objects :: still suzani
Friday, September 16, 2011 by {darlene}

Suzani has been a decor trend for quite some time now. But I am still loving Suzani.

“Suzani is a type of embroidered and decorative tribal textile made in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.  Suzanis usually have a cotton (sometimes silk) fabric base, which is embroidered in silk or cotton thread.  Popular design motifs include sun and moon disks, flowers (especially tulips, carnations, and irises), leaves and vines, fruits (especially pomegranates), and occasional fish and birds.” – {see wikipedia for more}

For me, Suzani is not so much a trend as it is a way of bringing beautiful, hand-embroidered, world influenced flair into your home. After all, this decorative fabric dates from the late 18th century – which seems rather enduring to me, more so than a trend. The detailing and color in the Suzani fabric makes it a natural splash of life into many spaces. I am glad that the love for this design has come West.

Here are some beautiful uses of this timeless fabric:

 

Dongia fabric is used on the chairs. This gorgeous room makes the most of neutrals and symmetry and therefore sets the stage for a gutsy splash of Suzani color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The same Dongia fabric is used here in a fantastic way. I absolutely love, and recommend, framing fabrics that are special to you, and worthy of being enjoyed every day. It is also a great way to display remnants an expensive fabric; which can often be found at a slashed price.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here a Suzani fabric that is simply draped over a desk/vanity. It adds so much drama to the space, and is a simple, change-able way to add color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Similarly, this Suzani is draped on a dining room table, adding detailed earthy-ness to a very elegant space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those who adore Suzani, and are willing to give it more commitment, this sofa is a stunning upholstered piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again, using a neutral backdrop sets the stage for a dramatic Suzani. The neutral backdrop in this bedroom offers the perfect spot for a Suzani bedspread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, two different Suzani pieces are stitched together to make a patchwork of sorts. The sunny colors are divine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which one of these uses would work in your home? Do you have any Suzani in your home? How could you add some gorgeous Suzani into your space?

{all image sources can be found here}

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Labeled: objects, trends

7 Comments

  • I purchased a pillow covered in the first photo fabric you showed here. I got it at garden ridge for just $9.99! It looks great on my sleeper sofa in my guest room.

    Reply

  • Love all those pieces (and your new site design, too!). I just did a suzani upholstered headboard this spring! Check it out!

    http://www.thetallchickblog.com/2011/06/hangin-tough.html

    Reply

  • I agree with you…I kind of laugh when people say suzani (or ikat) is a trend…these designs have been around much longer than any of us have been alive so how can it be a trend? To me that says it is something so beautiful it never went “out of style”! I looked for some suzani when I was in Turkey last year but didn’t find the perfect one but it’s still on my list – it’s gorgeous.

    Reply

  • I’m love suzani prints, though I’m drawn to cultural pieces anyway. I’ve got several pics pinned on Pinterest of suzani fabric used on chairs, as headboards, etc, and am trying to figure out how to work this pattern into my home. Wavily has a fabric called solar flare that has a similar feel and in like 2 more days, Vera Bradley is debuting her new Suzani pattern. It’s so old and makes such a statement. Thanks for featuring it! BTW, Love the new web design, the content and everything you do!

    Reply

  • I have always wanted to drape suzanis on the two white slipper chairs in my kitchen. The last time was at Scott’s I saw a vendor with antique pieces that I didn’t buy and I’ve regretted it ever since. I hope he’s still there next month!
    Take care,
    Lori

    Reply

  • Any idea where I could find a Suzani fabric similar (if not identical) to the sofa pictured above? I have a great antique chair it would look fabulous on. Thanks.

    Reply

  • Great selection of suzani photos you have! It’s amazing how they add that je-ne-sais-quoi to a room! A friend of mine from Uzbekistan recently started an online company that ships vintage suzanis from Portland, OR at reasonable pricing… Black Fig Designs.

    Reply

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