Image via Body Temple
Now that I have your attention… ;-)
A meander – more commonly known as Greek key design – is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. The name has two meanings: "meander" recalls the twisting and turning path of the Maeander River in Asia Minor, and the “meander is the figure of a labyrinth in linear form” (Karl Kerenyi, one of the founders of modern studies in Greek mythology).
Meander pavement in Rhodes, image via Wikipedia
Meanders appeared in ancient Greece in many architectural friezes, temples, and in bands on pottery from the Geometric Period (about ca. 900 to 700 BC) onwards. They were among the most important symbols in ancient Greece, thought to symbolize infinity and unity. Greek vases were likely the genesis for the widespread use of meanders.
Geometric pottery, c. 900-700 BC, image via Art History 2010, Laura Shefler
Today, the Greek key design is seen on everything from buildings to fabrics to jewellery to light fixtures.
Image via Splendid Willow
Love these two fireplaces – subtle but effective.
Design by and image via Fiona Barratt Interiors
Design by and image via Diamond Baratta Design
Greek key looks cool incorporated into a piece of furniture.
Design by and image via Bradley Hughes
Image via Design Elements
Design by and image via Tobi Fairley Interior Design
Beautiful bright green dresser – notice the Greek key motif on the feet, as well as the hardware.
Image via Designer Detective
It’s a great focal point in a room when used as trim.
Design by and image via Cullman & Kravis
Design by and image via Diamond Baratta Design
I’m not usually a fan of yellow, but I’m seriously diggin’ these yellow chairs with black piping. Very cool!
Design by Tracy Murdock Allied ASID, image via Houzz
Greek key looks just as good down on the floor.
Design by and image via Jennifer Flanders Inc. Interior Design
Design by Rachel Reider Interiors, image via Houzz
Design by Palmer Weiss Interior Design, image via Decorpad
It looks great as trim on curtains.
Image via Southern Living
Design by and image via Carol Reed Interior Design
Dress up a valance with Greek key.
Image via Left Coast Luxe
And why not go all the way and hang curtains made with Greek key fabric (love the mirror hung in front of the shelves too).
Design by Amanda Nisbet Design, image via Fashionable Interiors
A little bit of Greek key on cushions.
Image via Decorpad
Image via Design Muse
Image via Aesthetic Oiseau
Image via Bradley Hughes
There are four different patterned fabrics in this space – including Greek key – and they work so well together. None is overpowering, and each makes its own statement.
Photo by Alex Hayden, image via Decorpad
And Greek key on furniture. Love the look of this blue chair.
Image via Splendid Willow
Gorgeous living room. The Greek key fabric on the chair is repeated on the cushions on the matching sofas.
Image via Decorpad
Greek key meets Ikat. Did you notice the trim on the curtains as well?
Image via Hirshfields
Sleeping with Greek key…
Image via Decorpad
Design by Mary McDonald, image via La Dolce Vita
Why not wear some Greek key?
Image via Kentshire
Image via Perfect Wedding Day
Light up your life with some Greek key.
Image via Dose of Design
And this might by my very favourite use of Greek key…
Image via Eclectic Revisited
Strangely enough, although I love Greek key, I don’t have any in my house. How about you?
You had me at the first photo :)
ReplyDeleteSince he won't be a part of my future, I will have to make use of all of the other photos to inject some greek key into my space.
Lot's of great ideas Kelly. Thanks for sharing them.
Oh I love a little Greek key and especially that first pic! LOL! I have been lusting over my Mom's greek key ring, necklace and bracelet set for years now.... I have been considering putting some greek key trim on my living room curtains for awhile now. Maybe it's time....
ReplyDeleteFabulous round-up! I'll take photo #1 please :)
ReplyDeleteI love Greek Key!! So classic and traditional! I have been wishing that Lee Valley would get on board and come out with some greek key hardware :)
ReplyDeleteNancy xo
I adore greek key...classic enough to go pretty much anywhere and modern enough that it won't make the whole thing look like grandma's place, perfect! That gilded dining table has me dreaming of winning the lotto...(c:
ReplyDeleteNice 'hook', Kelly! ;) Fabulous photos of greek key - love the historical background info!
ReplyDeleteso much to see in this post, Kelly! wonderful images! this one of Fiona Barratt Interiors is going to my dream file. thanks for linking. big hugs
ReplyDeleteWell, your first pic sold me for sure.....and that green dresser I just love!
ReplyDeleteLoved all the shots of the Greek Key designs implemented everywhere. I have two Greek vases purchased when my husband was in Athens several years ago. Love the colours of them and the designs.
ReplyDeleteI used to sell a Greek Key console at the shop! It had a granite top and a cast iron bottom. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteox,
amanda
I like the modern, graphic versions, especially the upholstery - so fun!
ReplyDeletelove the fabric on the dining chair...hmm, you may have just inspired my dining room chair reupholstery! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteI have seen the greek key motifs in bedsheets which I purchased from India. I believe this motif must have been in use in country's with ancient civilisations.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the Greek key pattern...and love the history you provided...very informative! :) Those pillows and rugs...yes please!
ReplyDeleteNow I KNOW you have marketing skills! I too was hooked at image one! OK, I really do love the rug in the Jennifer Flanders image and of course the blue chair with the greek key down the front is droolicious too!
ReplyDelete