Around the World With Textiles (Design*Sponge)

Last week, I gave a talk titled “The History Behind Design Trends” here in New York City, and when I finished talking about the history of black, of white rooms and of indigo, I was asked to comment on other trends in design. My answer? Bright, colorful textiles from around the world. We all seem to have been bitten by the same textile bug. From Turkish kilims to Peruvian rugs to pillows from Mexico, the world has become a smaller place where textiles are concerned. And I wholeheartedly love this trend. For one, many of these textiles are handmade by women, so when you’re buying a piece either directly from the source or from a company that ethically sources the textiles, you have the potential to support a woman-run business. But leaving gender aside, you’re also supporting handmade work. A greater appreciation on the international market of this work also makes it lucrative – meaning that these traditions aren’t lost. There’s something that is just so special about the artistry that goes into these one-of-a-kind textile pieces, so it even makes me happy when someone rescues a piece from a vintage shop or eBay and gives it a new life. Get ready to be wowed. -Amy

Image above: The bed in this New Zealand trailer was found and bought on Trade Me (a New Zealand version of eBay). The rug is a vintage Afghan carpet, the artwork above the bed is an old bark tapa cloth from Papua New Guinea.

Image above: Paige Morse’s Dallas home is filled with textiles. In this little corner of her living is a small settee made from vintage kilim rugs paired with a throw brought back from Mexico and pillows made from vintage wedding clothes from India.