Hindustan Times

Doing up your home with Shibori

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Courtesy V Living
Courtesy V Living

Textures and prints can have an indelible impact on your home décor and Shibori is a wonderful way to add a touch of class to your home
What is it that strikes you about a home at first sight? Well chances are it is the accessories and bright colours that attract you first. So why not use that to do up your home? Well check out Shobori a Japanese Tie & Dye technique to add the oomph factor to your home.

Courtesy: Unnati
Courtesy: Unnati

Colour Coordinated
Traditionally Indigo was the main colour used in shibori dyes but today saturated hues like maroon, purple are being used too. It typically involves binding, stitching or compressing a fabric and then dipping it into the dye that results in the creation of vivid patterns. Shibani Join, Founder and Managing Partner, Baaya Design says, “I believe the versatility that the technique offers through its colour scheme and patterns complements almost every interior palette; be it light-toned concepts like coastal or pastel for a home or dark-toned concept like industrial/vintage for a cafe. According to me, this factor of adaptability to different interior spaces is making Shibori a top trend in the industry.” The most effective color for Shibori inspired home décor is undoubtedly is indigo which is perfect for DIY younger generation. “Personally for me black and white Shibori looks far more dramatic and versatile with tones of grey, black, white and camel colored interiors. There is fluidity, softness, stillness in the patterns in an otherwise contrast combination of the bold colors of black and white,” opines Namrata Datt, Curator and Interior Stylist, Maison 15. Most of the shibori patterns are made by folding the fabric into a small bundle and dipped into the colour. “When we open the bundle after drying it each layer has different shade and texture of the colour and that is most amazing part of it. It is always exiting to open it and see the magic of colours,” says a spokesperson from Unnati.

Courtesy: Unnati
Courtesy: Unnati

Décor Mantra
Vineeta Dassani, Co-founder Etasaa Home and Lifestyle advices, “start with a simple, neutral base. White provides the perfect canvas layering on colour. Tie the clothes carefully so that the desired shape can be made.” The best way to add this décor trend is in wallcoverings and furnishings as well wallpapers and fabrics. “Using a wallpaper on one of the walls to give the room an interesting twist. You can use it on the furniture through fabrics. Shibori printed sofas look stunning when paired against a white wall,” opines Priyanka Mehra, Principal Architect, PS Design. Being handmade its charm lies in the fact that you have a unique pattern each time. Varied Shibori patterns can take centre stage or simply compliment your space, depending on how you want to showcase it. “A neutral room with a lot of white can come alive with Shibori curtains and a few tie-dye cushions. Use a Shibori table runner to infuse a splash of colour in the dining room while maintaining a soothing vibe. If you really what to have some fun, team Shibori linen with a contrasting colour; my favourite is a fuchsia pink or sunny yellow to revive a dull room,” says Vaishali Sinha, Founder, VLiving. Traditionally, Shibori was done on cotton with natural indigo. Sheela Lunkad, Strategic Business Unit Head, Home & Lifestyle, Fabindia adds, “Our artisans are also experimenting with other natural dyes, colours and fabrics. For example they are using turmeric for yellow hues and beetroot for pink tones. It is essential to secure the fabric properly while dyeing so that it retains its three-dimensional form.”

Make-a-shibori-table-runner-and-add-matching-glasses-to-highlight-it courtesy The Decor Kart
Make-a-shibori-table-runner-and-add-matching-glasses-to-highlight-it courtesy The Decor Kart

Get the Look
While there are no specific rules in home décor, you need to find what suits your persona. “a Shibori dinner plate can be matched with a simple placemat and if you are using a Shibori tablecloth/placemat you can use a plain dinner plate. The simple idea is to create some contrast so that the best qualities of each accent or element can stand out,” says Nihal Kalra, Co-founder, The Decor Kart. Shibori patterns are very versatile, allowing you to use them in various settings. It all depends on what theme you are working on, or how you imagine your space to look like. “Dining chairs can be revamped quickly by changing the chair seats with shibori print covers or throw a printed table cloth of the right color by keeping the chairs plain. Shibori prints can be added anywhere in many ways from pillows to bed cover corners, tapestry to curtains, the options are many,” says Niharika Choudhary, Founder & Creative Director, PeeliDori. Shibori is the new hot trend in design, creating versatile looks with both light and dark. “It can be added to any concept be it a light toned concept like Scandinavian or a dark toned concept like industrial, vintage etc. So you do not need to alter your entire interior to rope in this look, it will perfectly merge with your very own concepts,” says Ritu Goregaoker, Director-Design, GA Design.

Courtesy: Unnati
Courtesy: Unnati

Tips
• Don’t overdo the print. “Do not overwhelm an interior with the same element and style. Mix the techniques and also play with colours,” says Manuu Mansheet, Director, Mansheet Design Pvt. Ltd.
• Place solid furniture or graphic element or an art piece against a wall with shibori print. It will highlight as well as make it look dramatic.
• Use Shibori to create a statement. “While using a Shibori curtain, one must not keep the curtain short; rather skim the floor in order to create an illusion of fluidity in design,” says Manish Bhatia, President, Building Products Division & CEO EVOK Retail, HSIL Limited.
• Add an ottoman covered with Shibori fabric instead of just a plain one in the living room to give it that wow factor.

Courtesy: Unnati
Courtesy: Unnati

Tie & Dye Techniques
• Batik from Indonesia.
• Tritik from Africa.
• Bandhani and Ikkat from India.
• Mudmee tie-dye from Thailand.

This story appeared in HT Estates, Mumbai dated July 14, 2018 here:

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