Marijo Gordon
Marijo Gordon Designs, LLC, Chicago, IL
What markets do you attend?
I often buy at Neo-Con and also attend the High Point Market twice a year. I have my office in the Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings showroom in the Merchandise Mart here in Chicago, so of course shop the Mart regularly. I do attend gift shows as well.
Do you have a favorite style or fiber of area rug?
I use a lot of indoor/ outdoor rugs, as they are practical and clean so easily and well. Living and working in the downtown Chicago area, I find that I work primarily with young professionals, who are mobile and don’t want to invest a lot in floor coverings at this point in their lives. Most are living in condos in the city and will eventually move. I particularly like carpet tiles, as they are so flexible and can be easily placed in another setting. One of my favorite choices is InterfaceFlor with their modular carpet tiles. They are so practical. I also like to find rugs at Momeni and Trans-Ocean (shown above).
Do you have any design rules that you like to follow?
The first question I ask is how is the rug going to be used? Is it going to be in a high traffic area? The area rug must follow the function and use of the room. For instance the rug in a bedroom should be plush. I often use wall to wall in a bedroom. The rug in a playroom must be durable with a low pile, possibly a synthetic fiber. Generally speaking I choose the flooring after most of the design of the room has been planned.
I seldom purchase an antique rug, but if one is passed down in the family, I will try to put it in the appropriate spot. I seldom purchase shags.
Do you buy online or by catalog?
Very seldom.
