Rugs: Fabulous Spring Florals

Posted on May 10, 2013 by rugruminations

This Spring in both fashion and interiors floral patterns are making a strong comeback. Bold, bright blooms, dramatic floral prints, and romantic foliage can be seen in the windows of fashion brands like J. Crew, Liberty and Ann Taylor. And in a nod to the 70s, blooms are showing up again as hair accessories for ladies looking to set a romantic mood. Today’s florals are much more modern than those that were all the rage in the 70s. Since the decade of the flower child, 21st Century floral patterns have grown to embrace neon shades, watercolor illustrations, and oversized designs, creating accessories with a fresher, more contemporary look. There are some beautiful ways to bring this runway-ready style home, especially when it comes to classic rugs. Whether looking at Chinese Deco Rugs, or Ukrainian carpets, florals can have a powerful impact in your interior this Spring.

J. Crew collaborated with British Store Liberty to bring their iconic blooms to the U.S. With a unique painterly quality, these floral patterns are soft and elegant. In bright hues of yellow, hot pink and turquoise, the vibrant color palette takes florals from dainty and dated to modern and striking.

Florals have also take on a rock and roll edge this season. Pair them with unexpected shades like jet black for contrast. Fashion designer Araks Yeramyan was featured on the J. Crew blog wearing this sheer black top with a bright yellow and hot pink floral design. The combination is truly daring.

To bring that same elegance to your interior, pieces like this Chinese Art Deco rug will do the trick. The floral scene is very modern and radiant in striking shades of tangerine, emerald and pink.

For something more romantic this rug from the Ukraine looks as if dozens of roses have been spread across the floor. In pink and red it is the perfect accent piece for lasting romance.

When looking for ways to bring flowers to your space, be on the lookout for bright floral patterns in unique colorways. This Chinese carpet looks like a magical garden in shades of lilac and mint. Below is another fantastic Chinese Deco carpet that would brighten any room.

Dare to go floral, and check out these flowery rugs at Doris Leslie Blau just in time for Spring > (http://www.dorisleslieblau.com/index.php?params%5Bsearch_text%5D=floral&go=%A0&section=search_results)

By Jeanine Hays (www.aphrochicshop.com)

Rugs: Inspiring Art Deco Design

Posted on May 3, 2013 by rugruminations

In just a few days, Hollywood will be releasing The Great Gatsby. The film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel written in 1925. A celebration of the jazz-era style of the 20s and 30s, The Great Gatsby promises to be filled with beautiful Art Deco style. From the fashions to the architecture and interiors, at every turn we can expect to see the geometric forms and bold outlines that Art Deco is known for. Once an exposition of the modernist decorative style that emerged in Paris in 1925, the glamorous style featuring luxe palettes of black and gold and cool zigzag designs can still be spotted in the skyline architecture of cities like New York, Chicago and Detroit. Art Deco is making a comeback in 21st Century design, and you can discover it in a number of home accessories including the luxurious Art Deco carpets that are just waiting to bring a bit of 1920s glamour to your home.

Known as the “Cathedral of Finance”, the Guardian Building in Detroit showcases the beauty of Art Deco design. Geometric patterns in striking primary hues were painted on the building’s ceiling to create a stunning cathedral effect.

Art Deco isn’t shy when it comes to luxury. This building in black and gold, like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler in New York, is a monument to the time when this architectural style was supreme.

Inside the EmpireStateBuilding a brass mural features many of the geometric lines you can expect to see in Art Deco design. Rectangles upon rectangles make up the body of the building, and a mix of linear and zigzag shapes completes the mural’s design.

This abstract rug features the beautiful geometric lines that Art Deco design is known for. In a neutral color palette the mix of shapes doesn’t overwhelm the rug’s design, but instead enhances it. Pair a rug like this with linear black furnishings to create a strong Art Deco statement.

This rug was actually made in the 1920s when Art Deco style was on the rise. The wavy gray chevron pattern was a popular design at the time, and still fits within today’s design trends. A striped border adds even more geometric detail.

Art Deco style was first spotted in Paris. This French Deco Rug shows the beauty of the design that was coming out of France at the time. A mix of cool shapes creates an attention grabbing-rug in soft hues of brown and ivory.

