Ever since I saw local designer Katie Rosenfeld's post on her mother's pillows, I realized I need to step up my game. In my house, throw pillows usally become cat hair magnets. But not wanting to be shown up by anyone's mom, my competitive juices kicked in and I set out in search of some pillow magic.
I've never been a big fan of suzanis but butchered up, I found myself lingering on some of the bold graphic ones.
I'm not really into the boho thing, but these patchwork pillow covers are kind of fun too.
Some of them even remind me of the work of famous artists.
This one reminds me of Mattise's work.
 |
| Matisse collage |
Doesn't it?
This pillow uses a bird shape cut from a suzani and appliqued to linen.
Which made me immediately think of George Braque's birds.
All of these pillows can be found on etsy by searching "suzani pillow."
What do you think? Love 'em or leave 'em?
Be sure to check out Katie's mom's place. I think she's really talented.
I like first one but I am not a huge fan. I think I like it because I don't see the circular suzani pattern. The patchwork pillows are appealing because of the patchwork not suzani.
ReplyDeleteI like the designs, especially that red. black and yellow one, however I'm not sure they would go in my house...
ReplyDeleteSome of these Etsy designers create such amazing things don;t they.
love your matisse reference. I saw some of his cut-outs once and fell so far in love it wasn't funny. the swimmers, I think it was, the figures were huge and all around the museum walls. ackkk. thinking about them makes me wanna see it again. I love these pillows, espcially the first b&w one. love all that color in small doses.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I've been rethinking my old doggy slobber throw pillows too. I kinda like these, but maybe just one with other plain colors or even similar colored florals.
ReplyDeleteNew throw pillows really perk things up.
They're nice designs but I don't think they're my style.
ReplyDeleteThese pillows are cool, I have a friend who would go crazy over them. They aren't my style but I do like them. I love the comparisons you've made. They do look like they could have been inspired by the artists.
ReplyDeleteToo bad there wasn't a white and black one...It might fit into your bedroom redo.
:)
LOOOOOOOOVE em. Said in my Ethel Merman voice.
ReplyDeleteAt least many that you posted. I am a textile (especially an OLD textile Ho...Yep)
Love them all! I am just crazy about color and most things ethnic, but Norm would have a fit and probably put them out in Hurricane Alley for the wind to carry away. He doesn't really like throw pillows since you just have to move them to actually sit in most furniture. Maybe framed?
ReplyDeleteI like them...graphic and artistic! But I know what you mean. I have a suzani that I can't bear to make into a pillow...I think of hands doing all that embroidery
ReplyDeleteI am drawn to the red, yellow and off white pillows. The colors and designs are just lovely. My favorite is the rectangular red, yellow,black and off white pillow.
ReplyDeleteI used to want a suzani as a tablecloth for my dining room - but now I'm glad that I did't rush into that purchase. I think that the texture of them is outstanding, and the colors are usually very beautiful, even with wear and age, but it just won't fit into my space anymore ... love the idea of chopping it up into pillows though.
ReplyDeletethis is a timely post steve. i have such pillow anxiety. these suzanis are gorgeous. and katie is a genius, now i know the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
ReplyDeleteI love 'em, and the 4th one is my choice. It would be great in my house!
ReplyDeleteHmm. Don't LOVE them, but like them. Kind of tired of them, really. That said, I do like them re-invented. You kill me with the art references. Wish I had your arty-knowledge.
ReplyDeleteA great selection. We are working in Tajikistan to revitalise this central asian tradition. You can find out more on our website (in Russian, but lots of pictures and use 'translate this page') http://sohsa.nabwt.tj/ and check out the pictures of our work in our photos on our facebook page www.facebook.com/nabwt.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you don't have room for another throw pillow, so we have been making some small wall hangings as well!
If you don't have an abundance of pillows lying around.....well I am not sure we can be friends. I base my relationships on shallow things.....and I hardly make exceptions. Get yourself some pillows......some of the above would be nice.
ReplyDeleteDid you buy any Suzani pillows? I like them but they wouldn't really go in my house since I have about a million and one antique pillows...pillow dealer here!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day!
XX
Debra~
I kind of love them...don't have any and keep thinking they may be too trendy. The patchwork ones are very cool. Are you buying?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I giggled when I read the title of this post. Cute.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I do like suzanis even though many of them are too brightly colored for my taste. And I love them used as pillows. I just might have to look into this...
