We’re seeing a warming trend. That’s right – the growing need for a good handcrafted knit blanket. Perfect examples of form-meets-function, blankets don’t need to be stored in a chest. With eye-catching textures and alluring prints, they deserve a place on your couch even when they’re not being used.
We’ve recently expanded our collection and have added a special inUnison collaboration that you won’t find anywhere else. Our creative team worked with Chicago artist Chad Kouri to bring his artwork to life in knit. The result is the Turin Coral Knit Throw Blanket, which has a super-soft, double-knit construction and is made by a fourth-generation, family-owned company.
Turin is based on Kouri’s “Color Grid” series of original artworks. Which Kouri describes as an “ongoing investigation” that references architecture and other compositions that he photographs.
“My goal is to move eyes all around canvas and not have a ton of settling points,” says Kouri. “I like to visualize paintings within paintings in larger works, find those moments and create active viewing experiences.”
Kouri presented his artwork series in grayscale and the Unison team selected the color story, deciding on coral, cobalt blue and rich yellow. “It’s rare that I have a composition with such few colors, but this is different… I see a blanket as an opportunity for rest and relaxation… calming to the eye.”
Growing up, Kouri says he had always understood an artist to be one particular way: “someone who made paintings that were big and sold for more than a car.” He says he didn’t understand art could be accessible. Then, when he started in graphic design and visual communication, something clicked. “The key aspects of that practice is accessibility. Now, in material or concepts, I feel like as working artist it’s detrimental if I’m mystifying my practice or making it only for a specific group of people. So I’ve always strived for accessibility and inclusiveness.”
Kouri is currently working on a solo show in LA, for which he plans to tear barriers down and make the gallery a community center with carpeting, seating and sense of balance beyond the aesthetic of his work.
“Ultimately, I want people to have the opportunity to live with artwork,” says Kouri. “We shouldn’t feel like artwork can only be seen if we go to a white box. It’s something we should experience every day. Through editioned work or collaborations like this, that becomes more possible and accessible.”
Shop the Turin Coral Knit Throw Blanket
The latest addition to the collaboration
We’ve added this second colorway option to the exclusive Unison creative collaboration with Chicago-based artist Chad Kouri. Get all wrapped up in its neutral color palette punctuated by a playful contrast of soft pink and burgundy. When you have this kind of feat of form-meets-function, you don’t need to hide it in a chest.
Shop the Burgundy Knit Throw Blanket
More knits you’ll love to live with…
Our expanded collection of blankets includes three other options that have become fan favorites. As with Kouri’s Turin blanket, these also have a soft, double-knit construction and are made by the same family company that’s been in business since 1913.
Dove Natural Knit Throw Blanket
Designed with Unison by illustrator and printmaker Andrew R. Wright, this essential combines warmth, simplicity and joyful details. Its pattern of simplified forms is inspired by the architecture and public sculpture of Wright’s adopted city, Chicago.
Grid Throw Blanket
A classic pattern to bring both comfort and order to any room. Enjoy the clean simplicity and relish its warm-and-cozy factor.
Shop it in Black | Shop it in Gray
Sonia Graphite Knit Throw Blanket
Inspired by painter and clothing designer Sonia Delaunay, who for much of the 20th century grew her place as a distinctly modern female artist. We’re translated that inspiration into a geometric-design blanket that reflects her style and spirit.
