Okay, so I know I'm about a million years late to the party on this one, but ever since my pillows arrived I can't get enough of these gorgeous hand embroidered Uzbek textiles, aka Suzanis. I stalk them on eBay, I dream about filling my house with them. So what better way to get it out of my system than to design a couple rooms around them?
I love the idea of dressing up an otherwise neutral contemporary room by draping this breathtaking Suzani throw over the back of a simple modern couch. Keep accessories subtle in palette but rich in texture with a bentwood pendant, cowhide pillows, and an inlaid wood cabinet. Corral the knickknacks from your world travels with a decoupage paperweight and sleek shagreen tray.
Or add a touch of global flair to a luxe-traditional workspace. Can you believe this stunning green and pink Suzani sold for only $24 on eBay? A glossy black desk and sweet pink boudoir chair make the perfect spot for penning invitations to that charity event you're hosting. When you're done, stow your stationery in laquered stacking boxes, then check your lipgloss in a scalloped mirror whose shape reflects the tapestry's floral design. Don't forget to switch off the lamp as you leave the room; your creepy-cool bird prints will keep watch while you're away!
Image Credits: 1. House Beautiful via Decorno 2. The Style Files
I am so with you on suzanis... I can't get enough!
Posted by: Maggie @ Eat, Drink, Marry | March 25, 2009 at 10:51 AM
I bought one of these in Turkey (my husband was horrified that I bought something Uzbek in Istanbul, but I was in love), but have no idea how to hang it. Any ideas?
ps I love your blog!
Posted by: Prema | March 25, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Beautiful! I would move into both rooms in a heart beat!
Plus I'm loving that lighting fixture from the firt image. Amazing!
Posted by: Camila | March 25, 2009 at 12:44 PM
great post. i'm loving the rich, interesting look of these colorful textiles.
Posted by: Anonymously Chic | March 25, 2009 at 01:10 PM
LOVE LOVE LOVE! I have a tapestry (somewhere at my parents' house probably) that I bought at a flea market in Paris when I studied there over 12 years ago...I should look for it. This pattern reminds me of it.
Posted by: Chessa! | March 25, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Yes! Yes! Yes! Now, to find one that I can afford...
Posted by: karly | March 25, 2009 at 03:27 PM
oooh, anne, i've had my eye on that top photo a couple of weeks now--you know, artwork on a plain wall and all. you beat me to the post! it gives me comfort though knowing that the image was in good hands.
Posted by: Absolutely Not Martha | March 25, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Yes! I've been stalking them on ebay too. That first image is gorgeous! What a fabulous way to use something so beautiful.
Posted by: Amanda | March 25, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Hmm would my purple lamps go with these...oh yes they would!
Posted by: Jen | March 25, 2009 at 10:04 PM
If you're a million years late to the party, I guess I'm even more late than could ever be considered fashionable. Better late than never, right? But thanks for introducing me to such beauty. And I seriously heart that boudoir chair.
Posted by: christina | March 25, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Loving that first room you put together - gorgeous!
Posted by: Catherine@simplynatural | March 26, 2009 at 03:28 AM
Well, I want pretty much everything in that second room you put together, as well as the tapestry draped over the outdoor table...
every time I visit your blog, you've got me wanting something new!!
Posted by: Pretty Little World | March 26, 2009 at 04:10 AM
I feel the same. I love them even though they've jumped the design shark.
Moroccan decor too.
Posted by: Raina | March 26, 2009 at 08:07 PM
I'm a whole lot obsessed! I've tried snagging one on ebay, but could never get the "right price."
I love that glossy black desk too, wow, such amazing legs. And I have the sconce version of the "nut" light fixture, now I need to tell my husband that Anne said I need a suzani to go with it. You'll back me up, right! :0)
Posted by: nkp | March 27, 2009 at 01:48 PM
I know suzanis are "so over," but I can't help but still love them too! And the rooms you designed around them look gorgeous!
Posted by: Courtney | March 27, 2009 at 03:39 PM