Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
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abode & beyond dream weavers ASPEN'S TOP PURVEYORS OF LUXURY FLOOR COVERINGS DISCUSS THE CURRENT TRENDS. by deborah l. martin W hen it comes to rugs, neutral colors and traditional patterns are always in fash- ion, but this year there is also resurgence in vibrant color and graphic, modern design. According to Taline Isberian of Isberian Rug Company (isberianrugs.com), "This season we are seeing new collections with big, bold color and pat- tern. It's a refreshing change." She adds, "But no matter the pattern or color, the most important thing is that we are selling our customer a product that will give them many years of enjoyment." Quality is the keyword at Balentine Collection (balentinecollection.com) International as well. According to Bridget Balentine, neutrals are still popular, but interest has shifted from traditional patterns to more graphic designs. She stresses that although her customer wants a fashionable look, the first question is usually, "How will it wear?" "We pay close attention to construction, and we make sure that the customer understands the dif- ferences between, for example, wool-silk blends and other unique materials like bamboo fiber. Not all fibers are suitable for an entry hall." Isberian agrees. "We encourage our custom- ers to try it before they buy it." She adds, "It's important to live with the rug for awhile, see how it feels and looks, before you commit to some- thing you will own for a long time. We provide that service for our clients." She stresses the importance of quality and being able to see, feel, and experience the rug in your home. "When from left: From Noori's Collection, a traditional Persian rug in brilliant colors; a modern carpet from Balentine Collection, made of cocoon silk and wool, hand-knotted in Nepal; this modern rug from Isberian's custom Tibetan line just won Best Modern Rug at the 2012 Domotex Rug show in Germany. Ultimate recycling: An over-dyed rug in blue-green from Isberian Rug Company. Worn Turkish rugs are pieced together and dyed brilliant colors. "This season we are seeing new collections with big, bold color and pattern."—TALINE ISBERIAN customers purchase a rug online, they are often All three companies agree that sustainable resources and fair trade is just as important as style. "We take great pride in the fact that we support Tibet," local Isberian says. industry in Afghanistan and "When it comes to disappointed in the quality and the color. You Woolmark, cannot see those things on a computer screen." At Noori's Collection (nooriscollection.com), Rasol Noori says, "We learn our customer's needs. If they have three children, then fine silk isn't the right material for them. We try to sug- gest styles and fibers that will suit our client's lifestyle." As for patterns, color-saturated abstract design is very popular. "Our rugs come primarily from Afghanistan, northwest and Turkey. They are woven using traditional methods and natural dyes. Eggplant, Iran, indigo, onion—these natural elements provide the kind of color our customers look for." is helping in a sig- nificant way." AP resources, in addition to supporting the people who craft our rugs, we also care about the ani- mals." Isberian Rug Company is a member of an organization that helps to ensure quality of life for wool sheep. The com- pany also supports GoodWeave, which is working to end child labor in Nepal, Afghanistan, and India, and is working on a partnership with Arzu Studio Hope, helping to create economic independence for women in postwar Afghanistan. Says Isberian, "I believe that it's everyone's responsibility to do some- thing, whether big or small. We want to be able to tell our customers that their purchase 146 aspenpeak-magazine.com photography by matt power