Swell Dwellings: Eric Cohler

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

I-Katching IKAT!

Okay, so it is actually pronounced "ee-kaht," not "eye-cat," but I just couldn't resist the play on words! It seems like everything I see these days has some form of ikat-inspiration - from sourcing fabrics for clients, to browsing the racks at my favorite boutiques. Ikat is everywhere! Going hand in hand with ikats are their partner in crime - the intricate and sophisticated suzani.

Although ikats and suzani's have been an influential part of the textile industry for centuries, these iconic patterns have secured a particular place in both 20th and 21st century design. Though the term "ikat" actually refers to a weave and dye technique, and "suzani" to an antique embroidery technique, the terms have evolved to represent distinct visual motifs as well. Different ikat and suzani techniques have been developed through Central America, South America, and Central Asia, but the most recognized ikats in today's design industry are the fine silk "Uzbek Ikats."

Silk "Uzbek Ikat"

Michael Smith's use of ikat in both an ethnic inspired space and a more traditional space.

Rob Southern plays with variations of scale in similar ikat patterns by Lee Jofa and places emphasis on bold color.

Very eye catching living room by Eric Cohler. It is simple, yet, so elegant. He uses the neutral color palate as a blank canvas and adds pops of color with the various ikat fabrics, creating a sense of warmth in the space.

A new take on ikat by Kelly Wearstler.

Beautiful blue ikat and suzani patterns...one subtle, one fearlessly forward. Both fabulous!

My "go to" ikat.

Some inspirational fabrics by Brunschwig and Fis.

GORGEOUS!

The unexpected...Instead of using the fabrics as upholstery, the ikat fabric is framed as art, and the suzani is draped over the love seat. The natural wood furniture and natural rugs, on the other hand, keep with the inherent ethnic vibe of the fabrics.

Again, keeping with the inherent ethnicity of the fabric.

Pulled from the inspiration board our the store.... 2008 Oscar de le Renta ikat - in honor of NYC Fashion Week

We LOVE ikat and suzani at Elizabeth Bauer Design...

Suzani Cloisonne Boxes. Available at Elizabeth Bauer Design.

Ikat Tunics. Available in pink and red at Elizabeth Bauer Design.

Suzani Melamine Plates. Available at Elizabeth Bauer Design.

Vintage chairs re-upholstered in Ikat. Available at Elizabeth Bauer Design.

Colorful ikat carpets can be used as small accent pieces or as large area rugs to make a bold statement in any room. They are just plain FUN!

Playful twist on a traditional entry chandelier.

My inspiration for this blog...Schuyler Samperton's pillow made from vintage mid-1900's Turkish suzani fragment. I adore everything - from the color combination to the esquisite suzani pattern. I would die to have this on my sofa!!!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The DOG DAYS OF SUMMER....

As the end of August approaches, most here in the city would agree that we are well into the hot and sultry "Dog Days of Summer." This pup mimics my reaction every time I step out onto the steamy streets of New York City, where it seems there is no escaping the heat this time of year!

Despite the wearing summer heat, there is still an abundance of dogs and their owners strolling the sidewalks at a moment's glance. Dogs are not only true and constant companions, and but are also consistently a design inspiration to many of their owners.

Here's to man's best friend and the dog days of summer!