For a few years now, I've had this conflicting relationship with ikat patterns. I absolutely love the idea of an intricate and interesting pattern that is gender neutral. I can't in good faith, however, advocate spending huge chunks of your decorating budget on something you will likely tire of quickly. This is why, up to this point, I've said pillows and throws only for ikat. But there is a caveat to this advice.
Done in a neutral, more tonal palatte, I can get on board with ikat. The drapes in this picture encompass several of the colors used in the room without coming off as "busy". Sure, a stripe would have also been fine, but the ikat contributes to the overall transitional style. Stripes (and definitely a floral) may have come off a bit staid. The bedding above shows how ikat can actually look quite restful. If you want to keep it easy, the bigger the item (both size and money-wise), the more neutral the palatte or print.
Images courtesy Ethan Allen, Inc. and House Beautiful
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