No, you’re not having another one of your acid flashbacks – tie dye really is making a comeback. The most surprising part? It actually looks incredible when paired with contemporary designs. So sit back, relax, and let Dr. Feelgood guide you through the resurgence of this peaceful trend.
Those “Good For Nothing” Hippies Didn’t Even Invent Tie Dye
It’s impossible to see the phrase “tie dye” without the image of psychedelic tee-shirts, peace signs, VW Buses, long hair, and lots and lots of funky smells coming to mind. The hippies certainly put their trademark on this trend, but the practice of tie dyeing clothing has existed for over a thousand years. It was first invented in parts of Japan, India, Indonesia, Peru, and Africa as a way to create unique and beautiful patterns. The Japanese Shibori method of tie dyeing fabric was labor-intensive and required precise, intricate planning. The hippie method of tie dying fabric was to take some LSD, dump a bunch of Rit Dye into a pond, and see what happened. Ah, the evolution of art at its finest.
Tie Dye Has Grown Up But It Still Doesn’t Wear A Tie
The contemporary form of tie dye has learned to play nice with other design elements. Tie dye used to be so colorful and loud that it was impossible for it to blend into a space as part of a holistic design. Imagine a peacock trying to blend in with a flock of pigeons and you’ll get the idea. Muted and refined colors and patterns are now the tie dye standard. This allows tie dye pieces to accentuate and enhance a design scheme rather than overwhelm it. Tie dye is great for adding pops of color, shades of contrast, and patterns of interest to any and all of your contemporary spaces.
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- This eclectic dining room mixes Roman antiques, Victorian elements, and Contemporary furniture – oh and a totally rad tie dye rug to tie it all together. Contemporary dining room design by new york interior designer Andrew Flesher Interiors
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- Tie dye throw pillows are all the color this neutral room needs to feel alive and energized. Traditional living room design by other interior designer Gillan Abercrombie
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- Tie dye upholstery on antique wooden chairs are the perfect accent to this bohemian bungalow. Photo by Eclectic living room design
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- Warm and vibrant tie dye patterns are the perfect contrast to the natural wood in this open plan living space. Photo by Contemporary living room design
Don’t Pop Pills – Pop Patterns
Minimalism is still the reigning philosophy in contemporary design, but people are starting to realize that minimalism can be… boring. People need colors and patterns to offset the otherwise stark aesthetic that’s the hallmark of minimalism. Tie dye fits both of these criteria. It’s no coincidence that the Pantone Color of the Year for 2016 was a tie between Rose Quartz and Serenity. These two colors look amazing when featured as a tie dye pattern on throw pillows, rugs, and even artwork. Ikat and ombre patterns are also members of the tie dye family. They’re both making big waves in the interior design world. These colors and patterns prove that tie dye doesn’t belong in the basement with Uncle Ron and his blacklight posters. It’s perfectly suited for even the most contemporary space.
Fall down the rabbit hole with us by checking out our Tye Dye Collection!
