Posted on: October 17, 2007

A 'Hole' New World

Die-cut designs add depth and texture to the home with fresh patterns for throws, pillows and rugs

By Mary M. Murphey
CTW Features

Simple math: Less fabric equals more cozy chic when it comes to these cookie-cutter décor accessories. Image courtesy of Bev Hisey

Textile and home décor designers have taken a new turn as of late, and their creations involve less and less fabric.

"Imagine a heavy-duty cookie cutter," says Canadian home décor designer Bev Hisey, as she describes the die-cutting technique she uses to create her cut-out leather and wool-blend décor products.

"Rails of metal are formed into the required cut-out shape. The rails behave like knives when a lot of weight is put on them," she explains.

"The challenge with this technique is creating pattern and design by subtraction rather than addition."

Hisey started experimenting with cut-outs driven by the intention to create "a modern lace" with her dot pattern, and she has continued by developing several textile lines, from table runners to rugs.

Using different cut-outs and then layering her fabric, Hisey creates three-dimensional designs. "The finished product can be strong, bold and colorfully graphic, or it can be a tone-on-tone subtle texture."

Turkish-born, French-educated textile designer Arzu Firuz aims "to reinvent the rug" through her vinyl rug collection that is produced through water-jet cutting.

Suzan Fellman, of Los Angeles-based Suzan Fellman Showroom, carries Firuz's latest line and describes the collection as "smooth in texture, yet [it] appears to look like wood grain and [it] also allows the floor underneath to show through, creating texture and dimension."

Since these rugs, which come in rectangular and circular shapes and in various sizes, are vinyl, they can be cleaned with soap and water and relocated with ease, Fellman says.

Hisey enjoys the elements of texture and color she is able to include in her die-cut pieces, particularly her carpet and wall hanging patterns.

"I cut out numerous pieces and then stitch them together. If you stand back and look at the die-cut botanical pattern, you will be able to notice a pattern within a pattern.

"There is a texture created with the thickness of the material. Part of the design is created either with the floor underneath, or with light and shadow. I also like to put different colors behind the cut-outs for a color reveal effect."

Hisey, Firuz and like-minded designers give a delightful new meaning to what's left on the cutting room floor.