ABOUT FABRIC INSPIRATIONS FOR THE EASTER TABLE
Toile de Jouy with an aristocratic lineage
Toile de Jouy (pronounced: twäl-də-ˈzhwē) literally means cloth of Jouy. This is the most famous fabric depicting idyllic genre scenes. The pattern was invented in the second half of the 18th century by dyer Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf in the town of Jouy-en-Josas near Versailles. Inspired by the tradition of shepherd's picnics at Marie Antoinette's court, he was the first in Europe to produce printed fabrics that quickly triumphed over Indian linens popular at the time. From the very beginning, the pattern was printed in monochrome, in black, claret or indigo, on a white or cream-coloured background. The decorating design was printed not only on clothing and upholstery fabrics, but also on wallpapers and curtains.
This pattern has undergone numerous changes since the times of its Versailles glory. However, it has retained the specific monochrome colour scheme and is still readily chosen, copied and modified.
Toile de Jouy has a timeless and unique charm. Fabrics used for upholstery, bedspreads, covers, cushions and bedding are still decorated with idyllic scene designs. They can be found on the living room wall, bedroom bedspread and, as a print, on kitchen utensils and accessories. Jouy Print is an excellent choice for a decorative tablecloth motif. It will adorn the table, provide a perfect background for the simplest, single-coloured tableware, and introduce a calming, idyllic atmosphere to the dining room.
Swallow is the herald of spring also on fabrics with bird motifs
Birds are a theme that has accompanied us for centuries. Some symbolize hope, others wisdom. They are always a harbinger of spring awakening and rebirth. Apart from floral patterns, birds are the second most popular and favourite decorative interior motif inspired by the natural world. Exotic birds and owls, swallows, bullfinches, tits, sparrows, herons and swans living in our climate – the bird motif on decorative materials is universal, as is the floral one. Textiles with decorative bird motifs enrich the interior, although they require discipline in the selection of coordinates and an appropriate background.
Realistic prints on smooth, even surfaces of silk, taffeta or satin reflect the natural world in a full scale of nature-inspired colours, capturing the finest details. Looking at them, we may have an impression that the birds have stopped to sit for a while, and that our slightest movement will scare them away. Fabrics decorated with naturalistic bird scenes are an excellent choice for curtains, pillows and bedding, but are particularly suitable for kitchen and table textiles. Spread smoothly on the table, they perfectly recount their stories and, together with decorations and natural flowers or fruits, create a real feast of colours and patterns.
When dyed and printed, cotton and linen – which are natural fabrics with a characteristic visible mesh of fibres – produce a completely different effect. The drawings of birds presented on these fabrics sometimes take on fantastically unreal shapes and stylised forms, with the characteristic colour effects of watercolour spill and discolouration.
The prints resemble drawings from old engravings or sketches. Natural scenes are often printed on pastel painting backgrounds, which creates impressionistic sensation of tremors and vibrations of printed shapes, abrasions, and discolouration. Matt surfaces of fabrics enhance the effect of cosiness and intimacy of these bird scenes.
Floral variations on fabric
Flowers are probably the most graceful and popular decorative motif. Even the currently strong trend for minimalist interiors is not able to threaten floral motifs on wallpapers, upholstery, cushions and curtains. The more difficult the times and the more we have to submit to the challenges resulting from the limitations imposed by the changing seasons, or such exceptional circumstances as the current pandemic, the more we look for substitutes. We need contact with nature, visual stimuli that strengthen our sense of security, inspire hope, and soothe our senses which crave pleasant experiences. Flowers are not only a natural ornament, they are pure beauty, gentleness, harmony and relief.
There are as many types of floral patterns on fabrics as there are varieties of flowers and ways to depict them. From fully realistic bouquets and festoons of classic decorative fabrics to the most unreal impressions on naturally dyed silk. Each time, the effect depends on the fabric – the type of yarn, the degree of gloss, print quality, colour saturation, finishing effects, etc. Pastel silk embroidery showing hydrangeas in the dreamlike version will give a romantic, unreal and soothing effect, introducing lightness and allowing more freedom of arrangement. It will certainly be complemented by fragile, delicate porcelain, glass and precious metals.
A completely different, rustic atmosphere will be introduced into the interior by a cotton fabric with a floral print inspired by folk floral motifs. The name of the rustic style derives from the English word rustic which means bucolic or homely. The basis of the rustic style are light linen or cotton blends in natural colours (beige, grey, ecru, brown). A truly idyllic ambience is often provided by colourful prints in intense colours with patterns inspired by the folk art. Table textiles made from rustic fabrics like the company of natural wood, simple decorations and stoneware.
Easter, spring tables, even in their most modest versions, require our attention and commitment. Their character depends on our tastes and preferences. The range of solutions available is practically unlimited. Choose whatever suits you best and what you believe to be the most gratifying background for delicious feasts and meetings at the table.
Fabrics from the DEKOMA collection used in the session:
Noble linen with a motif of branch with flowers and birds, referring to the tradition of French fabrics from eighteenth century. Fabrics from Paster collection are ideal to decorate interiors in the French style and will appeal to all admirers of designs and fabrics with history. Trends 2013: History lover, Eccentric
The soft, glossy Sparrow fabric has been designed for textile decorations e.g. curtains, Roman blinds and cushions. It has a very interesting pattern with fauna and flora motifs, with wonderful, colourful birds in the foreground. Sparrow comes in three colour variants, from warm shades of orange to deep turquoise. It is recommended for both modern interiors and traditional designs with a strong accent.
Beautifully embroidered, decorative fabric with showy hydrangea flower. In the collection a smooth Sonya coordinates is also available. Elegantly muted colours and bold patterns give the true joy of creating original decorations for stylish and modern interiors. Trends 2014: Craft lover.
Furniture and decorative fabric for home use. Decorated with beautiful, big pattern of flowers, printed on canvas. In economic width of 280 cm. Recommended for traditional, rustic, romantic interiors. Coordinate for the collection is the Carla fabric.
Photo-session for Dekoma.
Creative thought and styling: MBBM Studio
