Ornate and colourful fabrics as upholstery on modern furniture designs is a trend we reported earlier last year, and included in the report was a reupholstered Eames lounge by Lebanese design studio, Bokja. We thought we'd revisit with some additional designs they've created for their unique beauty, merging Western forms with Central Asian textiles...
According to their website, "Bokja" is an old Turkish word for an embellished velvet wrapping of a valuable and treasured object, specifically for a special occasion, specifically the embroidered dowry of a bride. And these are definitely treasured objects to many of us who love modernist furnishings.
Although some may disagree, we're not offended by the "haute bohemian" reinterpretation of these classics; somehow the colour and pattern give the chairs a distinct and whole new presence that isn't so much a riff as a whole new tune. Something about the combination of form and colour evoke imaginings of vibrant and joyous celebration...meals and drink sitting on ornate Central Asian carpets with friends and family (perhaps we've been watching too much Anthony Bourdain and PBS). We also respect these are one-of-a-kind, handmade creations, each embellished in their own unique character with colours that delight. But that's just us. We could also imagine these being "too much" for certain eyes. This amount of colour and pattern aren't exactly everyone's cup of tea.
What do you think?
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Seriously beautiful stuff. I went to the website but couldn't figure out how to get prices. Just as well... I'm guessing they'd be out of my league. Maybe some IKEA knock-offs are in the making? Maybe? Please?
view mirandabee's profile
That's pretty cool. There's a similar trend with these types of fabrics seen in fashion.
view MODERnestS's profile
Fabulous!!!
view rexrayfan's profile
I think it just seems so hackneyed when they try and do this with those cliched and over-used MCM shapes. I think it would be cool to see these fabrics used on some original pieces. Better yet, I think it would be better if these fabric patterns were made into rugs.
view hejiranyc's profile
An Etsy store, Material Recovery, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7734077, is doing the same thing, but unfortunately, they will not deliver furniture. . .
view Sousani's profile
Sorry - MaterialRecovery.etsy.com
view Sousani's profile
2 thru 5 are great i think; wish they'd do some plain boxy or trad couches.
view pinkorangered's profile
Ugh. Vomit.
view rapidtransitman's profile
hard pieces to work with but once well placed will give that cheerful punch.
i think the chairs are easier to work with than the couches. :)
view lawrencevon's profile
Looking at the press, it looks like they are available only at ABC in the US - and that the couches are in the $4000 range. Beautiful, though.
view betsbillabong's profile
I hate the middle ones -- I think the sofas are too big for that kind of print, and it takes away from the clean lines of the sofas.
But I love the cute chairs!
view apf's profile
I recently upholstered an art-deco chair in modern fabric, with a definite mexican feista feel to it.. over at design sponge: http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/10/before-after-emilys-armoire-ingrids-chair.html
check it out!!
view inti's profile
adore!! xo
view xoxotoe's profile