It’s not a brand new trend, but it’s definitely one of my favorites.
Ikat (pronounced “eee-kaht”) is a method of weaving and dying that has unknown origins, but it has been dated back to pre-Columbian Central and South American cultures. Besides being found there, many other countries have laid claim to the design in their own way especially Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Indonesia (Wikipedia).
Today in America, ikat can be found on all sorts of goods — from printed dresses and fashion, to pillows, to upholstery, the fabric has permeated everything design. You’ve probably seen it lately (even Gap has ikat dresses), but if not, here is a little sample:
Inspired by: HGTV
Inspired by: Lotus Haus
Inspired by: Company C
Recognize this little guy? I’m sure you’ve seen it around. Love it as much as I do yet? You will once you see all the different fun ways you can use it around the house. The best thing about it is that it can come in so many different forms. It can dress something up, dress something down, be fun and bold and loud, or a neutral way to add flair to a couch. Ch-ch-check it out!
This looks like an ikat Alison in Wonderland tea party gone berserk! Mama likee...
Inspired by: Absolutely Beautiful Things
Just a little touch of red ikat here looks fab.
Inspired by: Country Living
This room is full of ikat-esque fabrics: The light blue & white bed skirt and chair, and the red and white pillows.
Inspired by: Decor Pad
Or just buy a huge swatch of fabric and create a giant board on your wall. Fun!
Inspired by: Elle Decor
Here the black and beige ikat acts as a neutral.
Inspired by: Faith Sheridan’s Blog
Ikat + Turquoise = Perfection. What a serene room!
Inspired by: House of Turquoise
I love the designer Madeline Weinrib, these chairs are upholstered by her.
Inspired by: LA Design Concepts
A burst of ikat is a perfect way to spice up a white couch.
Inspired by: Material Girls Blog
A mellow green looks beautiful with this white couch too.
Want to buy some of your own ikat? A lot of what people do with ikat is buy fabric and then pay to get it re-upholstered onto a chair, couch, or ottoman. This can be a VERY expensive and time-consuming process. Especially for the young girl starting out who is short on income and prone to change her mind, it is better to invest in small ikat pieces.
Amazon, $50
Inspired by: Amazon
Anthropologie, $14
Inspired by: Anthropologie
Etsy, $35-$145
Inspired by: Etsy (If you just do an “Ikat” search on Etsy, you’ll come up with tons of amazing options)
Neiman Marcus, $160
Inspired by: Neiman Marcus
Etsy, $90
Inspired by: Etsy
Love this. I need to get a couple pillows for my boring couch. Really into that upholstered headboard. I made one for the guest room, but the guest room died (RIP) and now my upholstered headboard now smells like basement. Sad.