The Greek Key…It’s been around for hundreds of years. It’s named for the Greeks though its older than they are. The Romans loved it. It became highly popular in the late 18^th Century and it has been experiencing a wonderful resurgence in the residential design industry of late.

But for me, the Greek Key happens to be my favorite design motif of all time! Like my beloved Spitzmiller’s, if I can help it, I put a little (or a lot) of Greek Key in every project. This classic fretwork has been thought to have many different meanings throughout history. It has been said to represent a wave with its continuous cresting and ebbing motion. Some think it symbolizes the bonds of love, friendship and devotion, which is a sweet sentiment I should share with many of our clients, who thanks to me, are the proud owners of design products showcasing the motif. Still other historical scholars think the Greek Key is the symbol of eternal life.

I prefer to fall into the group who believe the Greek key represents creative energy. For me the design is inspiring. Maybe as an article in House Beautiful noted, “the Greek Key represents some deep-rooted urge in us to create a satisfying, endlessly repeatable, doodle”. Whatever the reason, I feel a connection to this handsomely graphic, geometric design and I don’t see my obsession with it waning anytime soon.

Here are a few of my favorite rooms and products incorporating the Greek Key! I love them and I hope you will too! Enjoy!!

Lee Jofa’s Amazing Settee designed by Eric Cohler

The Rug I designed for the Build for the Cure Designer house is from New River Artisans.It incorporates the Greek key around the border. This Project was featured in the April 2008 issue of Traditional Home focusing on geometrics! Here’s the detail of the rug so you can get the full effect!

My family room sofa is bordered in Greek Key tape around the Hem. It adds just the perfect finishing touch to this simple piece of furniture!!