What markets or design centers do you attend regularly?
I attend the High Point market at least once a year; NYDC Fall Market Event – ‘What’s New, What’s Next’; Atlanta Market and hope to attend the Las Vegas Market 2014. To service my client base, I primarily use the Marketplace Design Center (Philadelphia) and the Washington Design Center in the District of Columbia.
Do you have a favorite source for buying your rugs?
Every client has different design needs and budgets. However, I typically consider Surya, Jaipur and Loloi as my “go to” brands, especially Surya where the customer service and the product go hand-in-hand; Stark, Davis & Davis for those distinctive and more challenging projects.
What features in the rug are most important to you?
The definition of how each color shows up in the rug—whether it is a ‘wash’ or vibrant intermingling colors or mostly mottled tones—visual impression can’t be overlooked. The way the rug feels to the touch of the hand and under bare foot, which in turns tells the story of how it was woven and the density of the weave are all important.
How often do you purchase a custom rug and why?
A truly custom rug from Davis & Davis or Delos, unfortunately only about once or twice a year. When I do, it is more about the ‘creamy white’ and ‘off-white’ fibers that have a tendency to look more ‘putty-like’ in a rug. When a client wants creamy white, they want ‘creamy white’ and not ‘putty white.’ I also find hard to satisfy clients often imagine they want a distinctive, custom look rug with just the right coloring, but many are less excited about paying the price or waiting 3-6 months for the custom look to be created. Clients are more inclined to pay a bit more for a higher end rug they can have in 4-6 weeks.
Are there any design rules you specifically like to follow?
My number one rug rule that I never break is that size matters—make sure the rug is the right size for the space and the effect you are trying to create within the space. It is so easy to walk into a room and know right away if the rug is too small, too big, or it missed its intent altogether. Number two rule: the rug does NOT have to match. It has to complement, just like the right piece of jewelry for a great outfit. A well-placed rug does all the work. It invites you in; it warms the space and pulls everything together. Every space should have one.
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Photos Courtesy of Theresa Knox Photography
