Kilim Never Goes Out Of Style

Jul

2015

Photo Credit: Coco + Kelley and Barrington Blue

Whether your interior is modern or traditional, there is always room for the rich texture and intricate designs of a Kilim. Kilim, pronounced kee-leem, is one of the oldest woven textiles in history, dating back to 3000 BC. They are a pileless slit-woven rug with bold geometric patterns and colors made mainly from vegetable-dyed wool. The no-pile construction was designed specifically for high traffic areas and to last for a considerable amount of time. Many “vintage” kilims you find today are actually antiques – some are well over a century old. Although these textiles come mainly from Turkey, they are also found in the Balkans, North Africa, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and various regions in China. Each country has a variation of pattern and color, but the traditional craftsmanship, symbols and flat-woven technique are consistently the same.

Common symbols found in Kilim rugs and gorgeous pillows from Leif Shop

Kilim rugs have stood the test of time. Global trends have come and gone, and yet Kilims never seem to go out of style. Their exotic designs represents a world gone by – nomadic dwellings lined in bold, bright colors enriched with deep heritage and traditions. Although many of us love our modern conveniences, there is something very alluring about the nomadic life. Kilims have a siren-effect, calling us to take part in their unfamiliar world and ancient stories. No matter what your style may be, these tribal designs will magically find a place in your home.

Rug from Chairish, Chair from One Kings Lane and Shoes by Artemis

Once a Kilim rug has run its course, artisans will then use it for upholstery. They will crop the areas that have thinned and torn, and use the remaining portions to cover chairs, sofas, and stools. Or create pillow covers, handbags and even shoes. It’s incredible that after a century, a textile can simply be trimmed, applied to a piece of furniture or an accessory and then continue for many more years looking as beautiful as ever. I don’t know how it happens, but when a kilim goes from a rug to upholstery, it becomes textile porn. Yes, it’s that good.

Stool and Chair from Dot & Bo, Sofa by Urban Outfitters and Dutch home featured on The Style Files

Kilim upholstery is one of my favorite design elements to use when designing a space. The pops of pattern and color in small applications allows you to bring in bold patterns without overwhelming the space. Add a few Kilim pillows to a modern leather sofa and you immediately have warmth and texture. Place a Kilim chair in a traditional living room and awaken a sleepy space. Wear a Kilim handbag with a neutral dress, and voila! Instant panache. The options are endless, and best of all, every piece fashioned from a vintage Kilim is one-of-a-kind.

Pillows by Barrington Blue and Handbag by Artemis

Note:
Many of the items I have featured in this post are made from vintage Kilim, so the designs will vary and the availability will be limited. If you find something you like but the item is sold out, don’t fret. Many companies that sell Kilims will give you the option to be notified when the item will be restocked. Just remember the designs are vintage, so no two items are exactly alike.

Broadlandia: City-wide Yard Sale

Mar

2015

“Imagine a yard sale full of great finds from Nashville’s best closets, guest rooms and garages, and so big it takes up an entire warehouse!” – 12th & Broad

12th & Broad is hosting their first ever Broadlandia Yard Sale this Saturday, just in time for spring. They’ve rented out Track One – a large warehouse space in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood (near the Sounds stadium), and they’ll be filling it up with a city-wide yard sale complete with boutique gallery, bloody mary bar, and great non-profit partners like ThriftSmart.

And if that wasn’t enough to get you excited, Flock South will be there! My dear friend (and partner in design crime) Samantha Oaks with Lucien Porter Design Company, will be sharing a booth with me at Broadlandia. You remember her? She’s the one that designed the oh-so fabulous airbnb in the 12 South Neighborhood. This is our first event together, and the beginning of an exciting partnership.

So what are we selling? Home goods, lots and lots of home goods. From decor to lighting to kitchen-ware to rugs and small furnishings. It’s going to be a hodge-podge mix of items from our homes, vintage pieces from my booth at Gas Lamp Antiques, and props from past projects. Plus! You get to meet us, ask questions and find out more about what we are doing with our companies.

DETAILS

When: Saturday, March 28

Where: Track One, 1211 4th Avenue South, Nashville TN, 37203

Time: 8-10 a.m. Early Bird Shopping (w VIP ticket; includes bloody mary and breakfast)

Open House: 10 a.m.-noon (free admission)

Want first dibs on all the best stuff + free breakfast, a bloody mary and other special perks?

Procure your Early Bird Shoppers ticket for just $20. You’ll get a VIP shopping experience from 8-10 a.m. before the doors open to the public.

VIP Tickets: www.broadlandia.eventbrite.com

Ikea Lovin’ – Spring Round Up

Mar

2015

Modern Punched White and Copper Shades 1, 2, 3, 4 (use as a pendant or lamp shade)

Favorite Ikea 2014 Collection 1, 2, 3, 4

Pillow Color Crush 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Cabinets, Chairs and the Cutest Dolly I’ve Ever Seen 1, 2, 3, 4

Summertime Party in the Garden 1, 2, 3, 4

Stripes and More Stripes – Blankets 1, 2, 3, 4

Modern Picnic Style tables 1 and 2

Geometric Rugs 1, 2, 3

I am swooning over all the colors, patterns and designs Ikea has put out this spring. The combination of the 2014 and 2015 collections are gorgeous together. Once again, the designs are mixing bright and muted colors, and the patterns are bold with a unique softness. A winning combo that fits in with so many styles. If you haven’t jumped on this years design trends, I encourage you to try it out.

Rugs, rugs, and more rugs!

Feb

2015

Today is just ugly. Terribly gray skies with drizzly rain falling on yesterdays ice and snow. It’s just not the kind of day that you go outside, unless you have to run an errand. So, I’m ignoring the muck and scouting out beautiful area rugs (online, of course) instead.

Lately I have been fawning over the area rugs posted on Loloi and Lulu & Georgia IG account. Delicious patterns, textures and colors that create a beautiful balance between old world styles and modern design. Below are my favorites from today’s hunt. I hope you enjoy them (and possibly swoon) as much I did.