I Think Ikat

Times Picayune

Patterned pillows have to be one of the easiest and most versatile home accessories. Perhaps that's why I tend to buy up fun pillows like they're going out of style! More than sleek lamps, wooly rugs or geometric wallpapers, pillows are what really punctuate the mood of a room. And, to that end, colorful ikat pillows currently play the leading lady in my decorating world.

It's interesting to see the many different ways designers and decorators integrate ikat pillows into the overall decor of a room. Some rooms are already modern or playful while others are very traditional and stark. Yet tossing an geometrically patterned ikat pillow into any of these rooms automatically gives any visitor an interesting and inviting focal point.

Fabricadabra pillows in Martha Stewart

Southern Accents

House & Home

Most often, ikats are associated with Uzbekistan but can also be found in Central and South America. It's a weaving process that dates back centuries ago, although today, textile designer Madeline Weinrib is most often associated with the fabric among high-end clientele. Luckily, for those of us who love Weinrib's look but live on a more restricted budget, there are some great new resources for ikat pillows, including Fabricadabra, The Conran Shop and various vendors on Etsy. High style on a budget- always in fashion!

Lonny Magazine

Lonny Magazine

Lonny Magazine

Lonny Magazine

It's nice to know that you can really pack a punch in a room with such a small investment. There are so many different approaches to using ikat pillows- mixing patterns, adding a splash of color, letting a bold print pop against stark solids- that it's almost foolproof. Give yourself a shot and see what you think! If you don't like your pillow, let me know and I'll gladly take it off your hands...