The geometric motif on this Swedish rug is a subtle showcase of Art Deco design. In more subdued tones, the strong graphic lines stand out in this neutral rug design.

Explore the beauty of Art Deco style by taking a look at the Art Deco rug collection at Doris Leslie Blau > (http://www.dorisleslieblau.com/deco-rugs/)

By Jeanine Hays (www.aphrochicshop.com)

Introducing – The Exclusive Bunny Williams Rug Collection!

Posted on April 16, 2013 by rugruminations

Doris Leslie Blau has always been committed to providing you with the highest quality rugs, in both design and material. Over the past few years, we have also introduced many designer rug lines, featuring renowned rug designers, interior designers, and architects, each bringing their own unique custom rug designs to contribute to our extensive designer collection.

This week is a very exciting week, as we continue to strive to bring you the highest quality rugs, along with fresh new designs.

We are happy to present to you the exclusive Bunny Williams collection for Doris Leslie Blau. We are honored and ecstatic to be presenting Bunny’s first ever designer rug collection.

Prolific American interior designer Bunny Williams has spent the past 25 years designing beautiful and personalized interiors. Her home decor line, Bunny Williams Home and her series of home decor books have been influential in showing us how to make every house feel like a home. Adding to her growing collection of home decor products, Bunny has released a new collection of rugs with Doris Leslie Blau.

As a true reflection of Bunny’s truly magnificent design work, the Bunny Williams designer rug collection includes an eclectic and expressive mix of hemp pile, cut pile, silk/wool blends, aloe/wool blends, looped pile and flat weaves.

The colors within the collection range from tone-on-tone neutrals and muted blues and greens, to rich blues and deep hues, seemingly borrowed from the sea itself.

The collection was inspired by Bunny’s love of rugs – the pieces she uses as inspirations for a room’s design. “Rugs are the magic of every room. For me, they are where I begin every project. I choose a beautiful rug then select paint colors and fabrics that complement it. For years I have come to Doris Leslie Blau because I know they have rugs, both old and new, that a designer can really build a room around. When I began working on my own rug collection, there was no hesitation in my choice to collaborate with Nader and Doris Leslie Blau,” Says Williams.

The collection features cultural designs that have a timeless appeal. From modernist takes on chevrons, ikats and Native American designs to Moroccan-inspired patterns, each rug can be used to add a cultural touch to your home

This Wednesday, April 17th, we will be celebrating the release of the Bunny Williams collection with a launch party here at Doris Leslie Blau. Please join us between 5:30 and 8pm ET for a drink and a chance to view this gorgeous collection first-hand. We look forward to meeting you!

Explore Bunny Williams’ Bespoke Collection for Doris Leslie Blau > (http://www.dorisleslieblau.com/bunny-williams/)

Thanks to Jeanine of Aphro Chic and Maddie of Thriftary for this post!

Design Trend: Rorschach Prints on Rugs

Posted on April 8, 2013 by rugruminations

There is a new design trend popping up in home decor. Ever since Jay-Z Decoded was released in 2010, the famous Andy Warhol rorschach print that decorated the book’s cover is now popping up in the world of fashion and home decor. In fact, abstract rorschach prints, or ink blots, are suddenly appearing in home decor as art prints, paintings, and are even being featured on today’s hottest wallpaper, pillow and rug designs. The unconventional rorschach designs have a unique appeal that’s hard to pin down. Maybe that’s because we all see something different when we look at them! Each design presents us with a dazzling array of attention-grabbing shapes that are both organic and intriguing. And as the trend develops, we’re starting to see these mesmerizing designs in the homes of today’s top designers, and bloggers.

Textile designer Amy Butler is known for her beautiful prints. Her love of intricate patterns is just as apparent in her home where innovative prints continue to hold a special place. Here, rorschach prints make an appearance as framed art above Butler’s buffet. Classic in clean black and white, they are quite sophisticated works of art.

This homeowner was so inspired by the cover of Jay-Z Decoded, that she took some DIY ingenuity to recreate the Andy Warhol rorschach print for her own home. Positioned above the fireplace mantel, the painting is a stunning statement piece.

And Shaleah from the home decor blog, The Gold Jellybean, also decided to test her DIY skills to create a rorschach print to hang above the bed in her master bedroom. The ink blot painting has been used to tie together the room’s ultra-modern black and white color palette.

