1.20.2010

Ancient Fretwork Patterns in Today's Interior Design

According to Wikipedia, fretwork is an interlaced decorative design that is either carved in low relief on a solid background, or cut out with a fretsaw, jigsaw or scroll saw. The Chinese Chippendale Chair {above} is a classic example of decorative fretwork. Open geometric fretwork patterns have been used to adorn furniture and architectural designs for over 3,000 years. Buzz Kaplan wrote an excellent article regarding Antique Fretwork on Decorati's blog.

Today, ancient fretwork patterns including those from the Chinese, Moorish and Greek cultures can be seen throughout our homes on decor items such as rugs, casegoods, tile, wallpaper and textiles. Here are a few examples:

Song IV wool & silk rug from Tai Ping's Fret Collection

Evan Display Cabinet by Hickory Chair

Barbara Barry Fretwork Lounge Chair from McGuire Furniture

Siam Trellis wallpaper by Sanderson

Fabric Collection by Michael Devine Home: Fretwork Pattern in Chocolate

Fretwork decorative molding on built-in cabinet by Burnham Design

Modern Fretwork ceramic tile by Michael S. Smith at Anne Sacks


Table OM with the ancient flower of life pattern

Round Fretwork Mirror at Neiman Marcus



Fretwork bedding by Leontine Linens

Open Fretwork Stool at Doxa Home


Oslo Side Table at Shine Home

Brooke Green pillow by Madeline Weinrib

Do you have fretwork patterns in your home's decor?

19 comments:

  1. Goodness your talking my language. Especially adore the leontine linens (of course!), the built-ins (looking to do something similar myself) and the Barbara Barry chair.

    Great post!

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  2. I'm more of a filigree girl myself but these are great photos!

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  3. Not yet, but I will. Love the new wallpapers and the rug above. Beautifully put together!

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  4. These are lovely! And, I don't think I have any of it in my home, but I love that green end table. I took a look at some of the other things from Shine Home, and they're great... unfortunately, it seems they only sell to the trade? And thus super expensive?

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  5. love the stool! i've been looking for something like this for my living room---lovely! :)

    also thanks for stopping my blog.

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  6. I bought one side table with lots of beautiful carvings but oh how they collect dust! any tips on cleaning them?
    I'm inviting you to join my first worldwide giveaway. Please do enter. Thanks.

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  7. Great post. I really like the wool and silk rug and the siam trellis wallpaper!!

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  8. I have a set of 4 canvases I intended to paint in a fretwork pattern for our bedroom to coordinate with our new white West Elm pintuck duvet. I love that there are so many examples here! Thanks!

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  9. I really love that first chair - beautiful.

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  10. I don't have any fretwork in my home, but my husband really loves this design. This is an interesting post, and I really like the background information you give!

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  11. You have such a great eye for details like these. No, I don't have any fretwork... by accident more than design as I quite like how it looks. Too many great patterns out there and too few rooms I guess!

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  12. Beautiful! I loved every picture!! I need more of that in my life.

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  13. wow, all items are so wonderful...there are so many items that I love. The tile is simply gorgeous!

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  14. Hi cristin
    That fretwork bedding is absolutely gorgeous! What a statement piece that would make in any bedroom. Can I also say, what a beautiful blog you have and a big thankyou for the comments you left on mine.

    Mrs B xx

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  15. I adore it all, especially the rug, the tile, and that bedding. Marvelous roundup. Thanks for the reminder of how incredible fretwork truly is.

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  16. I'm so loving all of it!!
    What a great post...thanks for the fabulous inspiration!

    xo

    Terri

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  17. i love EVERYTHING in this post. Can I have one of each please?

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  18. Wow I love every single item in this post. Great taste! I have some shopping to do for my new apartment!

    www.glammed.blogspot.com

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  19. A beautiful post-so many gorgeous examples. As you might have guessed, I love fretwork.

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Thanks for leaving a comment. I love hearing your thoughts!