Turn an Outfit Into a Room: Urban Chic

All the designers on last night's Project Runway Season 9 finale did an amazing job. Each of the designer's collections were thoughtfully designed and amazingly constructed, making for a huge impact coming down the the runway!

While there were pieces from each collection that I wanted hanging in my closet right away, Kimberly Goldson's elevated urban girl collection won me over completely. From piece to piece I was in awe. I thought it was a 'ready to wear' collection and I was ready to wear it! I loved the rich colors, the fine fabrics, and the sophisticated yet sexy silhouettes.

If this collection were turned into a room, I bet it would look something like this...

1. Deco Sequin Pillow by West Elm

2. Gleam Decorative Pillow by Home Decorator's Collection

3. Milo Sofa in Saphire by Anthropologie

4. Agadir Twists Rug by Anthropologie

5. Truss Coffee Table by Anthropologie

6. Meade Dresser by Williams-Sonoma Home

7. Mirror Jar Lamp by Anthropologie

8. Chloe Chair by Room and Board

9. Fuchsia Pink Silk Pillow by MiCasaBella on Etsy

10. Faceted Mirror Side Table by West Elm

11. Bliss Chair and a Half by West Elm

Ikats You Need Now!

Following our post on the wonderful world of Ikats, here are some must have accessories for your home that proudly show off this amazing pattern.

For your Living Room...

1. 2. 3.

1. Fin Rocker, worth every penny! Available at Anthropologie for $1,698.oo

2. Carnaby Flame Lamp, to light up your life... and room. Available at Jonathan Adler for $195.oo-$295.oo

3. Ikat Pillow Covers, too many good ones to choose from, so just get them all! Available from Fabricadabra for $35.oo-$65.oo

For your Kitchen....

1. 2.

3. 4.

1. Ikat Ice Bucket, for all of your party needs. Available at Decorative Things for $60.oo

2. Ikat Dishtowels, to conquer your mess in style! Available at Crate & Barrel for $3.95

3. Ikat Tray, to serve your guests in style! Available at Decorative Things for $70

4. Ikat Napkins, to put some pizazz to your dining. Available at Decorative Things for $12.oo

For your Bedroom...

1. 2.

1. Organic Chevron Duvet Cover & Shams, for a modern take on Ikat. Available at West Elm. Duvets, $79.oo-$109.oo, Shams, $24.oo - $29.oo

2. Wakeful Ikat Sheet Set, to wake up to something beautiful. Available at Anthropologie for $128.oo-$148.00

For your Bathroom...

1. 2.

1. Azure Ikat Towels, to impress your guests! Available from Anthropologie for $8.oo-$58.oo

2. Blue and White Ikat Tray, to keep your vanity tidy and stylish! Available at Target for $12.99

For your Windows...

1. 2.

1. Ikat Ogee Window Panels, to keep things light and airy. Available at West Elm for $59.oo-$74.oo/panel

2. Ikat Rose Curtains, to show the softer side of Ikat. Available at Anthropologie for $138.oo-$198.oo/panel

For your Floors...

1. 2. 3.

1. Expanding Colorscape Rug, for some thing soft and stylish at your feet. Available at Anthropologie for $698.oo

2. Mag-neat-o Floor Tiles, for the wow factor! Available at Flor for $24.99/tile ($9.29/square foot)

3. Sophisikat Floor Tiles, for a punch of Ikat. Available at Flor for $13.99/tile ($5.20/square foot)

Ikat, Ikat, Everywhere!

It seems that everywhere you turn these days you can spot an Ikat. This bold pattern has made its way to fashion, interiors, stationery, and almost every kind of design. But what do you know about this pattern that you love so much? Lets take a look into the history of Ikat...

The name Ikat (pronounced “ee-kaht”) comes from the Malay language meaning "tied" or "bound,” which is exactly how this pattern is made. Using a tie-dye process, the warp or weft threads (the direction that they will run) are tied into tight bundles and dyed before being woven together to create a pattern. A Double Ikat is when both the warp and the weft threads are tie-dyed before weaving. This beautiful textile is typically made with silk, but can be found using all sorts of fabrics today.