In the world of textiles, rorschach prints can take center stage as beautiful rugs in interiors. Eskayel’s collection for Doris Leslie Blau features the company’s famed rorschach prints as rugs that create they eye-catching patterns that these ink blot prints are known for.

Though the classic ink-blot test is a strictly black and white affair, what make these prints so perfect for textiles is the variety of colors that can be used to create a stunning artistic statement. Best of all the effect is the same whether you choose to decorate your walls or your floors. Here, this rug in yellow and gray takes the ink blot concept to a whole new level in vivid color.

Even in a more neutral palette, each rug offers soft and distinctive designs that are sure to enliven any room that they are placed in.

Explore the rorschach trend for yourself and dazzling ink blot designs inside the Doris Leslie Blau Eskayel Rug Collection > (http://www.dorisleslieblau.com/eskayel-rugs/)

By Jeanine Hays (http://www.aphrochicshop.com/)

CHANEL Couture – For your Living Space!

Posted on April 4, 2013 by rugruminations

If you are at all interested in high fashion, I am sure that you are no stranger to the elegant and edgy musings of renowned fashion designer, CHANEL. Created and inspired by Coco “Gabrielle” Chanel, in 1909, CHANEL started as a small clothing boutique in Paris in 1910. The style and inspiration of the CHANEL brand has evolved from a classy, simple, every-day wear line to a full spectrum fashion dynasty, including everything from ready-to-wear collections to couture. Whether you are a designer, or a design enthusiast, so much can be drawn from the life and work of Coco Chanel, as it is carried on today through one of the most well known and respected fashion labels, CHANEL. They have set trends among peers within their industry, as well as designers everywhere. Rug design, does not count as any exception.

Because of the classy and modern elements incorporated into CHANEL designs, this inspiration carries over to the Rug Design realm very beautifully. Below are a few examples of surprising design correlations between CHANEL‘s Spring/Summer 2013 couture line, and some of our very own vintage & designer rugs provided right here at Doris Leslie Blau.

The Persian Tabriz rug (pictured above, left) embodies a whimsical floral pattern, with a vast range of hues, seemingly inspired by the sky and sea. It is delicate, intricate, and classy, much like it’s CHANEL look-alike (pictured above, right).

Black and white is a timeless combination that oozes of class and sophistication. That is very indicative of both this CHANEL floor length beauty (pictured above, left) and the antique Persian Tabriz carpet (pictured above, right).

This lovely Cloud Lilac rug (pictured above, right) is light and ethereal, with a dose of femininity. It’s couture counterpart (pictured above, left) also embodies these notions through a similar pattern, color scheme, and unique textures.

And last but not least, is the edgy + classy use of the absence of color. White often portrays class and sophistication within the fashion realm. That has also carried over into the interior + rug design industry as well. The CHANEL ensemble (pictured above, left) screams modern and fashion-forward, while still embodying the signature classy stamp of the CHANEL brand. The white silk shaggy rug (pictured above, right) also shows edge through texture, yet remains classy because of the simplicity in it’s pure white color.

Much like the timeless sophistication of the CHANEL brand, Doris Leslie Blau offers a wide range of rugs that can add class, sophistication, and edge to your living space, whether it be an every-day or couture area of your home or business.

Decorating with Moroccan Details

Posted on March 29, 2013 by rugruminations

The beauty of traditional Moroccan design is currently one of the hottest trends in home decor. Pieces from a country with hundreds of years of textile design and handmade craftsmanship are now popping up in contemporary homes, adding rich cultural details, amazing colors, and mesmerizing patterns. Some of the most popular items are those that also add a bit of sparkle. Shimmering Moroccan wedding blankets line beds while pierced lanterns add beautiful ambiance to modern bedrooms and poufs of all sizes bring pops of bright color into our homes. Contemporary interiors that focus on Moroccan details are sure to show all the beauty of the global mix – bringing together modern details and cultural accent pieces to create unique and stunning spaces.

Moroccan textiles are an exceptional way to add pattern to a room. With diamond and geometric shapes present in many Moroccan rugs they can be part of a room’s strong architectural details. And in a minimalist space like this reading nook, a Moroccan rug can be all the detail a space needs.

