Classic fabric patterns are timeless, so it’s no surprise that the fabric houses within the Dallas Design District have taken inspiration from these classics to create new and trendy designs for 2010. They say there’s nothing new under the sun, but a tour through the District surely shows that there’s a new twist!

Chinoiserie, Ikats and paisleys are patterns that have recently enjoyed a resurgence, with talented fabric designers putting a fresh, modern spin on these classic prints. Let’s take a look at the classics.

Chinoiserie

Oriental designs have been infused in design work since the beginning of time, but new chinoiserie fabrics have been reinvented  for today’s more modern spaces. The subject matter is still Far Eastern, but dramatic colorways and a modern design styling have made them fresh and exciting.

"Yang Tze" by Scalamandre (#20296)

I love the sophisticated look of this chinoiserie pattern from Scalamandre. I can see it in a home library, office or any other space where you might desire a touch of the dramatic.

"Shantung Silhouette" by Schumacher

Printed in silhouette, this chinoiserie from Schumacher has a playful quality to it.  The white against the colored ground looks fresh and cheerful. It would make great window treatments in a sun room or even a nursery!

IKATS

Ikats are all the rage these days, and no longer just reserved for spaces with global flair, as I described recently on my blog, Divine Distractions. Designers are using accents of Ikat to create drama, infuse color into a space, and to create focal points.

Ikat is an ancient technique of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process, but new technology has allowed fabric designers to get the look and feel of this time-worn technique without the expense or the difficulty. As a result, we have a myriad of designs and colors to incorporate into our spaces.

"Istanbul" by Duralee - Exclusive Collection

This exclusive collection from Duralee contains Ikats, paisleys, suzani prints and other tribal prints in several colorways.  Bright, bold and large scale, these prints will certainly leave an impression.

Eric Cohler Designs - Lodge Collection for Lee Jofa

The Lodge Collection is brand new from the divine Mr. Cohler. It is infused with a masculine air that permeates the entire collection. Ikats are just one of the coordinated patterns that bring an earthy style to this collection.

"Bayadere" by Brunschwig & Fils

Beautifully woven in linen and cotton, this oversize (37″ repeat!) Ikat by Brunschwig & Fils comes in six wonderful color ways. It will not go unnoticed wherever you choose to use it.

Paisley

I am a child of the sixties….yes, I’m old, but I’m hip….and paisleys were part of every good hippie chick wardrobe and room decor.

While my tastes in bold,  bright colors and patterns have refined over the years, my love of paisley has held steady. Lucky for me, fabric designers have taken a new interest in this old faithful pattern, and there is a plethora of paisleys available for us to use in the marketplace.

"Allegro" by Clarence House at Culp Associates

This paisley from Clarence House is just a happy pattern. It makes me smile!  The colors are perfect for a little girl’s room or perhaps a creative space for crafting or being artistic.

Kravet has this paisley displayed in their wings, and it nearly took my breath away when I saw it. It’s flower-like paisleys look like big ink drops on the white silk. It has a great sophisticated look, yet it hasn’t lost that playful edge that is inherent in the paisley itself. I was so busy gawking at it, that I didn’t get the name. Can anyone help me out?

"Marvelous" by Fabricut

Lastly, Fabricut‘s “Marvelous” print is just that — marvelous!  The metallic against the vibrant background is stunning. It comes in other equally interesting colorways…copper, red, chocolate, black and white with silver. It is a poly-cotton, so it can be used in many applications. Simply marvelous!

You have to love and appreciate the creativity and talent it takes to make an old standard youthful and fresh. No, it’s not your grandma’s fabric any more….or maybe it is??

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