important when it comes to inspiration and creativity. Our team of designers travel around the world a lot, visit international trade fairs, talk with colleagues across the globe, and always try to keep their finger on the pulse. At the same time, our designers works closely with our sales team, with both departments passing on externally sourced ideas internally.

Which colours will be popular in 2016?

Muted, finely gradated natural shades convey calm and a sense of having arrived – this continues to be popular for domestic interiors. Deep, rich shades such as night blue give interiors style and elegance. Luminously intense, almost brash colours inspired by nature are also proving popular, however. rohi likes to incorporate these contrasts within a single fabric. For example, we will combine a muted shade with a luminous coral, pink and orange.