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Modern Icons: Marimekko Textiles
These Bold and Bright Finnish Fabrics Are More Popular Than Ever
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Chances are, Marimekko textiles are on your radar even if you didn't know their name; if you've ever received a Crate and Barrel catalog, you'll recognize a 'mekko print when you see it. A big part of the mid-century modern boom, the company was started by Armi Ratia in Finland in 1951. The country was ready for bright bold prints after years of war, and Ratia was particularly ready to recognize talented women designers and break through glass ceilings. After Jackie Kennedy ordered up seven of their dresses and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated wearing one in 1960, the brand became wildly popular in the U.S. It has remained so worldwide ever since.
| Tip: Stretch fabric over a canvas for an inexpensive way to pack a big graphic punch.
This one is fashioned from a classic 'mekko print called KIVET (it's actually there to conceal the television). You can stretch the fabric over art canvases, buy kits (I recommend textile arts; their products are great and their customer service is superb), or buy hangings already put together. |
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by The Red Jet
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| Case in point: Blogger Red Jet Whistle created a modern wall hanging with this vintage 'mekko fabric. Etsy and eBay are good sources for finding such pieces.
See the rest of this creative home |
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This exuberant poppy print, called UNIKKO, was designed by Marimekko great Maija Isola in 1964. It has become wonderfully ubiquitous thanks to all of the products Crate and Barrel has created using it (Crate has had the exclusive U.S. rights to Marimekko prints for decades). Though very popular, I don't believe that this print has ever hit the tipping point. It's timeless, and it comes in a range of scales and colors.
Side Note: I love this little cribbed conversation that appears on the Marimekko U.S. website, explaining how UNIKKO came to be:
Armi Ratia: “No flower patterns.”
Maija Isola: “Why not?”
Armi Ratia: “Because they can never match the beauty of a real flower.”
Thankfully, Isola took this as a challenge and created what is now one of the most quintessential Marimekko prints.
Side Note: I love this little cribbed conversation that appears on the Marimekko U.S. website, explaining how UNIKKO came to be:
Armi Ratia: “No flower patterns.”
Maija Isola: “Why not?”
Armi Ratia: “Because they can never match the beauty of a real flower.”
Thankfully, Isola took this as a challenge and created what is now one of the most quintessential Marimekko prints.
by Tara Seawright
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Interior designer Tara Seawright solved the problem of furnishing a small bedroom by using this stretched canvas to serve as a tall headboard. Unlike those hot Prada heels, it doesn't take up any floor space.
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Tip: If you have a small or ho-hum bathroom, try a large-scale print shower curtain (I did).
This shower curtain, with its large scene of Scandinavian birch tree print, can completely transform a bathroom.
This shower curtain, with its large scene of Scandinavian birch tree print, can completely transform a bathroom.
by Atypical Type A
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On a smaller scale, KAIKU makes a lovely screensaver.
These KIVET Butterfly Chair covers add welcome color to this contemporary house in the desert.
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| Similarly, a framed UNIKKO print brings color to this bathroom. |
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KIVET in black and gray is modern and masculine. The circles are not perfect, which adds personality and keeps it from being totally dotty.
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Marimekko napkins play off the striped pendant light.
by Pierce Allen
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This wavy LOKKI pattern lends contemporary sophistication and curves to this contemporary dining room.
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Marimekko TUULI throw pillows add inky black, abstracted trees to the bedscape.
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| My own appreciation for all things Marimekko can be traced back to my aunt, Sally Wittenberg. She bedecked every bedroom in her Berkshires lake house with Marimekko linens and every bathroom with 'mekko towels. She also introduced me to Dansk, Catherine Holm and all things Scandinavian modern.
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Another Aunt Sally bedroom ...
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... and another! Marimekko looks great with her museum posters.
by Textile Arts
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Marimekko recently came out with a wallpaper line; now you can cover entire walls with your favorite prints.
by Textile Arts
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This apron is sewn from another classic Marimekko print, called MELOONI. It makes a great hostess gift for the Aunt Sally types in your life.
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Not interested in typical nursery decor? Get this crazy rocker and design the entire room around it. As your child grows up, you can move it into your den, study or family room.
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It's possible I'll start drinking tea if it's an excuse to keep this kettle out on my stove 24/7.
by Textile Arts
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Marimekko tomes are so inspiring. We've covered just housewares here, but the fashion and the architecture are also remarkable.
More Marimekko Products Houzz Writers Have Selected
Houzz Tour: A Joyous Home in Norway
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Ideabook updated on July 11, 2011.
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PS) I like you Aunt Sally's Calder print. Another great modern icon!
thanks
to her sweet 16 birthday cake.
Interesting to get a little background on these fabrics. I remembered them as far back as the 70's when a Marimekko shop was opened in my area, but also didn't know they went that far back.