Say it with shibori

Punam Kalra

Shibori — the Japanese technique of pleat and bind and dye — is one of the most ancient dyeing techniques. While modern Shibori is done with lots of colours and different fabrics, traditional Japanese Shibori on cotton was mainly done with indigo. This delightful and authentic hue has majorly found its place in home décor and is very popular in interior design as it’s the perfect combination of modern art and traditional craft. The contrast of the blue and white is familiar, yet fresh variations tend to make bold statements. It’s a colour that  can match almost any style — from minimalist to glam.

Accented tones

The best way to introduce this in any décor would be to pick up a vintage or traditional luxurious chair, sofas or ottoman and upholster it with shibori fabric. The contrast will stand out and make a statement immediately. It will fit perfectly with a boho chic space or a seaside home.

An accent wall papered in a textured shibori design, such as raw linen, adds not only amazing colour, but also a texture that you can build on throughout your interiors. Bedding, drapes and furnishings such as poufs and bar carts are other great ways to incorporate the same. 

Shibori curtains, too, make a bold accent in any space. Shibori tablecloths or runners, mats, ceramics or even framed artworks make a great addition to any space. Today the technique has even been extended on leather giving the users more ways of experimenting with décor.

Romancing the blue

Shibori is also a way to introduce indigo to your home décor. Painting a single door or a pair of window frames in indigo sheds a whole new light on white walls. By incorporating different finishes from matte to high-gloss, indigo paint can help provide the specific vibe you’re seeking for a space.

Whether on walls, furniture, fabrics or ceramics indigo in shibori is a definitely a  statement colour thanks to its rich hue. But one should not be excessive with it. It needs neutral to white tones to be balanced out in décor. It can also look great when combined with different shades of purple and deep blue and even a mustard yellow can be a great accent.

For large spaces use the technique and texture to accent walls and for smaller spaces in the form of bedsheets or throws. For spaces like the powder toilet it can extend a dramatic look and for others it can form an excellent base to put up an artwork.

Dyeing techniques

• Plangi and tritik are Indonesian methods related to tie-dye.
• 'Bandhna' is the term for tie-and-dye in India, giving rise to the Bandhani fabrics of Rajasthan.
• Ikkat is a method of tie-dyeing the warp or weft before the cloth is woven. 
• Mudmee is a tie-dye technique that originates in Thailand.

— The writer is creative director at I’m, The Centre for Applied Arts