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There’s something wonderfully utilitarian about a great rug: It’s fine art that you walk around on. And there’s usually more to a rug than meets the eye. Some have profound symbolism and employ centuries old techniques, some artfully combine disparate cultures, some incorporate the graphic patterns or lush textures of runway fashions, and some were created from scratch according to the customer’s specifications. Here’s where to find some of the finest woven wares in the region.
Gallery Anatolian
This unassuming storefront on Dumbarton Street in Georgetown conceals countless layers of Turkish history and craftsmanship. The shop, run by husband-and-wife owners Haluk Ilikyel and Jeannie Gregori, has several specialties – authentic Oushak and Kilim rugs from Turkey, antique rug restoration services, and made-to-order patchwork rugs sewn from hides and salvaged textile scraps. The small gallery has a boutique feel and is becoming a go-to for local designers.
Oushaks are the rugs you’d likely see in Ottoman palaces – they are known for the high quality of the wool, and also the warp and weft of the weave. They typically have muted colors that seem to change depending on the angle from which they’re viewed. Ilikyel happily unfurls a subtly colored Oushak with a stylized pomegranate motif. “This type of pattern is rare,” he says. Kilims are from central Turkey and more commonly found, and are memorable for their vivid dyes and graphic patterns. The gallery’s selection is extensive, and collectors far and wide know it. If you’re lucky, Ilikyel may pour you a cup of delicious Turkish tea while you study the merchandise.
Senneh Knot
Color is of utmost importance to Zubair Mohamed, owner of Senneh Knot rug gallery in Timonium, MD. The gallery specializes in Oriental rugs, but custom weaving and contemporary styles are readily available. “Colors are critical,” he says. “We sell rugs in colors that are not usually available,” such as tangerines, light blues, apple greens, and turquoises that have been in high demand lately.
“There is a trend here,” he says. In 25 years of being in the rug business in this region, he’s cultivated knowledge of what plays well with colonial interiors and furniture styles – and he also knows that colors and styles that sell well don’t always translate as beautifully when placed in a home. Sometimes the reds and blues are too garish; sometimes the runner is just an inch too thin for the corridor and looks out of proportion. He spends time with customers and offers thoughtful design counseling. “Making a good rug is one thing,” Mohamed says, “but if it doesn’t go with the home furnishings, it’s useless.”
Company C
For a lower price point than almost anything you’ll find at The Washington Design Center (but with more variety and a denser weave than the rugs at Ikea), peruse the selections at Company C. You won’t find heirlooms here, but the new Colorful Living line is full of irresistible, punchy accents. The adventurous patterns and yummy palettes will make an instant room refresher – plus, their all-wool content and rich hues make them kid- and pet-friendly.
Tamarian Carpets
This Baltimore-based Tibetan rug purveyor takes tradition seriously. The floor coverings are made entirely by hand, and the techniques and tools used in their creation have not changed in centuries. For each rug, lanolin-rich wool is hand carded, dyed in pots (using organic dyes manipulated for colorfastness), and woven on an upright loom in the Tibetan tradition. After weaving is complete, the rugs are babied: cut from the loom, trimmed, and carefully washed to bring out nuances from the dye. The process is time-honored, but many of the looks available are au courant.
La Musa
AnnMaria Baldine, co-owner of Chevy Chase, DC-based La Musa, began her design studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and surprised herself when a “detour,” as she says, led to a fruitful career designing custom area rugs and stair runners of every aesthetic imaginable. A peek at her notebook shows styles ranging from art deco to contemporary to traditional, or any custom combination thereof. She credits the grand textiles of Pompeii as a strong inspiration. Bring her an idea, and she’ll get sketching.
Kravet Carpet
A rug should never upstage the rest of the design – it should provide accent for a room or be a sophisticated base for all that goes in it. Kravet Carpet seems to understand this, and has created a new Tufts line of hand-tufted textiles that bring atmosphere and texture but play well with others. Design stars Barbara Barry and Barclay Butera lent their creative talents to the collection, which is available in 120 colors. We especially love the sculpted look of Engraved.
Click here to learn more about Turkish textiles in an exclusive video tour of Gallery Anatolian in Georgetown.