LOVE suzanis! (though not so much the patchwork examples) I just got some suzani-print fabric to cover some floor cushions.
ReplyDeleteOh please, not another fad follower. Those pillows will be dated along with the zebra rugs in short order. Ann
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful, and I appreciate the work that goes into them. That being said, I am not a big fan. Maybe you just caught me at a moment in my life where I am tired of ALL pillows in decorating. If it is not the same as the fabric on the sofa or chair, I don't want it. k
ReplyDeleteoddly enough if you look you'll notice the pillows you highlight have a common theme with the Violets artwork you showcased- don't you think??? I've said it before and I will say it again- I love your blog. Lynda
ReplyDeleteLynda,
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice that! That's interesting. I did think some of the shapes were similar to the black and white artwork I had framed.
yes, they are having a moment but I'm still diggin them. Great collection
ReplyDeleteThe first one is great.
ReplyDeleteThe rest are interesting; I wonder how comfy they are in real life?
I can't do wool at all, and really like pillows that are comfy and can be used.
I found this pillow place at Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHomeCentric?section_id=6943395
Lots to pick from, from the gaudy to the great :)
BTW-when do we get to see the finished bedroom already?
Can't wait to see the headboard and artwork working that room...
Don't let silly things like work stand in the way of your blog fans, LOL
They're gorgeous!!! Big bold and beautiful... Wish I had known about them a week go for our design vignette Sally and I are doing...
ReplyDeleteCheers,
John
I'm in the middle of a suzani obsession and have been trolling ebay, but haven't yet found a color/pattern combo that I truly love. I did buy a lumbar pillow for my sofa at T.J. Maxx recently that is perfection, but it wasn't made from an original textile. The etsy offerings are pretty spiffy. I'm drawn to the graphic punch they give a room. M.
ReplyDeleteI am not a big suzani fan -- even if it weren't because I dislike fads -- but I could be convinced to own that red one with the yellow flowers and cream branches. It is bold and interesting.
ReplyDeleteBest...Victoria
Crazy love...at first I wasn't crazy about the suzani look...now, the more I see the more I like...who would have thought "lime green" either! franki
ReplyDeleteI find it curious that some consider suzanis faddish. They date back to the 18th century (possibly earlier) so it would appear they're more of a classic than a fad!
ReplyDeleteMiranda,
ReplyDeleteI think it could be said they're enjoying a comeback right now. And I guess if anything is a fad, wouldn't something like throw pillows be the perfect fad thing to get so they can easily be swapped out? They're not like a $6000 overdyed rug.
Hola! I myself love the suzani's and the patchworks are aok with me too.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely a little boho.
Fabulous pillows.
xo Jane
The first time I remember seeing suzanis used in interiors (before I was really, really paying attention to interior design) was in a banquette that Peter Dunham designed.
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/206813807858390630/
I thought they were so beautiful. Still do! So yeah, I like them a lot and would take any one of those pillow for my own living house!
I love suzani in small doses, as in pillows - except I saw a couch upholstered in one recently and just about DIED. It was breathtaking, bold, absolutely without question center stage material.
ReplyDeleteWhile I like to look at them and appreciate them, I wouldn't want to live with them- but that's just a personal thing.
ReplyDeletehappy weekend!
j.
I searched for the perfect suzani fabric in Istanbul a couple of years ago and came back empty handed. It's hard to find the right combination...but you found some great ones! Thanks so much for your comment on my post yesterday - your experience really makes me firmer in my position to protect my privacy! Have a great weekend...Barbara
ReplyDeleteI do love these pillows Steve. Of course I am an artist, so as you say I can see Matisse and Braques works in those pillows as well.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to change the look of a room; interesting works of art and pillows will transform a room.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
funny - i like my suzanis "butchered" also. :)
ReplyDeletejust got back from vancouver - will post soon. hope you are well.
xo terri
love the pattern on the first pic. another favorite is the black and violet one
ReplyDeleteI am your new fan! Can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteHi. You had asked about my painted kitchen floors. I did that about 4 years ago w/Farrow & Ball floor paint in Old White. I never sealed it w/polyurethane (although others do that for even greater protection) and am very pleased with how they held up. Now that we've moved the kitchen stairs I have to paint the new section again and planning on going with F & B. Big plus - it's so easy to do with a roller w/an extended handle!
ReplyDelete