By Ali Glass
The Greek Key is most commonly used as a decorative border. Its appearance in architecture and landscape dates back to ancient history. The design itself is constructed of various lines shaped into a repeated motif, which resembles a key. The design is also commonly referred to as a “meander” which is conjunct with the curves of the Meander River in Turkey, Greek’s neighbor.
The ancient Greeks used this motif mainly in architecture, pottery, and sculpture. While the Greek Key above is shown carved into marble frieze atop this column, in modern day we use the design in our homes in many other ways.
In ancient times we may have had to look upward in architecture to see a Greek key pattern, but the pictures above show that now the key is used on both tile and wood floors. A more subtle and simple way to incorporate the Greek key into your home is on the border of your carpet, shown above in the stair runner.
In ancient times we may have had to look upward in architecture to see a Greek key pattern, but now the key is used on both tile and wood floors. A more subtle and simple way to incorporate the Greek key into your home is on the border of your carpet, shown above in the stair runner.
The use of the Greek Key in your interior space doesn’t have to stop there however; plenty of decorative items in your home can be adorned with this border.
Whether you are going for the look of the repeated design along the edge of your curtains or shades with bright color combinations or prefer the option of a single gold key design on your light fixture there are plenty of different decorative items, which can display this pattern.
You can also take this design outdoors!
Greek Key can be seen in pool tiles, and almost resemble a maze in garden shrubbery. The above outdoor sculpture probably speaks the most to ancient times but definitely transcends into a modern look for your outdoor space.
Another very simple accessory not yet mentioned to display a Greek Key design is on a pillow, which gives you endless color combination, shape, and detail options, based on whatever your personal interior style is. Whether centralized, used on a border, or used throughout the entire design of the pillow the Greek Key can add a nod to ancient history within your home.
The presence of the Greek Key has become a very popular within the home as it symbolizes infinity and an eternal flow. This makes accessories designed with the Greek Key excellent marriage gifts.
When thinking about the next marriage gift you plan to give, or update to your own home, be sure to stop into the Kellogg Collection to have a your Greek Key piece custom created for you!
Come in to one of our four Kellogg Collection locations (in D.C., Baltimore, McLean and Richmond) for ideas and inspiration on how to incorporate this timeless motif into your home.
