The Noble Antimacassar

I’m sure that most of you know what an antimacassar looks like, but never knew the name of it. Few people know what they are called or what they are for. To start off, this is an example of an antimacassar:

That’s right. That doily sitting on top of your grandma’s wingback chair is an antimacassar. The original antimacassar would have been of stiff, tightly woven crochet-work that was mass-produced and easily washable.  This is because it was used to protect the upholstery behind one’s head from the oil that was used in almost every man’s hair from the early 19^th to early 20^th century, called macassar oil.  It was made primarily of coconut or palm oil, mixed with ylang-ylang oil for fragrance.  It made the hair look very greasy, but that was the fashion.  

Incidentally, that piece of cloth on the back of a sailor’s uniform is also called an antimacassar or jumper flap, and its function was also to keep the oil off of the uniform.  This was especially helpful when the sailor would wear his hair in a short, oiled-down pony tail and not be able to wash for weeks at a time.

Even though macassar oil is no longer de rigueur, antimacassars can still be seen on the backs of airplane and train seats in a more simple style. 

There you have it – the noble antimacassar.  Personally, I hope that the greasy goo never comes into fashion again, but you never know…

Antimacassars: don't let Pauly D of Jersey Shore sit in your chairs without one.

[Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4]

Pattern and Texture

Sometimes we find ourselves in a creative rut with our home design. It can be difficult to make visible changes without spending a ton of money, but using various patterns and textures is a great way to express creativity and bring excitement into your home, and it is one of the easiest ways to create points of interest and define your personal style. You can introduce as much or as little as you like! Try searching out patterns and textures that are new to you. Introduce yourself to the softness of mohair or the vintage vibe of chenille. It can also be fun to play with historic textiles such as toile de Jouy, matelassé, damask, or chintz.

Mixing toile de jouy and animal prints

Be sure to repeat patterns and texture to bring depth and movement to a room. Ideally these elements should come after you’ve chosen the main color scheme, but if you already own something with an interesting pattern or texture, you may want to use that piece as a building block for your room design. Soft furnishings such as throw pillows, drapery, upholstery, and rugs are an easy place to introduce patterns. Remember that there’s no need to coordinate everything in sight, but it’s a good idea to have some kind of a game plan.

Anything tactile is a good alternative to pattern, and if you can mix different textures together for a luxurious layered look, so much the better. Cross the fluffiness of sheepskin with the warmth of knits, and the soft sheen of velvet with embroidery. A fur throw is a great addition to any room. If you don’t want to go for real fur, there is a range of fake varieties available that creates a similarly glamorous look.

Beautiful textures on soft furnishings

Kate Walsh's bedroom

If you aren’t confident in using many different textures and patterns together, start small! Restrict their use to small-scale items such as cushions, stools, and throws that can be moved around till they find their right place. Don’t be afraid! Mixing texture and pattern is much of what makes those rooms on the pages of magazines jump out at you and what makes them look professionally designed.  

Bold pattern mixing!

Now we want to hear from you. Let us know if you have any interesting mixtures of patterns or textures in your home. Or maybe you’re a self-admitted pattern-phobe! Either way, we’d love to see your pictures and hear about your adventures in pattern and texture!

[Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4]

Welcome!

Hello! My name is Hannah, and I’m the newest member of the Wabi Sabi Shop team!  I will be updating this new blog frequently with fabulous tips for your home.  I am an interior design student and so happy to be able to join Kay in helping to make your home everything you want it to be and more.

Your home is your sanctuary; it’s the one place that you can truly make yours.  You should feel your home welcoming you every time you step through your door, as if saying, “Nothing else matters but you and those loved ones you invite into your home -- I’m so glad you’re here!”  I’m here for you too.  Please give us feedback and ask us questions whenever you need a little bit of help or inspiration in your life.  The comments section is always open to you.

The Wabi Sabi Shop is a consignment shop that cares about what you put in your home.  We have an ever-rotating inventory of lightly used, high quality home furnishings and adornments, and we are discerning when it comes to accepting new merchandise, so you can be assured that what you are purchasing is of the highest quality and best taste.

To take full advantage of our store, stop in often!  We sell each piece for a very limited time, and when something is gone, it’s gone!  Great merchandise sells quickly, and we love to see our merchandise go to a good home!  

Stay tuned for new posts.  Bookmark us or add us to your favorite RSS feed reader to get the latest advice from me, your Wabi Sabi Shop girl who cares.  I’ll give you advice and let you know about all the very coolest new things that find their way into our shop!

Happy reading!