I always *love* a good damask!

I feel like I should be talking about pie crust or brioche (I always love a good one of either of those also) [in fact, I make an awesome pie crust – no cheating either, but I digress...].

I feel moved however to talk about the gorgeous patterns we are seeing everywhere today, that get their inspiration from the old world reversible figured fabrics that bore a pattern formed by weaving.

Its name derived from the city of Damascus, Damasks were traditionally woven with differing textures of yarn, and sometimes included metallic threads and varying colours to create rich repetitive patterns.

The use of ‘damask’ patterns has morphed throughout the centuries, bringing inspiration to creators of fabrics and wall coverings through to today.

And with today’s technology, we can find damask patterns on everything from wall decals to wall paper, wall tiles and fabrics for use in all areas of the home – including bedding, drapery, furniture and oh-so-necessary decorative cushions.

{We are kind of cute calling this wonderful pattern “modern” when it originated on this planet when our forefathers’s forefathers were still amoebas!}

I’m *loving* the New Baroque Velvet damask-patterned wall tile by Settecento. I find the below application of it stunning – but a bit stark.

I myself would prefer to see some colour with it. For a more contemporary and youthful feel, I'd suggest apple green, or light or bright turquoise, or hey – the colour of the year – honeysuckle!

Or, for a richer, more mature feel, I'd suggest a smoky lavender, rich olive green or deep watermelon.

Here’s an example of a black and white theme with a more subtle damask-inspired wallpaper, with pops of colour.

While a black and white theme is common with damask pattern-inspired home decor items, many other colour and texture choices are available – it’s a wonderfully versatile motif that can dress up and even warm up a space.

This bedroom design by Nicholas Haslam uniquely pairs a custom bedskirt and headboard (both different damask-inspired patterns) with more rustic / country-feeling elements, creating a space that feels both luxurious and accessibly comfortable.

In a light rose colour, the damask-patterned comforter paired with complementary linens that boast a smaller pretty print – all amidst a white backdrop – evokes a feeling of femininity and frivolity fit for princesses from 8 to 18, without feeling overdone.

Choosing a damask-patterned fabric to upholster furniture is gutsy and bold – I personally would keep it to just one or two chairs in a space (as opposed to a whole dining set, or sofa, for example – although I would put damask on a chaise...).

Damask-patterned fabrics in bold colours elicit that visual ‘wow’ best when they are juxtaposed with more subtly-patterned (or no pattern) items – which means that less is more in that instance.

I love this Cotswold Chair in Smoke Damask available through The Cross Decor & Design!

If you want to give damask a try but aren’t ready for the more costly commitments of wallpaper, linens or furniture, funk up your space with damask-inspired wall decals.

This damask scroll graphic available through the byrdiegraphics shop on etsy brings colour, punch and some needed panache to this otherwise mostly achromatic, eclectic-modern space.

The golden nugget of damask-patterned items for the home lies not just in its inherent beauty, but in how well it can support and contribute to the overall look and feel you want in your space.

Whether the feel you're after is more classic, funky, retro, mod, glam or – as we saw above – even quasi-country, damask-patterned items can be the most prized feature in your room, and add a "wow" factor that literally pops out of the mouths of all who enter!

It's Your Space, Your Place, Your Life -- if you want a great-looking space that's right for you and embibes the feel you'll love living in, contact Liz to help you make it happen!

Liz
http://www.elizabethrobertsdesign.ca/

Credits:

littlecherubsheirloom.com
worldmosaictile.com
pantone.com
housebeautiful.com
thibautdesign.com
decorpad.com
bestbeddingensembles.com
thecrossdesign.com
etsy.com (byrdiegraphics shop, damask scroll)