Interiors trend: Aztec style

INTERIORS TREND: AZTEC STYLE

Aztec style homewares are the perfect choice for adding a folky bohemian feel in the home. Use deep colourful throws or blankets to inject a rich textural dimension to your living room or bedroom or opt for a more subtle approach with patterned cushions against a plain sofa. As you can see below Aztec style patterns can even be incorporated with 50s style furniture to create mid century style furnishings with a twist…

The pieces I have included in this post reference several different cultures, not just the Aztec culture from Mexico but indigenous cultures across the whole of the Americas including the Incas and other Amerindians, but Aztec style gives a good idea of the type of patterns and product that will be included…

Andean mini bolster cushion £115, A Rum Fellow

Inspiration for this trend often comes from patterns created in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes where indigenous tribes use traditional techniques to weave fabrics with local wool. Think multi-coloured patterned textures with an ethnic feel. Geometric patterns woven in lines are central to this look, often mixed with symbols which that reflect the daily life in the mountains plus significant historical events and characters in Andean folklore.

Fairtrade Aztec wool kilm cushions from £24.95 Myakka, Urumbamba Peruvian rug £195 A Rum Fellow, Aztec woven linen cushion £55, Oka

Some independent retailers actually source their product ranges and fabrics direct from suppliers in South America. Online retailer A Rum Fellow sells a range of cushions and rugs made with fabric sourced from the Peruvian Andes. Rich with heritage the designs demonstrate the amazing skill and craftsmanship that goes into each item, including many made using hand woven Peruvian fabric. Highly skilled craftsmen in Peru would have made the fabric on a traditional wooden loom using local Alpaca wool. The pieces available are full of colour, pattern and texture. I love the mid century chairs that have been reupholstered using hand woven vintage Bolivian fabric – a real juxtaposition of cultures but it definitely works.

Titicaca chair (pair ) upholstered in hand woven Bolivian fabric, £250, A Rum Fellow

Fate, another online store, sells a selection of Native American inspired homewares from North America, including Pendleton blankets and other textiles such as ipad cases and purses. The Pendleton Woollen Mills are based in Portland and sell a range of blankets that pay homage to the American mills that pioneered the weaving of American Indian trade blankets. Pendleton Mills began making Native-American blankets in 1896 including geometric patterned robes (unfringed blankets) for men and shawls (fringed blankets) for women. Their Heritage collection includes blankets that feature patterns reintroduced from their extensive archives. The rich colours and patterns often represent Mother Earth, the sun, the stars and new life.