There’s a knot in this tale
As homebuyers and renters get younger, bright colours and DIY designs are creeping into home décor. No wonder shibori, a Japanese tiedye style, is trending. Here’s how to do it right
Blame Instagram. It has given home craft enthusiasts a platform to display their skills so easily, the rest of us can just scroll through video after video dumbfounded. Did you see the clip about the townhouse that got a beachy fe with 5 simple tricks? How about those 10-minute hack with a paint-roller? Have yo bought a glue-gun yet?
One popular trend emerging in homes today is tie-dye, but a more modern cousin of our own traditional handicraft. It’s easy to do; it gives your home a personalised feel. The best part, there’s no limit on how bright you want to go.
PICK YOUR PALETTE
Traditional Japanese tie-dye, which they call shibori, typically involves binding, stitching or compressing a fabric and then dipping it into the dye that results in the creation of vivid patterns. The Japanese would traditionally use indigo.
Today saturated hues like maroon and purple are popular as well.
The best way to incorporate this décor trend is on the walls and furnishings as well as wallpapers.
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.
Shibani Jain, founder and managing partner at Baaya Design says the style is versatile enough to complement most home décor themes.
Namrata Datt, curator and interior stylist at Maison 15 also recommends trying a blackwhite-and-grey palette, or ones with neutrals like camel hues, which look more dramatic. “There is fluidity, softness and stillness in the patterns,” she says.
Vineeta Dassani, co-founder of Etasaa Home & Lifestyle suggests you start with a simple, neutral base. White provides the perfect canvas layering on colour.
“Shibori printed sofas look stunning when paired against a white wall,” says Priyanka Mehra, principal architect at PS Design.
“A 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. If you want 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.”
Sheela Lunkad, strategic business unit head for Fabindia’s Home & Lifestyle section says Indian artisans are also working on making tie-dye more contemporary.
“They are using turmeric for yellow hues and beetroot for pink tones.”
GET THE LOOK
While there are no specific rules in home décor, you need to find what suits your persona.
“A tie-dye print on a dinner plate can be matched with a simple placemat. Or you can get a tie-dye design on the placemat with a plain dinner plate,” says Nihal Kalra, co-founder of The Decor Kart.
“The idea is to create contrast to bring out the best qualities of each accent or element.”
In the dining room, revamp your seating with shibori prints and use a single-hued coordinating table cloth or revered the combination for a different effect. “They can be added to items like pillows and bed covers, curtains and even wall prints,” says Niharika Choudhary, founder and creative director of Peeli Dori.