Ikat and tie-dye have both made a comeback–especially in the world of home decor. While I know many of you associate these patterns with hippies, and 1960s 1970s acid culture, today’s ikat and tie-dyes are fresh, modern and unexpected. I promise!

Wondering where these two prints come from exactly? Both are created using a resist-dyeing method. The word ikat is a Malay (one of the many Indonesian languages) word that means to tie or bind. It’s a traditional fabric weaving and dyeing technique that has existed for hundreds of years, dating back to at least to the pre-Colombian era. Tie-dye is also an ancient dying technique that involves binding, however the main difference is that ikat involves dying before the fabric is actually woven, whereas tie-dying is done with already woven fabric. As a result of the differences in technique, there are variations in the patterns created. 

So, how is it possible for these two ancient techniques to present as fresh and modern? I assure you it is possible.

1. Indigo Tie-Dye Napkin

Image: Furbish Studio

These gorgeous indigo napkins are a perfect example of modern tie-dye for the home. The monochromatic palette elevates the technique and indigo is such an elegant color.

2. Pretty Tie-dye Pillow

Image: Wayfair

Want a fresh and elegant example of updated tie-dye? Perfect to freshen and brighten up the bedroom or living areas, there’s not even a whiff of Haight-Ashbury in this pillow’s light design.

3. Tie-dye Duvet Cover

Image: One Kings Lane

This pretty purple and white tie-dye duvet cover is from Diane Von Furstenberg and it’s very hip and chic, just like her famous wrap dresses.

4. Ikat Sofa

Image: Anthropologie

To incorporate some modern ikat into your home, this two-color ikat sofa can add bit of texture and freshness, and is completely on trend.

5. Ikat Duvet Cover

Image: WestElm

Here’s another duvet option, this one from West Elm, featuring a gorgeous three-color linked ikat pattern.

6. Ikat Curtains

Image: maisonboutique

And for the windows, how about these gray, yellow, white, and chocolate brown window panels? Make a statement and add a playful vibe to your home.

7. Shibori Tie-dye Sheets

Image: riversidetoolanddye

How would you like to climb into these relaxing shibori tie-dye sheets at the end of a long day? I sure would! They are gorgeous and calming.

Top Image: West Elm

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The post 7 Modern Ikat and Tie-dye Home Decor Prints without A Hint of Hippie appeared first on EcoSalon.

A kaleidoscope of fabrics from across the globe.

In many parts of the world, textiles are a vital element of culture. Sometimes they have ancient stories woven into their patterns. Sometimes they incorporate rare natural fibers. Sometimes they’re produced using millennia-old methods passed down along generations. And other times, they’re just really pretty.

But as cheap mass-produced fabrics flood local markets around the world, there is a growing devaluation of textile arts. And because it’s becoming more and more difficult to make a living from textile work, artists are passing away without passing down their knowledge while younger generations pursue more lucrative industries.

This collection of photos showcases a sampling of the most beautiful traditional textiles from around the globe. This is an art in desperate need of preservation.

(above) Saris, New Delhi, India

Woven Blankets, Urubamba, Peru

Kente Weaving, Ghana

Indonesian Handwoven Textiles, Bali, Indonesia

Woven Cloth, Mexico

Tartan Plaid Wool Fabric, Nova Scotia, Canada

Inca Patterns, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Vintage Angelo Testa fabric, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California

Meghwal Veil, Bhirandiara, India

Textiles, Otavalo, Ecuador

Knit Jacket, Oakland, California

Hand Embroidery, Germany

Traditional Textiles, West Timor, Indonesia

Kimono Fabric, Kyoto, Japan

Handmade Textiles, Lakiya, South Israel

Woven Textiles at De Ploeg, Netherlands

Kazakh Rug, Mongolia

Wool Throw, Liverpool, England

Wet-Felted Merino Wool, Norway

Handwoven Silk Ikat, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Silk Scarves, Bursa, Turkey

Handmade Textiles by Narda Capuyan, Philippines

Cath Kidston Retro Fabrics, London, England

Hand-Stamped Silk Batik, Java, Indonesia

Handwoven Wool Termeh, Yazd Province, Iran

Silk Kimono, Japan

Traditional Fabric Patterns, Ghana

Handwoven Scarf, New Jersey

Tie Dyed Fabrics, Baishah, China

Woven Sock, Wales

Tela tipica, Guatemala

SEE ALSO:

40 Gorgeous Photos of Europe

40 Gorgeous Photos of North America

40 Gorgeous Photos of Latin America

40 Gorgeous Photos of Asia

40 Gorgeous Photos of Africa

25 Photos of Islands Threatened by Climate Change

25 Images of Female Adrenaline Seekers

40 Photos from Flea Markets Around the World

30 Gorgeous Photos of Winter Snowscapes

30 Gorgeous Photos of Farming and Agriculture

15 Hilarious Photos of Interspecies Mingling

30 Photos of the World’s Most Uniquely Designed Buildings

20 Photos of Female Activists Throughout History

30 Gorgeous Photos of Spring

The post 30 Gorgeous Photos of Traditional Textiles appeared first on EcoSalon.

A unique alternative to a duvet cover, the Kalamkari bedding accents will add a trendy touch without making your sleep spot too busy.

Created by skilled craftsmen employing a centuries-old Indian tradition comprised of 15 painstaking steps, this chic set takes 40 days in the making. Talented artisans use specially carved teak tools to hand-press a myriad of elaborate designs onto sun-bleached organic cotton with all-natural dyes. So, not only will your bed be modish and green, it will be infused with culture as well. (On sale at sponsor VivaTerra for $98- $212.)

The post 40 Days and Eco Nights appeared first on EcoSalon.

They say the classics never go out of style but we were hit so hard with the return of Ikat, I feared overkill. But the exotic woven patterns have made their way into spring /summer decor – offering that hand-dyed, woven appeal to pillows, tablecloths, bedding and furniture. Can’t you just see yourself lounging on the Bali blue hammock, $92 (above) from World of Good? The same Ebay fair trade company also has this stunning handwoven ikat tablecloth from India, $58.

Whether Uzbek, Japanese, Indian or South American, I say the cloth woven with so-called magical powers is here to stay! One of its strong selling points is vivid color. When you merge that with embroidery, it’s nirvana.

From the fabulous Ankasa shop of furniture and textiles in New York, the eco-friendly linen armless chair (above) with allover textured arri ikat embroidery; and a stunning embroidered linen pillow with arri bold shaded ikat. New York got Ikat before any of us understood you can mix tribal with modern and have the most boss apartment around.

Etsy is still the most accessible source of all silk and vintage ikat pillows and accessories, including the lovely green and blue silk print (above) and pastel orchid cushion, both $30. Some of the Etsy textiles are shipped from the artisans who hand-dye and craft them in Turkey. Is that figured into the price? Not when you’re just paying $30 for an authentic Ikat pillow!

Ikat print organic towels in earth tones and organic cotton shower curtains from West Elm. The store with an exotic bent and very reasonable prices has a large variety of additional Ikat bedding and furnishings but these are the only organic products available.

Added to the mix of Pottery Barn’s organic bedding collection is this modern take on the irregular geometric patterns of ikat fabrics on pure organic cotton with a bold bright print. A duvet also is available in red, blue or green.

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