Influenced by the bright colours and exotic floral motifs of printed cottons from India, the fabric style known as Les Indiennes emerged in France in the late 17th century. Today, fabrics printed in this style continue to draw on a palette of natural hues – from madder red and indigo to olive green. The techniques used to create these fabrics still impart a gently faded quality that works beautifully with woven furniture and pared-down accessories to give interiors a subtle bohemian look.

Ensure a crisp, summery feel by using a pure white backdrop with furniture and accessories in simple shapes to create the perfect foil for Indian print motifs. Woven textures, such as natural sisal and rattan, will add depth and interest to the interior. A single-colour palette will allow you greater scope for using pattern. Mix the scale of the designs and add co-ordinating accessories to unify the scheme. Use plain fabrics in matching colours to offset the busier Indiennes prints and stop them overwhelming a small space.

ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Belle No 43 in Madder Red; Antoinette No 42 in French Grey; both hand-blocked cotton, 152 cm wide, Les Indiennes. Kina TAYO 1002, cotton mix, 147·5 cm wide, Zoffany. Helene No 19 in Madder Red, hand-blocked cotton, 152 cm wide, Les Indiennes. Fermoy CCW04019, linen, 140 cm wide, Zoffany. Nantes in Pond, quilted cotton, 132 cm wide, Lewis & Wood. Stone platter, Atelier Abigail Ahern. Flooring Sisal Basket in Silver T301, Crucial Trading.

STYLING LUCY ELWORTHY
PHOTOGRAPHS JAN BALDWIN
JUNE 2006