The diamond pattern even extends to Moroccan wedding blankets. These delicately woven coverings were once part of a bride’s dowry. Now they’ve crossed an ocean to be included in interiors where sparkling textiles add to the look of our most comfortable rooms. They look lovely draped on a bed as a coverlet, or even hung behind the bed frame to create a makeshift headboard. Like most Moroccan wears, every wedding blanket is made by hand, making each one a unique piece of art.

One of my favorite Moroccan pieces is the Beni Ourain rug. Made from un-dyed wool, these rugs are rich in organic details. In a sophisticated black and cream color palette they have a timeless appeal, and can be used anywhere – living room, bedroom or home office – to a stunning effect. With hundreds of years of history going into each handmade piece, these rugs are sure to add the depth and mystery of Moroccan design and craftsmanship to your interior.

Beni Ourain rugs are thick and heavy as they were originally crafted as sleeping rugs. Weary travelers would wrap himself in the rug and protect himself from the cold. Now these heavily piled pieces add warmth to stark wooden floors in modern interiors.

As you look closely at each rug you will see slight imperfections. That is a result of the tireless handmade workmanship that went into each one of these pieces. The handmade details give each rug a unique character.

While many Moroccan rugs are cream and black, you will discover beautiful dyed rugs as well. This rug in brown and blue is wonderful for adding color and culture to a space.

Diamonds fill in this rug’s landscape. The pattern is remarkable, and sure to stand out in any room.

To add unique Moroccan details to your interior, explore the Moroccan rug collection at Doris Leslie Blau > (http://www.dorisleslieblau.com/moroccan-design-and-weave-rugs/)

By Jeanine Hays (http://www.aphrochicshop.com/)

Doris Leslie Blau’s New Collection: Tulu Nadu

Posted on December 27, 2012 by rugruminations

In this photo shoot, we wanted to capture the essence of nature, which was part of the inspiration when creating the Tulu Nadu line. We wanted it to have an earthy feel yet still be sophisticated, hence the natural landscape with refined elements. Aside from the collection’s natural beauty, it has a contemporary feel inspired by a cultural past. Tulu in Turkish means long hair; the long strands of wool were originally used in mattresses many years ago. DLB’s Tulu Nadu rugs are thick and shaggy and have a modern sensibility. The rugs are hand knotted using cut pile and the flat area is a Sumac weave; they are made beautifully and quite affordable. Our very own Susan Iszak says, “Our Tulu Nadu collection is an adaptation that is cool yet still practical. It continues the tradition of Tulu’s in DLB’s collection of antique rugs par excellence. We have blurred the fine line between new and old rugs.”

Yum Yum 5.8 x 4.2

Grey Strata 11.9 x 9.3

Alhambra Border 11.7 x 3

Grey Steppe 17 x 12

Brown Strata 12.1 x 9

Line Segment 39.7 x 3.1

Grey Strata 14 x 9.9

Alhambra Scaled 9 x 12

Line Segment 14.7 x 11.10

Click here to see the entire collection.

A Rug Roundup: Doris Leslie Blau’s Year in Review!

Posted on December 17, 2012 by rugruminations

As the year is coming to an end, it’s time to reflect on what an exhilarating year it has been. It is quite the honor to have had Doris Leslie Blau antique, vintage and custom rugs placed in so many impeccably designed rooms by fabulous designers, as well as being featured in many of the top media outlets. Below is all the wonderful press we’ve received in 2012! We look forward to seeing you in 2013!

Architectural Digest featured Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan’s home designed by Gomez Associates. Doris Leslie Blau’s antique and vintage carpets were placed in their home.

DLB’s Persian Malayer carpet was featured in the article, “Fine Art for the Floor… Whether Modern or Antique, These Beautiful Rugs Transform a Room.” Our very own Nader Bolour was quoted in the article, “It’s like putting a soul into a body. The eye always goes to the floor when someone enters a room.”

DLB’s custom rug was featured in NY Spaces page “Artful Furniture and Home Accessories.” Doris Leslie Blau’s rug was titled, “Tibetan Beauty.”

DLB’s Persian Sultanabad rug was featured in Elle Décor’s Arts and Antiques page, “For the Adventurous Collector.”

