Posted on

Mix and Match Suzani and Ikat patterns

Tips for mixing and matching decorating patterns – A condo bedroom gets an Uzbek makeover with Suzani and Ikat textiles from Uzbekistan

Ikat

Have you ever had difficulty with mixing and matching patterns when decorating?  It can definitely be challenging, but I have to tell you, when working with Uzbek Suzanis and Ikat pillows and fabrics, I’ve found it is much easier to mix and match the bold colors and patterns to create stunning interiors.  Take a look at these examples….

Ikat Pillows

Shown above:  Vintage Suzani mixed with velvet Ikat pillows, and black and white Ikat pillow

 

As with decorating any room, you need to have a starting point.  Great starting points are typically artwork and/or area rugs because it’s much easier to match the rest of your decor to these items, then vise versa.  Above I started with the vintage Uzbek Suzani as my artwork piece and then matched some Ikat pillows to that Suzani based on the colors.  Placing images of the patterns together helps to visualize what they’ll look like in advance.  You can copy and paste the images into a single document in order to view them together, and it greatly helps with the decision making.  I was looking for a Suzani that would coordinate with the chocolate brown and burgundy colors that were already incorporated in this bedroom, and also one that would go above the queen size bed.  The size and shape of this Suzani is perfect! 

Ikat Pillows

Shown above:  Vintage Suzani mixed with velvet Ikat pillows

 

Before the Suzani wall hanging and ikat pillows were added:

After:

Ikat Pillows
Shown above:Vintage Suzani 21 mixed wit black and white Ikat pillow, plus red and beige Ikat pillows

 

I was also interested in decorating with this Suzani below not only for its brown, cream and burgundy-red colors, but also because of its rectangular shape which can be fun to fold upward and partially hang from the ceiling….

Ikat Pillows

 Shown above:  Vintage Suzani mixed with Ikat fabric, and Ikat pillows

 

Again, once I chose the Suzani with its bold pattern,  I was able to then pick out the Ikat pillows and Ikat fabric to coordinate with it.

Vintage Suzani

Shown above:  Vintage Suzani 25 mixed with Ikat pillow

 

In the photo below I balanced out the lighter Uzbek Ikat pillows with the lighter colored Ikat window panel.  It is hand-woven Uzbek Ikat fabric hanging from the rings with hooks at the window, and the fabric comes in this narrow width with side edges that look fine without having to hem them…

Vintage Suzani

Shown above:  Vintage Suzani 25 mixed with Ikat fabric, and Ikat pillows

Ikat Fabric

Shown above:  Hand woven Uzbek Ikat fabric from Uzbekistan.  (Ships from the U.S.)

Above is an image that shows how the edges of the narrow Ikat fabric comes.  I think it’s an interesting edge.  This fabric is 18″ wide due the width restraints of the hand weaving loom.  It makes it a great width for table coverings and decorative window treatment panels or curtains.