Braids are back in fashion for Fall 2011 and the trend is crossing over into home design. This nostalgic pattern creates a beautiful texture that can be used in unexpected places giving any interior a folksy modern twist.
Braiding has been a mainstay in the form of durable rugs in traditional homes. Yet, this pattern isn't often associated with hip contemporary design. It's actually this colloquial quality that makes braiding a charming and refreshing choice.
• Ikea's new Annorlunda Collection draws inspiration from the braiding techniques used in India and Vietnam. The results are rich classic furniture and accents with a lot of colorful character.
• Baltimore Roy Crosse's sculpture "The Wailing Wall" is a high art installation which raises questions about the efficacy of War, and notions about patriotism and nationhood. But, I can't help but think about how fantastic hanging multi-tonal braids would look as an alternative to boring curtains.
• Johanna Landin's Purple Braid Lamp combines a clean glossy white stand with a large loose braided cord and shade. It's the sharp contrast that makes the design amusing.
• Ralph Lauren gives this silverware a bit of blue blood sophistication by adding braiding pattern.
• Dutch designer Bauke Knottnerus crafted large-scale braids out of foam to create comfortable seating and sleeping surfaces. Like Landin's lamp, it's the opposing design elements that make a brilliant furniture concept.
Images: 1. Baroness O. 2. Roy Crosse "The Wailing Wall" 3. Johanna Landin 4. Ralph Lauren: Equestrian Braid Braid Hostess Set 5. Bauke Knottnerus
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Fun look, photo #5 looks like a giant version of those knotted potholders kids use to make.
Isn't this just a hybrid of the chevron and flame stitch?
Not to say that I don't LOVE the items in the photos. Think I'll steal that lamp/cord cover idea.
Picture 5 is knitted so I don't see how that's a braid. Just saying.
First, I like the look of braids.
Not meant to be snarky:
When the fashion/decor season changes and "they" indicate what's back, in, or out, I wonder....
Who says what's back, in, or out? With whom does a trend begin? Who are "they" and why do we follow them?
mjs7640, I wonder the same thing every day when I read AT. I read the title of this post and thought, "Braids were out? Huh. Who knew?"
Don't worry, CocoChic. I noticed the same thing. But chunky knits are popping up all over the place. Not to mention crocheted items as well.
@mjs7640, The braids are all me. I've been braiding my hair since I was a kid. True story. ;)
remember those potholders we used to make as kids.......
"Gary, I know you want to be able to see better, but putting your chair on top of the table is running you perilously close to a life-threatening electrical shock."
I've seen some really braided tie-backs for draperies too. Small detail, but really cute!