10 Offbeat Plaids For New Projects
This time-tested pattern reached icon status long ago, introduced by the Scots as “tartan” back in the 1500s in reference to that key outer layer of clothing fixed across the left shoulder. But when the print became increasingly replicated by British and American manufacturers, it became more widely known as “plaid.” There are, in fact, excruciatingly detailed rules regarding which plaids are actually tartan, although all tartans are plaid (maybe we’ll just skip that part for now). We can’t say whether the Scots would approve of these 10 edgier takes, but it’s safe to say there’s enough offbeat intrigue here to keep you designers, and your creative clients, specifying well into the future.
1. Custom Sofa by MA Design, upholstered in fabric by Woolrich
Red-and-black lumberjack plaid, commonly found on flannel shirts, upholsters the L-shape sofa that dominates the great room at this Toronto boathouse by +VG Architects.
2. Maelstrom by Tandus Centiva
Maelstrom by Tandus Centavo is available in 13 color options and is 100% recyclable. Colors: Blue Spirit, Claymaster, Electricity, Greenway, Mercury Retrograde, Nature Call, New Age, Steel Structure, Stormtropper, Sunset Beach, Terra Firma, University, Varicolor.
3. Designtex + Wallace Sewell by Designtex
The Wallace Sewell partnership was formed in 1990 by UK-based textile designers and expert weavers Emma Sewell and Harriet Wallace-Jones. Featuring Wallace Sewell’s characteristic bold geometric patterns and sophisticated color work, these four luxurious upholsteries in lambswool are perfect for corporate and residential settings. The large-scale designs of stripes, grids, and oversized weaves find inspiration in the highly disciplined color explorations of Anni Albers as well as the urban landscape of Wallace Sewell’s working environment in London.
4. Tartan by Progetti
Inspired by the typical house of the United Kingdom, characterized by sloping roofs, flashings and vibrant colors, Tartan is a harmonious, warm and ‘at home’ cuckoo clock. The structure, in white-painted wood, is in the form of a cottage and encloses the ‘facade’ which is in different shades (blue, red and green) of plaid fabric. Precisely the tartan that with its characteristic design of ancient origins, but always current, recalls the landscapes, of the Scottish Highlands as well as the typical kilt.
5. Fitzmartin by Source One Exclusive, through D.L. Couch
A classic, large-scale plaid that is Scotsman approved. Offered in twelve colorways, there are great neutrals accompanied with carefully selected pops of colors and even two metallics. Fitzmartin knows plaid isn’t just for your wardrobe.
6. Hebden by Camira Fabrics
A bast fiber development made from an intimate blend of 40% hemp and 60% wool, Hebden is a striking, large scale plaid pattern which is designed to coordinate beautifully with pattern Hemp.
7. Knoll Luxe Double Vision Allspice/Natural D1276/4 Drape
Mayfield and Ragni Studio used a pair of gray plaid curtains to set a meeting area apart from the rest of Houston’s Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations. A chrome pendant fixture, Harry Bertoia chairs, and a Saarinen table complete the space.
8. Pressed Plaid by Maharam
Maharam re-introduced Pressed Plaid at NeoCon in 2013, where it was on stage in the Herman Miller furnished South Lobby of the Merchandise Mart. It’s still going strong!
9. Balmoral Plaid Tulip Black Mosaic by AKDO
High-quality marbles are used to make this stunning plaid mosaic perfect for focal walls, backsplashes, fields and rugs.
10. Adam Lippes for Target stoneware Appetizer Plates, Set of Four
The Adam Lippes for Target Plate Set is part of the retailer’s exclusive collaboration with New York designer Adam Lippes. The durable stoneware plates are perfect for appetizers, salad, or dessert. Each set includes 4 appetizer or dessert plates in modern octagonal shapes. Assorted black-and-white patterns, including gingham and Buffalo plaid, keep things interesting around the table.
