Bargello Patterns Embroider Eye-Catching Looks for Rooms
Designers are once again carrying a torch for flame stitch and other needlework patterns, on upholstery, walls and accessories
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
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Bargello, which originated from a style of needlework found on pieces in Italy's medieval Bargello Palace, refers both to a method of embroidery (flat, vertical stitches that form geometric tiers) and to the resulting pattern. We're most familiar with it as a flame stitch, but it takes other forms as well: diamonds, ribbons, chevrons and arabesques, to name a few.
Bargello's graphic appeal and versatility have given it staying power through the centuries. Now, thanks to design icons such as Jonathan Adler, the pattern has resurged in fresh new ways. Here's a peek at the possibilities.
Bargello's graphic appeal and versatility have given it staying power through the centuries. Now, thanks to design icons such as Jonathan Adler, the pattern has resurged in fresh new ways. Here's a peek at the possibilities.
by Filmore Clark
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Flame stitch sometimes feels like a relic from the '80s, but not here. A stunning tile mosaic makes this powder room shimmer like a jewel. This is reinvention done right, true to the spirit of the original but recast with a completely new attitude.
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A touch of bargello brings to life a simple upholstered bed frame.
| Muted flame stitch upholstery, teamed with contrasting florals on the chair back and rug, gives this vintage fauteuil chair form a burst of renewed energy. The monochromatic palette helps the flame stitch appear sophisticated rather than dated. |
by CWB Architects
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Jagged waves in autumnal hues break across this wing chair. The pattern evokes the spirit of traditional flame stitch but with a fresh, graphic approach — just right for this transitional living area.
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Wall Pops form an overscale bargello-inspired design that doubles as art and injects a needed dose of pattern and color.
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| Jonathan Adler has been a major influence in bargello's revival. His pieces, such as the two small accent pillows on this sofa, feature the pattern in a variety of different forms. |
by At Home Modern
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Another Adler pillow wears a chevron bargello print. The hint of exoticism in the pattern marries well with the bohemian notes in the space.
| Bargello doesn't have to shout. Subtle, undulating waves lend this neutral rug the appearance of texture. |
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In a similar manner, a restrained bargello print brings just enough pattern into this stairwell without overwhelming the scheme.
Ideabook published on Jan. 2, 2013.
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Bargello takes about a minute to learn, there's just one stitch, and the results will be more beautiful, more complex, and better made than any pillow you can buy.
I've written the book on Bargello, Bargello Revisited, which has everything you need to get started including basic instructions, trouble-shooting, projects, and instructions on creating your own color scheme.
The book is available from Amazon.