Global Inspirations: Exploring the Culture and Beauty of Moroccan Rugs

Photo via Kelly Martin Interiors

Moroccan culture has captivated our attention with their exquisite rugs, but many people don't know much about the origins of their striking designs. Moroccan rugs were introduced into mid-century modern interiors in the 1920's, however these vivid rugs date back to the Paleolithic Era where the native people of Morocco hand-crafted them as an intrinsic part of their survival. 

Due to the harsh climates of North Africa, the Moroccan Berber tribes hand constructed the rugs to protect their families from either the frosty Atlas Mountains or the blazing Sahara Desert. Because of the different climates, tribes created various unique carpet styles. However, in most tribes the art of rug weaving was traditionally passed down from mother to daughter, and each design carried strong culturally symbolic meaning. 

The intricate geometric patterns portrayed themes of fertility, spirituality, and male protection; they also depicted the extraordinary stories of its weaver. Moroccan rugs are valued for their one-of-a-kind designs. There are over 45 different types of Moroccan rugs, but we'll be looking at three popular styles today: the Beni Ourain, the Azilal style, and the Boucherouite. 

Photo via MobMasker.

Beni Ourain: Nuts for Neutrals
Beni Ourain rugs come in neutral tones with dark geometric lines. These thick wool beauties can be incorporated into minimalist interiors, paired with bright furnishings, or intertwined with other lively prints. The options are endless! 

Photo via Semikah Textiles features rug style Silhouette.

Photo by Laure Joliet designed by Emily Henderson featuring home of Bri Emery.

 Azilal: Brilliantly Bold
Azilal rugs are known for their vibrant coloring and abstract patterns. The antique look of these textiles creates a beautiful contrast against modern interiors, and would also unite seamlessly with vintage decor. 

Product from Baba Souk.

Photo via My Domaine.

Boucherouite: Alluring Artistry
Boucherouite rugs were woven from different scraps of materials by Berber women, which resulted in exquisitely unique works of art. No two of these colorful creations are the same, a quality that is highly sought-after!

Photo from Lef Living.

Photo via Femina.

The true true beauty of the Moroccan rugs lie in the depth and meaning that each design carries. Every stitch holds a magnificent piece of history derived out of a rich and fascinating culture. Decorating with any of these elegant rugs will breathe life into countless interiors spaces. 

Dazzled by these Moroccan rug styles? Check out these vendors for your own little piece of Morocco:

Babasouk
Maroc Rug Company
Semikah Textiles
Illuminate Collective Rugs

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Ditch the Bathmat: Luxe Area Rug Ideas for Your Bathroom

Bathroom designed by Amber Interiors. Photography: Tessa Neustadt

When it comes to selecting something soft for under your feet in the bathroom, most people go for a traditional bath mat, most often sold in tiny sizes. However, I want to convince you to ditch the boring bath mat and go for a more stylish area rug selection for your bathroom. Choosing an area rug over a bath mat will have the benefit of more exciting patterns and broader size selections for more spacious bathrooms. Today I've rounded up my top 5 examples of chic area rugs in bathrooms.

Toronto home, Image via The Zhush.

So, when is the last time you've popped into a store to see basic bathmats available in these unique varieties of designs and patterns? (See above and below) The truth is, if you want a more ornate or unique bath mat design for your bathroom, you'll likely have to head to the rug section to find the best variety. So I'm hear to encourage you that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Go forth and shop the rug section for your next bathroom refresh! 

Image via BellaMumma

Whether your bathroom is smaller or larger, a luxe oriental rug or another equally ornate rug selection will have high impact visually. I love the unique look of the circular polka dot rug shown above. It really adds a custom feel to the space, especially since you don't typically see circular rugs in bathrooms. For larger bathrooms, when you're shopping the rug section instead of the bath section, you'll find rugs that are more appropriately sized for larger bathrooms. The oriental rug shown below is a perfect example of how an oversized rug or runner can transform a bathroom.

Interior design by Amber Interiors. 

Denver farmhouse designed by Carlos Alvarez of Alvarez Morris. Image via Luxe Source. Photography: Emily Minton Redfield

Will you be switching from a boring bathmat to a luxurious area rug in your bathroom? You'll love it!

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Unique & Inspiring Furniture Design From Dubai's Khalid Shafar

Illusion Pearl Chair designed by Khalid Shafar. 

Since the launch of this eponymous brand in 2010, Emirati designer Khalid Shafar has been focused on bringing a truly international flavor to an aesthetic born in UAE's desert nation. Quitting his corporate role in marketing and communications, Shafar followed his passion in design and has built a furniture and lighting décor line that presents his experiments with shapes, motifs and forms borrowed from his home country. While wood remains the predominant base for most of his designs, the signature pieces from his line include materials such as marble, textiles, metal and locally sourced leather. Traditional crafts from the region are expressed through his work in elements such as palm leaf weaving and reinterpretation of the egal, the black headband from men’s traditional Keffiyeh attire.

Octa Dress vanity set with vanity table, mirror, and stool by Khalid Shafar.

Among his furniture collections is the ‘Decohaus’ collection, inspired by the international design movements of Art Deco and Bauhaus of the 1920s. The collection reinterprets local materials, in this case camel leather, and combines it with the octagon shape found in Middle Eastern and Islamic designs. The range features items such as the ‘Octa Dress’, a vanity table designed on a modular system with side drawers handcrafted from leather.

2:4 Seats Collection by Khalid Shafar.

Another limited edition collection is ‘Puzzle’, which features three unique editions of handmade wool rugs woven in Afghanistan.

