Ikat

Ikat is a near universal weaving style common to many world cultures and possibly one of the oldest forms of textile decoration. This age-old dying technique used to pattern textiles is at once traditional and modern due to its long history but its continual rebirth in new lines of fabric. Here are some of my favorite new ikat prints!

Luce, from Madeline Weinrib's New Fabric Line

From Robert Allen

From Scalamandre

Showhouse!

After a busy summer, the latest Patti Johnston Designs fall undertaking was the 2011 Mansions and Millionaires Design Showcase 2011. Patti Johnston Designs took a second-floor foyer and closet and turned it into a sparkling “Boudoir” - an intimate, elegant dressing room combining classic and modern elements.  

The Space, Before

Boudoir is a space that combines the elegance of classical furniture with modern color and details—preserving the old world feel while bringing the room into the 21st century for today’s woman and man. I chose a color pallet of gray and white, infused with pops of bright turquoise. The closet doors were painted gunmetal grey to ground the room in tradition and are labeled “his,” “her’s,” and “ours.” 

The Space, After

I discovered the ornate vintage picture frames in the attic of a "frame hoarder.” After determining the ideal layout of the frames for the wall, I had them lacquered a glossy white.

The Frames, Arranged, Before

I wallpapered the ceiling with a modern botanical. The ferns are reminiscent of the home’s beautiful grounds, and introduce an organic motif in the space, which is complemented by the spectacular installation on the wall. The Sculpt du Fleur is a custom floral element created by Nina Helms, incorporating both European influence and contemporary shapes. 

The turn-of-the century vanity and the pier mirror were finds I discovered during an antiques shopping trip in France. They have been restored and rejuvenated with fresh paint and metallic leaf detail. The black lacquered legs of the stools are reminiscent of French design as well. 

Vintage Jewelry Displayed on the Vanity

In keeping with the room’s true purpose, I “dressed” the window treatment in filmy white fabric trimmed with gorgeous turquoise satin, fabric reminiscent of a beautiful ball gown.

Window Treatment Detail