Is it Houndstooth or Herringbone?
~By Susan Rayner, Design Editor~
I love menswear fabrics, especially when used in unexpected ways. Right now these patterns are all over women’s fashion. And where fashion goes, interior design is sure to follow.
Classic houndstooth suit coat
Image courtesy of satorialvinking.com
Not-so-classic large scale brightly colored houndstooth
Image courtesy of sheinside.com
Metallic houndstooth mini
Image courtesy of M. Kors.
So how do you tell your houndstooth from your herringbone?
Houndstooth is a two-toned textile consisting of jagged checks. It’s thought to have originated in Scotland in the 1800’s. Supposedly the jagged edge resembles a dog’s tooth but I’m thinking that’s only if you squint after a cocktail or two.
Herringbone is a zigzag pattern (also called chevron) named for its similarity to a fish skeleton. (Who comes up with this stuff?) The pattern has been used in Roman roads and ancient Egyptian textiles so it’s been around for a long time. Also typically two-tone, it’s another staple of men’s suiting.
Gable – Still the epitome of masculine suave, wearing herringbone. Sigh!
How to incorporate your favorite menswear fabrics into your house? Well, you can start small with an accessory like this magazine basket.
Image courtesy of etsy.com
Or you can upholster all or part of a chair or bench in menswear. Note the mix of plaids on the right.
Image courtesy of hollandsherrybespoke.com
Image courtesy of hollandsherry.com
Image courtesy of parisapartment.wordpress.com
Or you can really go for it as in this London hotel with its mix of plaids on the chairs and walls and a pinstripe upholstered sofa.
Image courtesy of Dorset Square Hotel
Notice how the delicate desk and fresh flowers add a touch of femininity.
Image courtesy of Dorset Square Hotel
Neutral menswear patterns against an intensely hued red wall keeps this bedroom from going bland.
Houndstooth, multiple plaids and stripes. Keeping everything in shades of blue and red keeps it cohesive.
Image courtesy of hgtv.com
Of course, it is possible to go too far. Some things only pop stars can get away with.
About the Author
Owner of Susan Rayner Interiors, Susan’s aesthetic is clean and classic, whether the style is modern, traditional or somewhere in between. She is passionate about creating positive change for her clients while allowing them to control their costs. Susan has a friendly, collaborative approach that allows her clients to enjoy the design process. This ensures they will love the end result – a house they enjoy coming home to!
Visit Susan at SusanRayner.com.
p.s. Susan gave us the inside scoop on residential interior design trends on our Power Up Living radio show. Check out the episode here.
About the author, Kelly
Kelly Galea is a creative, multi-passionate entrepreneur and luminary blessed with a unique combination of wit, grit, intellect and intuition. She helps you navigate the work-life maze of ever-shifting priorities and transform your life through holistic self-discovery techniques and immersive, fun and magical mini-quests. Working with Kelly will inspire you to unveil, express and celebrate your vital personality and lifestyle preferences to create a more harmonious life.