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I really like this rug with it’s quirky design of birds and leaves and clouds(?). The color palette seems just enough ‘off’ to keep it looking like a collector’s item, yet the dark background with an overall decorative pattern gives it a hint of tradition which would help it mix in nicely with an eclectic sort of room.

“Originally trained in the arts, Wenlan draws all of her own patterns for both her home and fashion collections. With custom prints and designs inspired by imagery culled from a life spent working in the arts, traveling the world, and escaping with idle daydreams, Wenlan brings a fresh point of view to her work and is thrilled to translate her ideas into a line of unique but accessible collection for the home.”

100% Hand tufted New Zealand wool.

8′ X 10′

I like the large characters on this rug- it would give some foreign flair to a room while still keeping a simple color palette.

‘Larger than life Mandarin characters create impressive “inzhan” (translation: “personal stamp”). 100% fine virgin wool hand-tufted bold with graphic poppy on plush neutral brown.’

5’x8′ or 8’x10′.

The HZL kids certainly keep up their commitment to interesting rugs- these are just two of my favorites from an extensive line, so if you’re in the market for a modern rug, I suggest a look.

“These wool rugs offer rich style in thick 100% handtufted New Zealand wool. New Zealand wool is the best available due to its high lanolin content… Special hand carving and combination cut and loop pile is very unusual craftmanship. The surfaces are soft and thick, making these rugs indulgently luxurious and sophisticated…”

Available in sizes:
55 x 79
67 x 94
79 x 79
98 x 98

Just under $300 for a nice sized area rug…not bad. Several color choices as well.

“When you marry a thick, rich pile to the clean, understated simplicity of a textured circle motif, the result – and the response – is Wow. Few mills offer this kind of heavy, luxurious rug; few rugs have this kind of impact. Modern, refined, with real punch, especially in larger sizes.”

Bentley Prince Street is committed to Mission Zero(tm), ” our promise to eliminate any negative impact our products may have on the environment by 2020.”

I really like how the overall design is made up of small dots/circles, so that it lends a contemporary feel to a more tradtional flowered pattern.

Padme, design by Mercedes Jaen, brown, 100% new wool, cotton backing

67″x95″
80″x80″

This has such a simple pattern, but it’s just enough to make the room interesting.

– Hand-hooked and tufted
– 100% cotton; colorfast
– Professional cleaning recommended
– Imported

5’x8′ or 8’x10′

Finally, a modern solution for a Christmas tree skirt.

“New from FLOR, these fun carpets are just perfect for under your tree. The style is the same as FLOR’s popular Fedora tiles. Total size is 39.4″ square and made from 80% post-consumer recycled polyester with a stain resistant finish. All made in the USA.”

[posted by kris]

Update: Now on sale.

I’m really kind of in love with this piece by Tord Boontje, and the texture will really soften up a modern space.

“There are six distinct shapes of flower combinations, in three different tonalities, which creates an intriguing composition that’s all about movement, texture and color. A witty approach to a floor covering, Boontje brings the experience of walking through a meadow into an interior space.”

This rug is on sale, so if you’re looking for something modern for under $500, you better snap it up soon.

“The weight of these rugs give them a plush feel and near-flawless appearance—you can hardly see the backing beneath the surface…All of these rugs are single-piece craftwork, made exclusively from 100% New Zealand wool…”

7×10.5

Rugs are definitely a worthwhile investment for your home, and this one is spectacular.
It’s neutral enough that you could change a room’s color without replacing it, yet it’s got enough detail with the tree branches to stand on its own. Really lovely.

100% New Zealand Wool.

The new Woodgrain Mat from the Chilewich Collection is superb. It would be the perfect
thing to warm up a concrete floor.

“Recreating the look of plain-sawn wood by weaving vinyl yarns on industrial looms, the Woodgrain Mat combines the beauty of natural wood with the durability and practicality of a manmade material. The unbound edge provides a clean, simple line. Plynyl is contract-quality and both stain and water resistant. A polyurethane backing, made from 15%-20% recycled contents, provides extra durability for most any application, from residential to retail to hospitality.”

Woven vinyl; polyurethane backing.

Driftwood or Pecan.

Small, W 52″ L 72″, $350

Large, W 70″ L 108″, $580

For anyone who liked the Manuscrit Rug we posted a while ago, this one is similar in style, but at a much lower price point. Sure, it doesn’t have the detailing or the nice story behind it, but when you’re on a budget sometimes saving money wins out.

“Ink black esoteric prose scrawls oversized in contrast on ivory. Soft primo 100% bikaner wool is hand-tufted, then bound by hand on each side for extra durability.”

You can’t beat this rug. Or rather, you can (ha ha), but it’s just as easy to hose it off with the garden tap. Not a bad price for a good-looking mat that can go inside or out…

“Indoor/Outdoor all-weather mats designed by Sandy Chilewich to be as durable as they are graphically bold. We’ve been using them in the entryway and in front of the kitchen sink, and they take the abuse in stride. Just hose them off to clean. Quick to dry, and resistant to mold and mildew.”

Black/White or Blue/Green, 24″x36″

Buying a rug can be a difficult process- they’re usually very expensive and there are so many options to sort through…so, on that note, here’s another one to consider (that might just be the perfect choice)- it’s neutral but has an interesting design with colors to pull out when the mood strikes you…the credentials of the company are worth noting as well: you’ll be buying a product that is made in a responsible way.

“Made from wool that’s chosen for its strength and durability, Peace Industry rugs are naturally stain-resistant and the high content of lanolin protects them from foot traffic and wear and tear. Over time, the rugs will continue to soften and the colors will brighten. The Raissinas have a strong commitment to the environment and Fair Trade practices – the felting process requires no chemicals or toxins, and they guarantee that no worker is paid sub-living wages.”

Each is made by hand and therefore unique.

100% wool; vegetable dyes.

W 8′ D 10′ H .75″

If you appreciate any sort of humor, then you might just be into the new collection of rugs from Dan Golden. All are based on Golden’s artwork- take a look, I swear you’ll be pleased with the results.

(Also worth noting: the company’s mission statement says that they take great measures to make their products in the most environmentally and socially responsible way… with every purchase, a sheep is adopted from Oxfam and given to a family in a developing nation to provide income from wool for textiles. Not sure if this will influence your purchasing decisions, but it should.)

List/Retail prices:
4 x 6, $3000
6 x 9, $6750
8 x 10, $10,000
9 x 12, $13,500

Custom sizes also available.