What markets do you regularly attend?
I shop at the Design Center of the Americas in Dania Beach fairly often. Every year I go to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City, and I also try to go to the New York Gift Show, whenever possible. Two of my favorite places to shop for area rugs locally are ABC Carpet & Home in Delray Beach and Faith Oriental Rugs in North Bay Village.
Do you have a favorite style or fiber of rug?
I don’t have a favorite style, but my favorite fibers are wool and silk. A wool and silk combination offers the beauty and practicality of wool with the added luxurious texture and luster of silk.
Do you shop online very often?
I do shop online often, and when looking for area rugs, online sites are great for preliminary research. However, before making a final decision or purchase, I have to see the actual rug in person. I find that the nuance of color and textures can not be experienced on a computer screen.
How important is it to you that something be new to the marketplace?
It is not critical that a product be new to the marketplace for me to propose or specify it. It is more important for the design of the product to be functional and beautiful. Newness isn’t terribly important; the overall design of the product is what matters.
Do you buy custom rugs?
There are so many beautiful rugs already available from sources like Odegard, Emma Gardner, Tufenkian, Angela Adams and others that I rarely find the need to create a custom rug.
Are there any design rules you particularly like to follow or to break?
I think a design needs to function and solve the needs associated with the project. I try to keep that foremost in mind; after that anything goes, so long as it is beautiful in the end! Often an area rug can be a great inspiration as a starting point to a design. As an initial focal point it can set the tone and the color palette for the whole space.