Decorating Guides
Block-Printed Textiles Add Solid Style
From traditional Indian designs to DIY versions, block-printed fabrics add pattern and texture to any style decor
Lately it seems like you can't turn your head without finding a trend alert or a fabric line inspired by block printing. This ancient Indian technique has existed for centuries, but the trend gives us another opportunity to look at different ways of using hand-blocked fabric.
Add a feminine touch. In a country home in Pennsylvania, Tom Scheerer uses a paisley hand-blocked print on a bed canopy. The fabric feels feminine and airy, and it helps marry the two main colors in this beautiful bedroom: red and cream.
Create a welcoming feeling. John Robshaw is known for the use of Indian-inspired textiles, particularly block-printed fabric; he even has a fabric line inspired by it. In his otherwise very masculine home in Connecticut, the designer dresses a bedroom in hand-blocked fabric ranging from purple to pink, creating a sense of welcome.
Mix fabrics. Can you believe that this room belongs to a teenager? Designer Daniel Sachs artfully mixes different patterns and colors on the curtain and on the upholstered desk and chair, giving this work nook a sophisticated and feminine vibe.
Don't be afraid to mix block-printed fabric with other patterns and styles. This hand-blocked shade looks great with the mustard floral wallpaper and a patterned rug because they all have the same silver color in common.
Here, four different patterns make a harmonious bedroom, from the spring-box cover to the custom hand-blocked wallpaper. The secret in balancing the elements of the room lies in keeping the same colorway and making sure the scale and space of each pattern is different.
Pair textiles with wood. Michael Smith's bedroom has all the makings of a classic space: a wood dresser, an Oriental rug and of course, the block-printed bed canopy, which matches the bed skirt and manages to be traditional without being stuffy.
Marry different design styles. This tall headboard in the Crosby Street Hotel in London merges masculine style with a contemporary spirit. To make hand-blocked fabric appear current, keep it monotone (the colors in the room are pulled from those in the fabric), use straight lines (such as those in the dresser and wallpaper) and play with proportions. This headboard is nothing close to predictable.
Decorator and blogger Lauren Leonard used hand-blocked napkins to create these charming pillows with linen backing. I think they look wonderful paired with ikat and gingham pillows.
Add just a touch. Hand-blocked fabrics don't have to dominate your space. Block-printed pillows blend seamlessly into this Cape Cod–style living room by Alexandra Angle, and because they're just pillows, you can put them away anytime.
Another way to incorporate block-printed fabric into your room is with a lampshade. This drum shade lends pattern to the dining room without overwhelming the otherwise neutral room.
You can DIY. See this gorgeous block-printed canopy? It's actually a stenciled drop cloth. Designer Lauren Liess created a lot of the look for her son's nursery using creativity, a wood block and inspiration.
Above is a less traditional DIY project. Prudent Baby blogger Jami gave her backyard a total makeover and block-printed a chevron pattern onto her backyard bench. I like the idea of using block printing for a contemporary pattern.
Houzzers, tell us: Would you bring hand-blocked fabric into your home? And would you try to tackle any of the above DIY ideas?
More:
Bold Fabric Patterns Rouse Rooms
Designer Tips for Mixing Fabric Patterns
Houzzers, tell us: Would you bring hand-blocked fabric into your home? And would you try to tackle any of the above DIY ideas?
More:
Bold Fabric Patterns Rouse Rooms
Designer Tips for Mixing Fabric Patterns
One of my favorite things about hand-blocked fabrics is how versatile and unexpected they can be. If you manage to play with scale and color and know how to mix and match, you can do pretty much anything with them.