Ikat is a weaving technique typical of Asia with a long tradition, in which sections of the yarn are dyed in several colors. The result is irregular shapes or geometric figures, complex structures or simple stripes. The processing of the fabrics varies from country to country, hence the characteristic Ikat pattern. Variations of this can be seen on kimonos, sarongs and traditional Malay clothing.
The dyeing process takes place on the motif and occurs before weaving. The yarn is wound on a drum and dyed across the width of the barrel. Due to the overlap of the grain and its different absorbency, areas with different color intensity or even unpainted areas are created. Several drums of yarn can be used at the same time when weaving, thus achieving strictly geometric shapes and the same figures.
On the island of Bali, Indonesia, the princes had the privilege of wearing handmade ikat fabrics around their waists and thus proudly displaying their affiliation. Today there are also plenty of exotic printed textiles in the popular style, which has recently become a real trend. Various patterns transferred from Asian folk art decorate upholstery, wallpaper, clothing, accessories andinspire designersto create even more worldwide.
The new trend prevails in the new autumn/winter collection from fashion and designers. Each piece appears to be truly unique and is an eye-catcher. Used sparingly as just an accent in the room design, it becomes a real highlight that stands for individuality and a sense of living. The atmospheric oneEthnic flair enlivens every roomand refreshes the equipment.
Anyone who likes the eclectic style will not remain indifferent to the print. Various color combinations are possible, as is the bold combination of several motifs and prints next to each other. Turquoise is an invigorating and refreshing color that comes across as extremely exotic. Patterned or plain, it is the perfect addition to the living room as upholstery and rugs.
The print communicates beautifully with other patterns due to its abundant finishes and diverse structures. Although there is hardly any real hand-woven Ikat fabric available today, textile manufacturers are successfully replicating it. Currently the typical pattern remains more or less constant and the background varies depending on tendencies or individual preferences.
Upholstery successfully plays the role of a unifying element that incorporates several living styles. Placed in the visual center, like the stool in the picture, all the colors from the rest of the room design can be found in the upholstery fabric. Soft pastel tones and exotic fragments from the carved tray or from the frame of the wing chair in the typical Neo Baroque style harmonize with the ornaments of the upholstery and at the same time refresh the living ambience.
No home furnishing in the popular boho style is complete without the prints. Although multiple patterns cause visual disorder, bohemians actually welcome exciting chaos. However, several cushions, runners, vases and abstract art images collected from all over the world look as if they were made for each other. The trick: similarities with different backgrounds. As shown in the example photo, the white background serves as the unifying element; all ornaments are either black or dark blue. At first glance, all Ikat fabrics appear to be related, not stacked on top of each other.
Patterns can be seen on upholstery fabrics, but also on wallpaper, carpets, scarves and etc. These are plentiful in specialist shops and are therefore easy to obtain for decorative purposes. This can be used to quickly refresh and decorate your home. Any boring cupboard with open shelves can be attractively spiced up with suitable fabric or wallpaper. Cover the back wall with the selected print and decorate with small objects from your exotic travel vacations.
If the multiple patterns are simply too much for you, choose just one element of the interior to be designed in this style. Choose a corner of the house that doesn't get enough attention and redesign it. Make it seem like your favorite hidden corner and spice it up with eclectic-style wallpaper or paint in an attractive color like nautical blue. Otherwise, opt for a rug or runner with a subtle pattern – stripes. Make sure it looks authentic and not manufactured new.
The easiest way to bring the apartment closer to the new ethnic trend is to use home accessories and small pieces of furniture in style. Every furniture store currently offers imaginative models of cushion covers and ottomans that can also be used as side or coffee tables. Make sure that this simply does not suit the modern interior with angular, high-gloss furniture, but rather classic furniture and solid wood.
Ethnic motifs, which also include print, have conquered the catwalk in recent years and appear not only on casual clothing, but also on clothes for the office and even on special occasions. In its latest collection, fashion giant Gucci presented lushly printed fabrics inspired by natural folk art. These adorn dresses, skirts and trousers with a classic, straight cut and define your individual style.
The association for Ikat can be defined as something like 'motley' and that may not be of interest to lovers of the elegant style. Leading manufacturers of fashion accessories prove the opposite, interpreting the folk motifs minimalistically in black and white and setting accents with effective details such as straps and straps.
The print can even be transferred to nail designs and, due to its irregular structure, it is relatively easy to create on your own fingernails. Only choose matching shades of nail polish and use a narrow brush to recreate the motifs. In the end, the motif should look like it was achieved by several strokes that resemble the original weaving technique.