Traditional Home featured a dining room designed by Mary Douglas Drysdale; the carpet is a Doris Leslie Blau Aubusson carpet.

Owner Nader Bolour’s Starburst designed rug was featured in Architectural Digest’s article, “Most Wanted… From Simple Pleasures to Ultimate Luxuries.” To quote the article, “The exuberant black and white design of Nader Bolour’s Starburst rug for DLB evokes the tactile brushstrokes of abstract expressionist paintings.”

Doris Leslie Blau’s Brown Stripe rug was a featured rug in Veranda’s “The World of…” page discussing flat weaves.

In Architectural Digest’s article, “A Plum Assignment,” interior designer Jamie Drake’s designed room featured Doris Leslie Blau’s custom designed Lily Rug.

A Doris Leslie Blau Persian Tabriz was used in a Carey Maloney designed room in Architectural Digest, August 2012.

Atlanta Home featured a Lindsey Coral Harper designed room with our Eskayel Madagascar rug. Lindsey said, “My jumping-off point was the carpet. I wanted to do a rich jewel-toned room, glossy from floor to ceiling. So when I found the inkblot carpet from Doris Leslie Blau, I flipped! It looked like a Rorschach, so I thought that my room could double as an in-home shrink’s office.”

Two Doris Leslie Blau custom rugs, the Madagascar and animal skin flat weave, were featured in Interior Design magazine’s article, “Painterly Strokes that are Artfully Placed.”

In the article “Lighten Up,” Doris Leslie Blau’s cotton Dhurrie carpet was a featured rug. To quote the article, “Forget plush
pile carpets, thin is in. Today’s most desirable carpets are graphic flat weaves.”

Our Madagascar Eskayel custom designed rug was a featured rug in Cover Magazines “Rug Revolution” edition.

Elle Décor featured DLB in their “Happenings” feature. They shared Doris Leslie Blau’s custom-made collection of hand-knotted jute sisal rugs. The collection was said to“Come in various voluptuous colors with a solid, self-contained cotton border, give delight to the senses.”

In Style featured fashion designer Nanette Lepore’s living room designed by Jonathan Adler with a custom Doris Leslie Blau peacock carpet.

Elle Décor featured Doris Leslie Blau’s custom Ikat-style rug. “The rug has an overscale motif in hand-loomed hemp.”

W Magazine featured one of our Eskayel designed rugs in the article, “Six Room-Making Rugs.” The rugs were said to be “A series of ethereal, Rorschach-esque statement pieces.”

Thank you for joing us and supporting us on our journey through 2012!

Behind the Rug Design: Doris Leslie Blau

Posted on September 28, 2012 by rugruminations

Since he was a young boy, Nader Bolour has immersed himself into the world of rugs. He got his start by washing and vacuuming rugs and carpets in his father’s shop and was immediately in awe by what he was seeing. Once he realized his passion for rugs, he purchased Doris Leslie Blau and has been committed to searching for the most unusual and striking antique and vintage rugs and carpets as well as having a beautiful collection of samples for customization and contemporary rugs.

An Orange Burst! Antique, Vintage and New Rugs That Will Brighten Your Day!

Posted on September 18, 2012 by rugruminations

Connie Lee, Director of Antique & Vintage rugs

By Dorian Bernstein

I was instantly inspired to showcase some of our diverse rugs, in which orange is the primary color, when seeing Connie’s blood-orange sophisticated yet funky ensemble. Orange has this warmth effect; a feeling of comfort and elegance if used correctly.

Connie shows off her perfectly put together orange outfit. Below are some new, antique and vintage rugs that are beautifully constructed and have the color orange merely enhancing their beauty. Continue reading →

Rug Ruminations

Category Archives: Interior Design

Rugs: Fabulous Spring Florals

Rugs: Inspiring Art Deco Design

Introducing – The Exclusive Bunny Williams Rug Collection!

Design Trend: Rorschach Prints on Rugs

CHANEL Couture – For your Living Space!

Decorating with Moroccan Details

Doris Leslie Blau’s New Collection: Tulu Nadu

A Rug Roundup: Doris Leslie Blau’s Year in Review!

Behind the Rug Design: Doris Leslie Blau

An Orange Burst! Antique, Vintage and New Rugs That Will Brighten Your Day!

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