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Showing posts with label scandinavian rugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scandinavian rugs. Show all posts

Friday, July 13, 2012

Vintage Rugs


Antique rugs are known as the lovely Kashans, Kermans, and Oushaks that are so legendary in traditional decor, but in this world of thick pile and intricate weaving, vintage rugs reign supreme in the world of contemporary design.  The time span to constitute a vintage rug is generally twentieth century, from the time of Art Deco to the 1970’s, and they can generally be divided into three main categories: Moroccan, Scandinavian, and the aforementioned Art Deco.  Of course there are vintage rugs which don’t fall under any of those three categories, but for the purposes of this blog post, those are the three categories. 

            Moroccan rugs have been similarly designed and produced for hundreds of years.  The styles differ as each region—stretching from the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to the coastal city of Rabat—have their own distinctive styles.  The traditional designs of the Berbers and other Moroccan weavers appealed to mid-century modernists for their bright colors or neutral tones, simple design, and rustically abstract appearance.  Moroccan rugs were popularized by the likes of Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, and Arne Jacobson. 

Vintage Moroccan Rug


            Like Moroccan rugs, Scandinavian rugs also have a long history of traditional design, dating back to at least the sixteenth century.  They are distinct with solid colors and geometric shapes, though in the twentieth century, the designs became more colorful and abstract, yet still nods to the northern weaving tradition.  Marta Maas Fjatterstorm was perhaps the most prolific mid-century Swedish weaver, leaving behind extraordinary creations that are highly valued and sought after today. 

Vintage Swedish Rug


            The Art Deco movement spanned from the Roaring Twenties, through the Great Depression, and to the brink of the Second World War.  It is one of the most definitive styles of vintage rugs, encompassing a large umbrella of styles, origins, and techniques.  During this time, carpet design transitioned from traditional millefleurs and allover floral designs to more angular and abstract styles, whilst maintaining elegance.  

Vintage Art Deco Rug

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Vintage Rugs



The Artistry of Vintage Rugs

Vintage Rugs
Vintage Rugs
I had just moved into my first new place and I had no idea where to start with my interior design. I had a clean slate on which to paint all my creative ideas but I was having a difficult time pulling all my desires together. I wanted a cohesive design, not the confusing mixture of old and new furniture in different finishes and styles that my previous home had consisted of. I thought if I found just one piece that spoke to me, I would have my starting point for my entire decor. When my eyes fell upon a vintage rug on display in the window of an antique rug dealer, it all finally made sense.

For me, the word vintage evokes an entirely different feeling than the word antique. Describing something as vintage makes it sound more eclectic and dated, but in a good way. Using the word antique brings thoughts of something older and perhaps more delicate and classic. Antiques tend to have a higher inherent monetary value while vintage objects hold a more sentimental connotation.

I felt such wistful wonder as I admired the beauty of the vintage rug in the store. It appealed to my love of color with its unique mixture of hues and it drew my eye endlessly across its modernist weaving pattern. When I ran my fingers lightly over the fabric it felt both delicate and durable and I was left trying to decide if I wanted to lay it on my floor or hang it on my wall. The artistry of it lent it to being both floor covering and tapestry.

I memorized the colors and patterns of that vintage rug and returned home to do a bit more research on the history of it. Vintage rug designs originated in the 1920's and got their influence from countries such a France, Germany, China and Scandinavia. Most notably known for defining the style of vintage rugs are the countries in Scandinavia, more specifically Sweden. This style of rug even has origins in Morocco and it's fascinating that the combination of colors and weaving patterns is found in so many different cultures.

Vintage rugs are a fitting accent for both modern and contemporary interior design. Their flexibility as a compliment to decor is why they are experiencing new resurgence. With so many different focal points to them, vintage rugs are truly capable of pulling together or launching the entire theme of a room.