During my days at Donghia, I was surrounded by beautifully designed textiles, furniture and lighting.  It was amazing.  Among the many textiles that I fell in love with, the Ikat inspired and named textile (above) has continued to peak my interest due to its range of interpretation and uses.

Recently I had the opportunity to hear Steven Stolman – president of renowned Scalamandré - speak about Iconic Interiors of the Silver Screen.  And while he did not discuss an Ikat laden interior, he did remind me that a well designed interior can make anyone look and feel beautiful (which was Angelo Donghia’s philosophy, by the way!).  When finding design ideas in motion picture scenery or in our favorite periodical, we have to remember those same set and art directors found their inspiration in our homes that we design for our magnificent off-screen lives!

The origin of the Ikat textiles may be muddled due to its centuries old technique – attributed to pre-Columbian cultures – but its craft is very much alive today.  Similar to vibrant old school tie-dye, this type of textile can be designed in any range of colors and pattern variations, but to be a true Ikat it must be woven, not dyed.  Due to recent trends, this iconic pattern is recognizable in fashion – I have a navy and white Ikat dress in my closet – as well as interior design.  With all of the pattern and color options to choose from, the Ikat design can be used in any space on any scale, while adding a well traveled, exotic feeling.  And, the plethora of modern Ikat interpretations available today can be mixed into any decor.

If Jonathan Adler is known for pottery, then surely Madeline Weinrib must be known for her Ikat textiles.  She has bolt after bolt of vibrantly colored Ikats to use in your space.  This is a screen shot of one page of Madeline Weinrib’s Ikat designs . . .

and in any color way, Ikat can transform your interior from bland to bold.  Here are a few examples:

But if Ikat is too bold of a commitment for your soft furnishings, then consider your finishing touches.  As Sarah has admitted to a passion for all things from the sea, I am admitting to a love of Ikat.  Remember the Ikat cutting board, Ikat clothes pins, and the Ikat rug tiles by Flor?  Join me in surrounding yourself with objets that make you feel like you are on the silver screen.  Here are more Ikat goodies for you to enjoy!

Image sources:
Donghia, Madeline Weinrib, Madeline Weinrib, Pawleys Island Posh, Modern Interior Design and Decorating, , Élitis, , CWonder, Jill Rosenwald, Sheridan French, CWonder, Susy Jack