Dyeing to dress up your home
There’s very little the world can teach India about tie-and-dye, or shibori, as it’s known in Japan. The earliest evidence of Bandhini, which is derived from the Sanskrit work banda, or to tie, was found in the Indus Valley Civilization back in 4000 BC. Today, the tie-and-dye technique is used to create the most gorgeous fabrics, sarees and odhnis in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha (as Ikat) and Tamil Nadu (as Sungudi). In the last few years, the pattern has earned a huge following in other parts of the world as well, particularly among eclectic, bohemian souls. And wormed its way into home décor. Here in India, lovers of ‘ethnic’ fashion and decoration styles have been using tie-and-dye cushion covers, table cloths and bedspreads from time immemorial. Created mostly on thin, cotton fabric, these have worked very well in casual homes, juxtaposed with cane or dark wooden furniture.
But now, the pattern has widened its constituency and crept into formal, sophisticated homes as well, in the shape of carpets, wallpaper, throws, and upholstery. Some fans, looking to introduce a touch of whimsy into formal rooms, are even ombre-dyeing their furniture or accessories to give them a shibori look. It makes for a fun counterpoint to traditional trappings, and is a very effective conversation starter. Those who want to start small may try putting a tie-and-dye rug under the dining table or tossing a silk shibori throw on the main sofa in the living room. While indigo is a big favourite with shibori lovers, the pattern looks great in bright shades of pink, yellow and green too. by Yezdee Kaye
Wallpaper
A wall-covering changes the very nature of every room it enters. One with a tie-and-dye pattern gives it an extra warm feel. Available in all colours, shibori wallpaper in indigo and green, both restful colours, look the best in homes. Choose a light shade if you want a calm look for the room, a deeper hue if it’s drama you seek.
Curtains & table Linen
Once, we had to buy shibori fabric and get our curtains stitched. Not any more. Ahmedabad’s Gatha.com sells them readymade. The products are handmade in 100 per cent cotton, self-textured fabric, given shibori effects. Meanwhile, Ikea, which is coming to India soon, sells the most lustworthy napkins and tablecloth (which can double up as a bedcover) in preppy pink.
bed linen
What could be nicer than snuggling under a feather-soft duvet in a bed that’s scattered with cushions and throw pillars in candy shades of pink and coral? If it’s too warm for a duvet, you could buy a tie-and-dye bedcover with cushions to match. Most of the home online shopping sites, like Jaypore and Craftsvilla, have interesting options on sale. Check them out.
upholstery
Back in the day, most of the tie-and-dye fabrics available in India were made of thin cotton that worked as loose covers but couldn’t be used to upholster sofas. But now you can get the shibori look with digital prints on heavyweight fabrics.
floor wear
Rugs like these work inside and out (as long as it’s not raining, of course). Cool and colourful, they add an instant pep to their surroundings. You can find thick cotton dhurries like these on websites like Houseproud and Sweetcouch while Rugberry sells tufted woollen carpets (with canvas backings).