Exclusive Stories

Redone. Restored. Brought back. Revisited. Choose your own synonym for borrowing from classic style. Whether rugs, furniture or fashion, designers adapt traditional patterns in new colors, materials, finishes or techniques to suit modern tastes and to meet consumer demands.

Samad’s Kuma in Oyster from the Caspian Collection is a perfect example of such an adaptation in a new colorway. The reimagined Khotan from French Accents, which keeps true to antique weaving techniques, is modernized by “simplifying core patterns, colors and weaves.” Majestic Oushak from Harounian Rugs International (HRI) includes four classic designs from the company’s library of traditional designs—vibrantly recolored. 

From the day we arrive on the planet, and, blinking, step into the sun, there’s more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done, there’s far too much to take in here, more to find than can ever be found, but the sun rolling high, through the sapphire sky, keeps great and small on the endless round.

In an industry where the rectangle reigns supreme, is there room to invite some diversity of form? From lavish ovals such as the memphis-inspired Kolb by Hommés Studio to freeform flowers fresh from Inigo Elizalde there is much more to explore. Whether traditional round, runner, crescent, geometric or purely abstract, these trending silhouettes aren’t just trying to fit in!

“There are not many original shapes or silhouettes— only a million variations.“ ~ CHARLE JAMES

There are royal houses, there have been revolutions, and there are numerable foodstuffs—from pumpkin, to carrot, to apricot, to a forward extra-strong cheddar—all of which bear the moniker orange. In fact, it is from this latter cohort that the English name for the fiery hue originates, having been named after the appearance of the ripe citrus fruit of the same name.

Our summer issue theme is All in the Details. It's a pleasure to get up close with these incredibly beautiful detail shots of some of our favorite textured rugs. 

“When we pay attention, we begin to notice details and textures that we never noticed before. Everyday life becomes clearer, sharper, and at the same time more spacious.“ ~ RICK FIELDS

The notion of a rug or carpet being quintessential—which is to say definitively indicative of the singular aesthetic of its maker— is certainly nothing new. In fact, it is quite time honored and traditional. Kerman, Kashan, Heriz, and Tabriz—to name but a few—are iconic and easily recognized examples of names that came to define aesthetics inherent to a specific place and indeed time.

As anchors or accents, these forward floor fashions make us feel dizzy with excitement. Rugs featuring bold pattern or color, or unexpected moments and imagery help create unique personality-filled spaces. Dare to inject some drama—or whimsy—while still maintaining a sense of sophistication.

Contemporary. In the context of decorative rugs and carpets what does the word even mean? Does it reference a genre? Or does it mean anything made today, in this era? Left intentionally vague as to elicit a diverse response, one savvy contributor queried to clarify: “Do contemporary designs ever ‘ grow up’ and become traditional?”