Meander: Greek motives in modern decor
Meander is a symbol of Greece. If you look at it carefully, you can see an infinity sign, a symbol of friendship, love, the four seasons, or just a wave. Thanks to its originality, many designers use ornament in their decor. We offer several examples that significantly expand the usual understanding of it and how to use it..
Greek motives in the interior
In film «My big Greek wedding» the head of the family, Gus Portokalos, always repeated that every word in the world has Greek roots. An adherent of everything Greek, Hus tried to say that for some Greek ornament is just a pattern, while for others it is of great importance. The meander has many different variations. This winding endless line gets its name from the name of the Meander River (Turkey). In ancient times, the Greeks decorated their temples and dishes with such an ornament..
Borders
Dining Room Curtains by Mitchell Designs LLC
If any ornament can be a border, then it is only a meander. It looks great as trimming any edge, be it a curb or molding.
Drapery
Curtains with Greek motives
The drapery of vertical decorative elements, be they curtains or panels, primarily indicates the border and height of the decorative element. Also, this ornament structures the decor, makes the object uncommon and clear, draws attention to it..
The material must be dense
Before using this ornament, you must choose the right material. It should keep its shape, not be soft, since the pattern is placed along the edge. The main field of curtains can be laid in beautiful folds, but not the edge with an ornament.
canopy over the bed and bed with Greek motives
For example, instead of an open cornice, you can use a decorative border. The draped cornice, the edge of which is decorated with a meander, will perfectly match the curtains, the edge of which is decorated with the same ornament.
Curtains by Erway Drapery Design
If there is not enough space for a rich window drapery, you can use Roman blinds with Greek ornaments or stylization. It’s simple but stylish.
Meander on tiles
Curb with meander in the toilet
The meander can be used in ornamental tiles. Most often, such tiles are laid out along the perimeter of the border of a certain space on the floor. It looks like there is a rug on it.
Bathroom interior by Matiz Architecture & Design
The size and shape of the ornament are regulated by many factors. The main thing is that everything should be proportional and organic. Most often, the ornament is applied at an angle of 900 or 450.
Large-scale ornamentation
Bedroom interior by Hart Associates Architects, Inc.
There is never too much pattern
Lovers of the meander, who do not want to be limited to just the decor of the borders, can decorate large areas with ornaments. Stunning wall decorated with wallpaper by Jonathan Adler’s Greek Key, is not only the highlight of this design, but also acts as a headboard.
Scale
Living room interior by Douglas C. Wright Architects
Meander is an ornament that looks interesting and original in any size: from giant to miniature. In the large living room there is a carpet on the floor, decorated with a large meander, but despite its size, the ornament is proportional to the carpet. The meander is very convenient, as it allows designers to fantasize and create, creating the necessary shapes: large or small. Such a pattern will never get lost among the abundance of furniture..
Bedroom interior by Tobi Fairley Interior Design
Scaling down the ornamentation of the headboard and pillowcases thanks to the fine lines for a crisp but not overly intrusive look.
Playing with balance and symmetry
Living room interior by Eleven Interiors
The frequent repetition of fragments of Greek ornament is balanced by nature itself – square by square of the pattern follows close to each other. But the meander can be modified and asymmetrical. For example, the carpet in the living room in the photo. Classic ornament looks stylish in the decor of the 50-60s of the last century.
Sculpture
Interior by Jamie Herzlinger
It turns out that Greek ornament has more than two dimensions. Look at the metal structure that plays the role of the table legs, which is based on a meander.
Upholstery
Dining room interior by Gacek Design Group, Inc.
Chairs upholstery with Greek motives
If you choose upholstery for upholstered furniture with a Greek ornament, you must observe the proportions between the size of the pattern and the size of the thing itself. See how the meander looks perfect in the interior of this room.
Greek motives influenced the formation of such a wonderful style as the Mediterranean. It’s no surprise that it looks magical in modern bedrooms..