“These were designed by me and woven in collaboration with FBMI (Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative), a social initiative dedicated to provide women in Afghanistan with employment and to offer them and their families critical social services in healthcare and education,” explains Shafar. 

Puzzle Collection of wool rugs by Khalid Shafar.

The collection’s puzzle design is inspired by the patterns, which allow any two or all three rugs from the collection to come together and form a large piece. The collaboration with FBMI also involved contributions in design by the Afghani weavers who chose variations of the ‘mauri gul’ motif, which is typically woven by nomads in Afghanistan's western province of Herat.

Talli Collection of rugs & wall hangings by Khalid Shafar.

A new carpet collection created with FBMI will be launched by Shafar during the upcoming Dubai Design Week this October 2016. Looking ahead, he aims to continue his experiments with recreating signature patterns in three-dimensional forms. There are multiple collaborations with lighting installations and homeware designs on the horizon as well. “I would like to focus on my furniture line and working with multiple silhouettes and patterns. Early next year I am looking to launch a new collection, which has already been developed and is at the prototyping stage,” says Shafar.

Furniture designs from Khalid Shafar career from 2010-Present.

This article was written by journalist Manika Dhama, featured here on Interiors by Jacquin in 2015. I am so glad Manika brought my attention to this world-class designer. Khalid Shafar's designs are quite impressive. My favorite designs from Shafar include his gorgeous 'Illusion Pearl Chair' and 'Octa Dress' vanity, both shown above. We look forward to seeing Shafar's new collection of rugs this October 2016, which will be launched during Dubai Design Week.

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Sonya Winner Gives Rugs a Fine Art Appeal - Think Rothko-esque!

When I'm shopping for a rug I like to look for the most unique selections available, so when talented designer Sonya Winner of Sonya Rugs contacted me with her new collection of rugs, I jumped at the opportunity to share this designer with you.  I love the fine art feel of Sonya's rug designs.  They all tell a story and are highly creative.  

Sonya identifies color as both her inspiration and passion.  On the topic of her rugs and creativity, Sonya expresses just why color is her most transformative tool.

Coulour is key- it transforms an environment, changes mood, creates excitement, ambiance, interest and simply makes you happy. My passion for creating rugs stems from my aim to add vibrancy, warmth and positivity to a room.

My first rug was a revelation. I was overwhelmed at how it changed a room. Seeing my design woven for the first made me understand carefully chosen colours and their juxtaposition to one another speaks out to everyone- a universal language. This emotional response to colour and shape is something I want to use to evoke positive emotions in everyone who looks at my work.

 

Sonya describes her most recent collection (shown above, below) as Rothko-esque.  The vibrant colors and geometric shapes certainly do fit in with Rothko's painting style.

This tree trunk rug design is one of my favorites!  Its organic form brings a natural feel into the living room, along with a pleasant, saturated burst of color.

If you have an eye for truly special and unique decor, then I would definitely recommend a Sonya Winner rug.  They are really quite unique and perfect for the color lover!

For those of you in London, you can learn more about Sonya Rugs in person at Tent London taking place September 24-27.  Tent London is an international showcase of the best in contemporary design.  Sonya Rugs will be located in Hall T1, Stand F20.

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8 Ways to Hang A Tapestry at Home... A How-To

If you own a tapestry that needs hanging, or are planning to buy one, I guarantee you one of these 8 methods will work for displaying your tapestry as lovely wall art.  I give you step by step instructions, so this is definitely a post you'll want to save... However, our website has moved! Read the full tapestry post with 8 great techniques explained here: 

https://interiorsbyjacquin.com/8-ways-to-hang-your-tapestry-at-home/

I've got the perfect rug for you!

When it comes to refreshing the look of a room without spending much, rugs can go a long way! Today we're exploring some of the most unique rugs around!  These show-stopping rugs are sure to get you many oohs and ahs from your visitors.   

Let's begin with rugs from around the world.  You may know by now that I am an avid traveler and lover of all things related to culture, design, and art. Malene B. Carpets offers custom rugs inspired by people and places from the global community.  She travels, takes photos, and designs beautiful, high quality carpets that tell the story of the places they are inspired by.  How awesome!

Global Rugs

Bangkok Rug (Iris Color) - Malene B. Carpets

Wolof Rug (Wild Rose Color) - Malene B. Carpets

Flutter Pattern Rug - Anthropologie

Multicolor Stripe Cotton Rug - World Market

Above, I've featured two stunning Malene B. rugs. One represents the people of Bangkok and the other the Wolof people.  I'm so inspired by this approach to art! What do you think?


Bold Rugs

ABC Carpet & Home - Color Reform Spectrum Overdyed Rug - Pakistan

Madeline Weinrib - Tessa Cotton Carpet (Gold) - India

If you're currently searching for the perfect feature rug for your home, but on a budget, I've got some great finds for you!  Take a look at these four amazing budget buys!  You don't have to spend a ton to have a well-decorated home.  One stylish rug will change the entire look of your space, so why not go pick one out for yourself!

Budget Rugs

Aaliyah Handmade Grey New Zealand Blend Wool Rug (6' x 9') - Overstock.com

Linon Rugs Quatrefoil Yellow/Ivory Area Rug (5' x 7') - Wayfair.com

Hand Tufted Paisley Abstract Wool Rug (5' x 8') - Overstock.com

Safavieh Handmade Soho Grey New Zealand Wool Rug (5' x 8') - Overstock.com

Are you shopping for a new rug? 

What are you looking for in a rug? 

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