Greek key design appearing everywhere from furniture to pillows

It sounds too good to be true: A design element that works in traditional and modern, casual and formal. But that's exactly what the Greek key motif does.

“It's a very classic symbol that represents unity by displaying an eternal band that doesn't end,” says Laura Casey, an interior designer based in Charlotte, N.C. “It displays order, structure, proportion and symmetry – all of which are classic principles of design, which is why it works with so many different looks.”

Originally used in ancient Greek art and architecture, the Greek key pattern fits in nicely with current home décor trends. “Design is moving into a graphic look, and Greek key is a great way to get into the trend while referencing an ancient design motif,” says Wendy Estes, co-founder of home décor shopping site Layla Grace and its modern alter ego, Zinc Door. “Because (the pattern) has been around for so long, it fits into traditional settings, but the graphic element gives it a modern edge, too.”

Greek key is versatile enough to be used in different colors and iterations, depending on the vibe of the room.

“In traditional homes, keep it more subtle by adding a Greek key edging to curtain panels, a smaller insert on a throw pillow or adding an accessory like a tray with the pattern on it,” Estes suggests. “In more modern settings, blow it up and use it on a larger scale or on more pieces throughout the room.”

Another way to make the Greek key pattern look modern is to go crazy with the colors. “Traditionally, Greek key is made with one dark and one light color,” Casey says. “But don't be afraid to go bold with the color in a modern setting. It's such a simple pattern that you can use bright colors – hot pink or turquoise – and it still works.”

Also, think beyond textiles. “Greek key fabrics are used on curtains, rugs and pillows, but the pattern is also showing up in furniture,” Estes says. “It might be a chair where the arms curve around in the shape of a Greek key or a dresser with Greek key trim inlaid into the wood.”

Estes cautions that, while it may be tempting to go overboard and put Greek key everywhere in a room, the end result might be an overly busy look. “Add some elements into a room, but don't make every single piece of furniture and every accessory match with the Greek key look. That's too much,” she says.

Because the demand for Greek key home décor items is stronger than ever, more and more companies are making products that feature it. “We put Greek key on a lot of our pieces, and those are always popular with the designers we sell to,” says Neal Edwards, vice president of sales and marketing at Worlds Away, Memphis, Tenn.-based home accessories wholesaler.

Edwards says, “Most designers today love to work a little bit of Greek key into their interior designs because it can go with any other pattern, whether it's floral, paisley or another geometric graphic.”