What markets and design centers do you attend?
I attend the High Point market once a year for furniture, rugs, and accessories, and ADAC in Atlanta mostly for fabrics. This year I went to New York for the Hotelcon in the Javits Center and got some great rugs. I have also gone to NeoCon in Chicago for contract work and the Atlanta Gift Market for accessories. I am a part of The Design House with four other designers, where we have many resources from which to choose.
In addition, The Design House has a yearly “rug show” that has been very successful. We bring in a direct importer with many beautiful antique and reproduction rugs from Turkey, Afghanistan, Tibet, Persia, and Morocco. We rent out a space for a weekend, usually in October or November. The dealer has been doing this for a number of years, and he brings in some amazingly beautiful rugs. Invariably, someone leaves with something. He often gives them a certificate and some history on the rug purchased. This rug show has been a win-win situation for all of us.
Do you have a favorite style of rug?
It really is project specific. For a traditional home, I love an antique Oushak; for a beach home I might choose a sisal or abaca; for contemporary, perhaps a cow hide or bamboo silk rug. It really depends on the project. I recently found a jute pile rug with bamboo silk accents that was just divine and would work in many settings.
Do you purchase many custom rugs?
I have over the years, but the lead time is often so long that I don’t buy them often. I have purchased a lovely runner from Merida Meridian. For color accuracy, using poms is definitely the best way to go, and we rely heavily on strike-off samples in order to sell rugs to our clients. Having up to date samples is really important to me. And then, of course, I want a strike-off before it is made. One vendor I particularly like is Kravet Lee Jofa. They are phenomenal, giving you the tools you need for the design and strike-offs.
Do you use the internet?
I primarily use the Internet for research. As a rule, I don’t usually actually buy online, as I am not comfortable with the quality that will be shipped. I do look at One Kings Lane, Gilt, and Wayfair for ideas and styles, but I much prefer to go directly to the source when I buy. I know what I will be getting from them.Otherwise, my clients and I may be disappointed with the product that is shipped.
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