Graphic Power: Abstracts

Are you one of those who want to break the rules, color outside the box, and do the opposite of whatever everyone else does?  Then abstract patterns might be up your alley.  In our continuing series on the Graphic Power of prints, we’re going to take a quick ride through the unpredictable world of abstract prints. 

Abstract prints are the complete opposite of geometrics, the pattern that we discussed in our last blog.  Geometrics are based on basic shapes of circles, squares, and rectangles whereas with abstracts anything goes.  Abstract patterns play well with contemporary and modern style interiors.  They’re usually fresh, wild, and won’t remind your friends of your grandmother’s taste. 

Pictured above is a smattering of abstract print pillows.  Starting at the top right, clockwise, the orange pillow is from Bliss Living called Humanity for All – Freedom.  The next is Ecco Blue Leaf from Koko Company, Bamboo Leaves by Josey Miller, Humanity for All – Dream from Bliss Living, and Metsan Kuningas by Marimekko, available at Crate and Barrel.

Abstract prints can be created in two ways:  you can take something real, i.e. a leaf or a flower, and take out the details or “abstract it”.  On the left are examples of an abstraction of a flower, the Metallik pillow was a sunflower, the Aquamarine in Pool fabric from Duralee was a rose, and Orange Fusion pillow came from a daisy.  There’s still some detail left to recognize what it once was but now the emphasis is on lines and shape – the design – rather than the flower. 

Abstract prints can also come out purely from the imagination.  Designer Amy Helfand who creates beautiful modern rugs from her studio in Red Hook, New York, credits her inspiration to the landscapes around her.  She first captures her surroundings through photography and from there transforms it to abstract patterns for her colorful rugs.  Below are Blue Ridge Voyage and Ragged Wandering.(Blue Ridge Voyage, courtesy of Amy Helfand)

(Ragged Wandering, courtesy of Amy Helfand)Because of the lack of rules, abstract prints can come in a diverse selection – making for a bountiful source for fabrics, rugs, and wallpaper.  So if florals or geometric prints seem passé, take a look at abstract prints for your next design plan.

Interested in learning more about fabric, wall and floor treatments?  Take a look at Sheffield School's Complete Course in Interior Design.  At Sheffield, you will learn how to transform a space, create color schemes, and select furniture, lighting, and accessories. 

Comments

[hotel for sale]

They’re usually fresh, wild, and won’t remind your friends of your grandmother’s taste.

[George Zeed]

I love those vivid colors. So pretty!

George Z.

[Turf Care Lawrenceville]

these are some gorgeous pillows.
fabulous fabric. =)

[Melly Lifshitz]

The Blue Ridge Voyage reminds me of Japan's Autumn Season. Must be great to study interior design.

[body cleansing diet]

Nice information. Would love to have the blue aquamarine in pool =)
I just hope that you can put any information where can i get those colorful pillow. Anyway, thanks for brighting my day.

[Cool Background Wallpapers]

Great, its very funtastic and creative idea

[chicago kitchen and bath remodeling]

I really enjoy reading your Articles. Thank you for this much needed info.
Is there a way to forward an article to a friend? Thanks...

I love the metallic pillow..Nice..

[Greg Rowe]

Using photographs of nature to create these patterns is a great idea. I really like the designs and colours.

[Magic Mesh]

I’ve afresh started a blog, the data you accommodate on this internet website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your accepted time & work…

[silk drapery fabric]

The colors you used are really wonderful. I love how it blended together, creating a warm feeling. This is really a work of a talented designer and artist.

[Somanabolic]

I really enjoy reading your Articles. Thank you for this much needed info., Is there a way to forward an article to a friend? Thanks...

[Telephone Answering Service]

Colors and prints are the most important elements to decorate anything when you using right colors and prints for decorate the things will alive in an instant with a unique and lovely glow. Clearly I can see that nobody has lost their passion in the decorating and designing field. Please keep up your amazing work.

www.frontlinecom.co.uk/

[The Lotto Black Book]

I admit, I have not been on this webpage in a long time... however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals.

[Forever Lazy]

While this subject can be very touchy for most people, my opinion is that there has to be a middle or common ground that we all can find. I do appreciate that youve added relevant and intelligent commentary here though. Thank you!

[Somanabolic]

It's really nice. Thanks for posting.

[Men Made Easy]

Thanks for Sharing such a valuable experience of yours. It was interesting reading your article.

[http://texttheromancebackpdf.com]

You have shared such a valuable content.Thanks for sharing such information.

[Smokeless Cigarettes]

Fantastic colors and designs! These are so pretty.

[psd to wordpress]

I liked a lot the beautiful colors and patterns of the pillows. These are looking wonderful.