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We’ve borrowed many design trends from the Japanese over the years: origami, bonsai and bamboo, shoji screens, paper lanterns, and all things zen. And now, design aficionados and DIYers around the world are going gaga over shibori, the Japanese version of tie-dying. Though it’s relatively new on the design trend circuit, it’s been around since the 8th century in Japan, long before hippies were tie-dying tees in the 1960s. The intricate—and oh-so boho—design is accomplished by folding, twisting, bunching, or binding cloth then dipping it into indigo dye. The result is an incredibly complex pattern with infinite possibilities, each piece a one-of-a-kind item. It feels natural and organic, and the muted shades and rich textures play well in any laidback, bohemian space. Any at-home designer wanting to accomplish a free-spirited space should try this trend.
Table Napkins
These hand-dyed napkins by Hatchet Made are almost too pretty to dirty, but they sure do make for an enviable tabletop. Hatchet Made’s founder, Christina Obuch, focuses on silk-screening, natural dyeing, and embroidery, and makes her one-of-a-kind creations out of her studio in Ontario, Canada.
Indigo Shibori Napkins, $15
Serving Bowls
These ceramic bowls are small in structure but big on style (and there are matching plates, as well). Set a tabletop of indigo and white, and layer in pops of color through your glassware for a good-vibes-only dinner party. Minimal and neutral need not RSVP.
That’s My Shibori, Sticking to It Bowl Set, $21
Wall Art
Treat shibori like the work of art it is by showcasing it behind glass and framing it. It’s the perfect add-on to a
Textiles as wall art is always a great statement and serves as a nice addition to a well-traveled and worldly home. It also doubles as a conversation starter as you explain the shibori technique to inquisitive guests.
Shibori Cross Hatch Framed Print, $400
Armchair
Sophistication and shibori combine in this fabulous armchair, designed in a contemporary style but dressed head-to-toe in boho. Pair it with other prints, some rough-hewn wood, and plenty of plant life, and your laidback home is complete.
Shibori-Printed Tillie Armchair, $1,450
Sofa
Bigger is better, right? This Anthropologie sofa strikes all the right notes with its low and lean frame topped with a stylized display of contrasting shibori prints. It’s bound to be the focal point of any carefree home.
Shibori Printed Harper Sofa, $2,900
Throw Pillow
There’s an old design trick of layering mismatched (but perfectly matched) textiles and textures to gussy up an otherwise bland sofa or bed. A shibori toss pillow will be right at home on an effortless spread and offers a color palette that’s easy to work with.
Jacqueline Maldonado Watercolor Shibori Indigo Throw Pillow, $45
Throw Blanket
Cozying up on the couch will be stylish with this California-made, West Africa-sourced vintage mud cloth throw. Bogolanfini, or mud cloth, is a Malian cotton that is dyed using an ancient technique with fermented mud. The company One Fine Nest specializes in bringing the cloth stateside and finishing the design process in their Southern California studio.
Vintage Indigo African Mud Cloth Lightweight Throw Blanket Shibori Bar Pattern, $175
Basket
The key to an organized life is an organized home, or so they say. Keep it all together with these beautiful linen shibori baskets. Each piece is hand-dyed and comes with its own quirks and details. Use it as a super-stylish trash can or as a cover for a potted plant. Either way you choose to display it, it’s a surefire way to add color and texture to any space.
Fabric storage basket in cotton linen shibori print, $14
Bed Frame
Bed down at night in this truly epic bed by Anthropologie. Is it taking the shibori trend too far? We don’t think so. It’s the perfect combination of sexy and cute with clean sleek brass legs and playful cotton upholstery. This is what dreams are made of.
Shibori-Printed Edlyn Bed, $2,500-$2,700
Bedding
If the bed is too much, try this luxurious bedding. It puts a breezy, beachy-chic spin on the shibori trend.
Iona Duvet Set, $89
Rug
Let’s not reserve shibori for the inside of the home. This reversible rug works outdoors, as well, and the coolest part is that it’s constructed from recycled plastic bottles. Switch from shibori to ikat as the mood strikes you.
Shibori Dots Reversible Indoor Outdoor Rug, $75
Beach Blanket
Be the belle of the beach with this linen blanket designed by Katrin Reifeiss. Out of her Hudson Valley, New York studio, Reifeiss hand dyes each piece, and on the side she hosts workshops to teach the shibori technique. This linen blanket is the perfect addition to any beach tote for the bohemian babe.
Stripes Beach Blanket, $138