One of the most popular trends in interior design today is Ikat.  Ikat is an ancient style of weaving which uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye where the warp and/or the weft yarns are dyed before the fabric is woven on the loom.  This technique of weaving requires a great deal of precision in the tying and dying process in order to achieve the desired patterns which are very intricately designed.

Although it is very difficult to determine where this technique originated, we do know that Ikat is a universal weaving style common to many cultures.  It is thought that the process developed in several different areas simultaneously.  

India, Japan, and Thailand as well as South American countries and Mexico all have weaving cultures with long histories of Ikat.  “Ikat” is an Indonesian language word which can mean the actual thread or knot as well as the finished fabric.  It can also be a verb meaning “to tie” or “to bind.”

The ancient design motifs found in Ikat had ethnic, ritual, or symbolic meanings, and they often denoted status, wealth, and prestige.  The cotton and silk threads were dyed with natural dyes in lively and engaging motifs depicting village life and beliefs of the people.  

Modern day versions are brightly colored with good quality chemical or natural dyes.  Due to the slight bleeding of the dyes into the resist areas, these motifs may often appear to be blurred or cloudy.

Modern Ikat fabric is great for upholstery, drapes, and accessories such as bedding, pillows, and table runners.  Beautiful and durable, high quality Ikat can last many years and will never appear dated.  Bold and contemporary looking with urban color palettes that may be bright or more subdued, these dramatic patterns are wonderful in many settings.

Picture Credits –

1. Crate and Barrel – Ocean Ikat print by Chriklia Zarris, artist and textile designer
2. Etsy Find
   
3. Dwell Studio

Kips Bay Show House is a famous show house that never fails to excite and inspire. The home is a historic mansion on the Upper East Side that is four stories and Neo Federalist period architecture. Each room is a separate and unique interior design.; The house was open from April-May 2011

Here is some eye candy!

This room makes bold the elements of the industrial table in a metal with concentric circles. By Robert Stilin, the cool metals and the matching fabric tones are all complimented by the graphic, color strong disc over the simple fireplace.

Warm and monochromatic, this small corridor area has rich wood paneling and a lighted bookcase expands and highlights the desk with a marble top. All in carmel color, the Egyptian chair is leather with wonderful detailing of a nailhead trim. Kemble Interiors.

Wayne Nathan “ WOW” factor in this magnificent staircase is done with tumbling rectangle blocks that add a contemporary dimension and movement to the space

http://www.kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org/ benefits Boys and Girls Club of Kips Bay.

 While looking for a fun project online, I came across this one…make your own string light. A light out of string you ask? Intrigued? I was too.

So here we have all the supplies you’ll need. Tacky glue and a pan to empty it in, hemp string, a permanent marker, and disposable gloves, (yes…it gets messy!). The balloon we used worked out fine, but gave us more of an oval shape. We’ll try a round shape next time by using a bouncy ball instead. 

Next using your permanent marker, you want to draw a circle on your balloon. Avoid this area when wrapping the balloon with your string. This will be your opening to not only let the light shine through, but allow easy access to change out the light bulb when needed.

    
Now take your hemp and run it through the glue so it’s covered well. You really need to make sure the string sticks to the balloon (or ball). Then go to town and start wrapping!

    

It’s starting to look pretty good! (See I told you it gets messy!) Once you have it covered just the way you want it, let it dry for 48 hours.

I turned a foil pan upside down, cut a hole in the center and placed the open area of the balloon inside. This way it’s propped upright and can dry easily on all sides.

Now pop that balloon!

Just go to your local hardware store and purchase some chain which we wired to the top.  This way we could swag it over a small breakfast table. There are so many different finish choices, you’re sure to find one that matches your room.





OOPS…you don’t know how to hook up a lamp kit? Well I don’t either…not yet!

So back to the hardware store for inspiration and we found battery operated LED lights-PERFECT! We wired 2 of them for extra brightness.

Let there be light!

Here it is in the room!

Summer is the time to take note of your curb appeal, or in some cases, lack of appeal.  In other words, how does your house stack up?  Make over your landscape by starting small.  Pick an area and plant a small border bed, or get some containers for your walkway, deck or front door.

In the age of staging homes for market, DYI projects featured on any HGTV show, curb appeal is one that gets short shrift.  Homeowners often fail miserably in this facet of home ownership, yet neglect will drive those prospects away before they step a foot inside.  That magnificent house will fall short in market appeal without careful attention to the exterior landscape.

 
Simple Container Garden

If you’re not one with a green thumb, or time constraints don’t permit endless hours of gardening, do yourself a favor and hire professional help.  If you’re not adept at digging or designing, but can delegate like Patton, get yourself in gear for a weekend makeover on your yard.  Neat and tidy wins out and will be rewarding on the back end.  Trim hedges, remove hedges and reveal the outer beauty of your home’s architecture.  A great looking exterior gets them in the door and possibly will continue to wow any prospective home buyer.

It’s not necessary to load up on specimen trees and shrubs, costly annuals and custom border beds, and you can do much with very little. Plant gorgeous containers with herbs, annuals and perennials and watch them transform the look of a front entrance, or deck.

I often gift my neighbors with my overload of perennials when dividing them yearly.  My former neighborhood had floral continuity with the parade of day lilies, hosta, decorative grasses and an abundance of autumn joy that I willingly shared.  I was thrilled to give an assist to those less interested in garden tending.  It paid off for them and for me. 

Take a step back, look hard at your hardscape and see what needs some tender loving care.  Landscape design can translate into cold hard cash when your home is featured on that first Open House.
 
Photo Credits: Kerry Michaels

Nowadays, there is a huge variety of weatherproof upholstery fabrics in a wide range of colors and textures. Whether you are purchasing new furniture for your porch or patio or just want to freshen up your existing furniture, you won’t have to look too far to find fabulous fabrics suitable for the outdoors. Fabrics that are fade and mildew resistant clean easily with mild soap and water, and look absolutely gorgeous.

At one time outdoor fabrics were boring and often felt as stiff as a board, but with advancing technology, they have been engineered to feel as soft as cotton, and they come in a variety of weaves such as chenilles, jacquards, twills, damasks, and even sheers! These wonderful new outdoor fabrics are perfect to use for pillows and cushions and even drapery panels.

Sunbrella brand fabrics are probably the most widely known outdoor fabrics. In 1961, they started out manufacturing industrial-grade awning fabric in only six colors! They certainly have come a long way since then. With advancements in technology, the color pigments in Sunbrella fibers are added during production and penetrate all the way to the core rather than just being added to the surface as in ordinary fabrics. This process will ensure years of vibrant color and durability.

Because they are so beautiful and durable, many people are opting to use these fabrics indoors as well – they are often perfect in kitchens, family rooms, or other areas that get a lot of heavy use. In 2003, the famous English designer, Elaine Smith, created the world’s first luxury outdoor pillows that, with their embellishments like fringe and embroidery, truly look like they are made for indoor use.

Quality outdoor furniture manufacturers such as Lane Venture or Summer Classics have quite a selection of wonderful fabrics from which to choose and many designer showrooms or fabric stores carry a large line of outdoor fabrics. So, now it is easy to stop worrying about your fabric and enjoy carefree living!

Photo Credits – Calico Corners