I know Ikat has been riding a wave of popularity for a while, but I'm still hooked. When I see it, I stare transfixed like a wide-eyed virgin. There's something so irresistible about the swirling patterns and vibrant colors--they have a seductive quality reminiscent of a bellydancer's swaying hips.
First some nerdy facts. I've been saying "eye-cat" but apparently it's "eee-kat". The term comes from the Indonesian word for 'to tie', but the technique itself is centuries old and found all around the world. Threads are tied in knots, dyed, and then untied and woven into cloth. So all those patterns are determined by where the knots are placed before the string is even dyed. Amazing, no?
Most of the Ikat in these images I've selected--and the pattern that seems most prominent today--is Uzbek in origin. In the bedroom of Madeline Weinrib, an Ikat bedspread mixes easily with stripes, chevrons and suzani motifs. Weinrib's eponymous line of global textiles sets the industry standard, so it's no surprise she applies these artisinal pieces so beautifully in her own home.
I love Ikat for its ability to slip easily into spaces of many different styles. From a glamorous traditional living room to a contemporary bedroom to a bohemian loft, the pattern injects a playful yet historied vibe. It says, 'Yes, I'm more cultured than you, but I won't make a big stink about it.'
And of course the range of Ikat hues presents a zillion opportunities to work it into your decor. Even a quiet, sophisticated grey interior can enjoy a taste of the exotic. I adore this as an alternative to a stuffy damask or floral--but the crisp tailoring on the bench cushion retains the posh feel.
My ultimate dream? To reupholster an old chair with eye-popping Ikat, just as seen above. The contrast of the delicate antique with the bold textile makes for a powerful juxtaposition. And the colors here in particular--the juicy fuchsia, deep teal, and sunshine yellow--radiate joy. How could you not feel happy in a chair like this?
P.S. Stay tuned this afternoon for more Ikat, including a shopping guide!
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Elle Decor 6. Elle Decoration France, August 2010. Sponsored Links: We offer guaranteed 1z0-144 study materials with latest 000-104 questions and answers to help you competently prepare for HP2-E31 exams.
Ikat is gorgeous - thanks for the post. I have also always called it "eye-cat" LOL..glad you cleared that one up for me!
For some reason Ikat always reminds me of the swirly patterns created when gasoline is "mixed" with water (like on the ground at the gas station). Maybe it's because they share the same irregular/bleeding edges or the freakishly geometric shapes produced, but Ikat always reminds me of gasoline. Go figure.
Thanks again!
*TLC_Designs
passport2design.com
Posted by: Tania | July 27, 2010 at 09:42 AM
Couldn't agree more with you about loving Ikat. So glad you taught me the correct pronunciation! I feel so in the know for once. :) A big accomplishment for me!
Posted by: Cameron | July 27, 2010 at 09:48 AM
i love the last photo!
Posted by: My Daily Inspiration Board | July 27, 2010 at 09:51 AM
Love that first image and the window seat. I also love the vibrant colours of the last chair.
So funny because I just blogged about these ikat drapes. Ikat and Greek key!
http://sognisorrisi.blogspot.com/2010/07/beautiful-room-072710.html
Posted by: Connie @ Sogni e Sorrisi | July 27, 2010 at 10:05 AM
everything about that first photo is perfection. love!!!
xox alison
Posted by: alison | July 27, 2010 at 10:30 AM
I'm dying over that chevron horn bench in Madeline Weinrib's bedroom!
Posted by: Lindsay | July 27, 2010 at 10:32 AM
I love it too!x
Posted by: The Iconic Blog.com | July 27, 2010 at 10:55 AM
Really lusting after that loveseat in the first picture! Such a nice piece!
Posted by: Emily | July 27, 2010 at 11:08 AM
I'm equally enamored by ikat. I love it in curtains especially. Omg is Weinreb's room to die for or what?!
Posted by: Geb | July 27, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Cannot get enough of that Ikat!..in every color.
Cheers!
Posted by: TERI REES WANG | July 27, 2010 at 11:30 AM
That final chair rocks my world. I too am a lover of Ikat, and in fact, I almost bought a bikini with such a print. And then I remembered there's not a chance in Hell I can pull off a bikini, but I still loved it nonetheless!
Posted by: Erika-2byDesign | July 27, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Just stunning, I love that last chair especially.
Posted by: Liz@VioletPosy | July 27, 2010 at 01:13 PM
The loveseat in the first picture is a proper statement piece. Would be delightful in a hallway.
Posted by: Will | July 27, 2010 at 01:39 PM
Stunning! One more pattern to love and thank you for the inspiration!
Posted by: Ludmila {creamylife.com} | July 27, 2010 at 01:55 PM
i am itching for some Ikat of my very own!
loving the purple Ikat chairs. i'll take those mirrored coffee tables too please.
Posted by: iheartkiwi | July 27, 2010 at 01:58 PM
I love Ikat and the images you used. I just did a post last week on ikat too.
Posted by: Tammy@InStitches | July 27, 2010 at 03:05 PM
I have to agree with you Anne! I love that first image! Thanks for the introduction!
Posted by: Sterling Style | July 27, 2010 at 03:10 PM
oh, i do adore that bedroom with the sleigh bed!
I have always like ikat but have never used it in any of my projects.
these images are inspiring me to do so!!
xx
callie
Posted by: callie grayson | July 27, 2010 at 05:12 PM
love. love. love.
Posted by: carolyn corley burgess | July 27, 2010 at 08:26 PM
I want it ALL. Long live ikat!
Posted by: Joanna | July 28, 2010 at 05:27 PM
Love! It is truly beautiful textile. Really makes the decor pop... purely eclectic. My absolute fave.
Posted by: Moonjenny | July 29, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Obsessed with that ikat chair in the last picture, I reblogged about it on my blog! Great post, I <3 ikat.
Posted by: Ranu | August 25, 2010 at 03:35 PM
These were really great information given by you, about these Ikat Galore Shopping Guide, I hope that many people do like all these information, and this guide really make them easy shopping.
Posted by: holistic healing | October 31, 2010 at 09:42 PM
Well, really wonderful interiors. I like it very much. Thanks for sharing with us. Through this article I got idea for my house.
Posted by: Debt | December 31, 2010 at 08:30 PM
According to my point of view, I think that Ikat Interiors was really great, I just love these interior, and really appreciate your work, really nice one.
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Posted by: Property Management Directory | January 26, 2011 at 02:28 AM
I have always like these but have never used it in any of my projects.
these images are inspiring me to do so!!
Posted by: home stager in toronto | April 26, 2011 at 12:04 AM
Really I am impress by this kind of interiors. I like the concept that you have used. I must say you have great art and talent for using such designs colours combinations.
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