Pillows by Fabricadabra

Ikats have a very long history and are found all over the world. The designs vary depending on the region in which they are made, but are often considered symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige because of the time involved and high level of skill required to make them.

The term “Flame Stitch” is often used today in place of “Ikat.” It is my belief that the Flame Stitch pattern is just one variation of the many designs that the Ikat umbrella covers. This term usually describes the zig-zag pattern and is seen as the more simplified or modern versions of an Ikat. It also describes the pattern on the thick blanket that your grandmother probably has.

Interiors by Mary Mcdonald

Bedroom with Flame Stitch Bench from Elle Decor, "Bargello Pillow" from Jonathan Adler

As you can see, designers love to incorporate this gorgeous textile into their interiors. Just using a little bit can make a room pop, like the bedroom above or these purple Ikat chairs!

If you really want to make a statement, use Kelly Wearstler as your guide with how she used her own Ikat-inspired and Flame Stitch fabrics to create this amazing room.

On the other hand, Kristen Hutchins selected a more subtle Ikat pattern to use on this outdoor space to create a modern and serene aesthetic.

Today, the term Ikat can refer to the textile itself, the pattern, or technique used to make it. No matter how the term is used, you know that what you’re seeing is stunning!

Until next time!

Ellenor

Check out these worldly fabrics…

Most popular fabric designs today have been influenced by the same techniques used to make textiles since the early days. In fact, most of these fabrics are still being made using these same ancient techniques. Since these beautiful fabrics are all over the interior design market today, it’s time for a quick vocabulary lesson in some of the most popular of these fabrics and patterns.

Ikat (aka, Flame Stitch) : Coming from the Malay language meaning "tied" or "bound,” Ikats are created using a tie-dye process on either the warp or weft (the direction of the threads), before being woven together to create a pattern. This beautiful textile is typically made with silk, but can be found on all sorts of fabrics today. Ikats have a very long history and are found all over the world. The designs vary depending on the region in which they are made, but are often considered symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige because of the time involved and high level of skill required to make them.

“Flame Stitch” is often used in place of “Ikat” and are in actuality very similar. It is my belief that the Flame Stitch pattern is just one variation of the many designs that the Ikat umbrella covers. This term usually describes the zig zag pattern and is seen as the more simplified or modern versions of an Ikat.

The term Ikat can refer to the textile itself, the pattern, or technique. For more on Ikats, check out this post.

Suzani : Coming from the Persian word for “needle,” Suzanis are embroidered textiles typically made with cotton and/or silk. The patterns used on Suzanis are typically sun and moon disks, flowers (especially carnations, tulips, and irises), leaves and vines, fruits (usually pomegranates), and occasionally fish or birds. These textiles are referenced as far back as the 15^th century and most likely originated in what is now known as Uzbekistan. They were typically given to a groom on his wedding day and were made by his future bride as part of her dowry to highlight her skills.

The term Suzani can refer to the textile itself, the pattern, or technique. For more on Suzanis, check out this post.

Wood Blocked (aka, Hand Blocked) : This is technique is used to print patterns on to textiles and dates as far back as before AD 220 with the Han dynasty in China. This technique was not only used for fabrics, but for paper printing as well. A carved piece of wood is dipped in ink and then stamped onto a piece of cloth to create beautifully patterned fabrics each with their unique qualities. This technique has been found around the world including India where it is most commonly used today to create our beloved fabrics. While some fabrics today are made with more modern stamping techniques including machinery, we can thank the good ol’ fashioned hand blocks for paving the way to gorgeous fabrics. Designers such as Peter Dunham and John Robshaw keep us enthralled with this look through their beautiful fabric designs.

The term Wood Blocked refers to the technique used to create the textile.

Paisley : This pattern is something that most of you are probably familiar with, but don’t know it! A paisley is a droplet-shaped motif that originated in Indian, Persian, and Pakistani design. It is typically produced using the Wood Blocked technique mentioned above

The term Paisley refers to the pattern on the textile.

I hope this quick lesson helped clear up some of the vocabulary for you! Check out our future postings when we dig a little deeper into some of these popular ethnic fabrics and see how they are used in today's stylish interiors.

Ellenor