Fashion-inspired colors, bohemian-style global prints and geometric designs make a big impression this season
Shiprock Santa Fe’s Rug Room: Located in the historic Silver Building overlooking the Plaza, the Shiprock Gallery features over 400 Navajo, Pueblo and Hispanic weavings. Photo credit: Wendy McEaharn, Santa Fe, NM
Much like a good piece of artwork, textiles can make a room. “I’ve seen an increased demand from customers looking for pattern and texture, but in neutral tones that allow them to layer a room,” says Kate Erwich, creative director for London-based luxury textile purveyor Evitavonni. “We’ve seen many more requests for geometrics, in addition to designs such as jacquards and tonal weaves, which create a pattern that works with the rest of the room. For the first time, we have incorporated soft pinks and blush tones as well as hazy blues into our new collection, and that is due to customer requests and interests in an expanding palette, and I think it has a lot to do with fashion trends.”
From colorful museum-quality Navajo tapestries, to recycled area rugs and patchwork-inspired hand-woven poufs, there’s a crop of stylish goods making a debut in the home.
Brush Strokes
Designer Brenda Sacks, founder of La Jolla, CA-based BottleCloth, created the Free Flow Tablecloth using recycled plastic bottles and 100-percent woven fiber. $99; bottlecloth.com
Shades of Gray
The geometric-inspired Greta Cushion by Evitavonni is made of a cotton-wool blend; the British company is known for weaving using natural materials and sustainable design practices. $265; barneys.com
Geometry Buff
Brentano Fabrics’ modern geometric-printed Construct collection is made of high energy-dyed recycled polyester and solution-dyed nylon. Price upon request; brentanofabrics.com
Recycled Rustic
Create a hint of rustic glamour with Bambeco’s Recycled Denim & Jute rug; it’s designed with natural jute and strips of denim. From $165; bambeco.com
World Traveler
Ideal for the living room or den, the cozy patchwork-like Red Suti Pouf is made of recycled remnant fabrics. $40; worldmarket.com
Global Entry
Handmade in Darjeeling, India, the Kantha blanket is crafted from vibrant vintage saris in a variety of hues and patterns. $100; uncommongoods.com
Up-Cycled Saris
Kiln-dried hardwood frames, organic linen fabric and up-cyled Indian saris make up the Vintage Kantha Upholstered Chair by VivaTerra. From $2,895; vivaterra.com
Southwest Serape
Shiprock Santa Fe’s Navajo Moki Serape is considered one of the most desirable textiles created before the turn of the 20th century. It’s made of natural hand-dyed indigo blue wool, and aniline-dyed natural dark brown and red. Price upon request; shiprocksantafe.com
Color Theory
Add a subtle pop of color to the sofa with Coyuchi’s hand-embroidered organic cotton and linen Prism pillow. $98; anthropologie.com
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Weaving Wonders
Fifth-generation Navajo art trader Jed Foutz, founder of New Mexico-based textile company Shiprock Santa Fe, weighs in with expert tips on what to consider when choosing weavings.
Buy What You Love
The most important thing is to buy what you love. We are happy to work with collectors building a collection with a specific focus, as well as clients looking to decorate and work within certain color or price parameters. Our selection of over 400 weavings has something for everyone, from the lowest price point to true museum-quality works.
Be An Investigator
Navajo weavings generally have three characteristics: a selvage cord, a continuous warp and lazy lines. Of course there are always exceptions, and, of course, there are copies, but these three are guidelines to looking for original works.
We also carry works that are Hispanic or Pueblo in origin and their construction differs from that of Navajo weavings. Earlier works will be differentiated from more modern pieces by the dyes and yarns used. For example indigo dye was used prior to 1880, but generally not after that.
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