Artist and rug historian John Kurtz has been designing handmade rugs for decades. His family-owned company, New Moon in Wilmington, produces carpets created through true Tibetan weaving. The process is time-consuming, but it renders rugs that last for generations.
“A wonderful rug, one with a beating heart, is a joy forever,” Kurtz says. “That is the rug that will make you smile every time you come into the room, and everyone who comes into the house will see and remember what that rug did for that room.”
Tribal and ethnic designs are hot, says New Moon COO Erika Kurtz. The patterns bridge contemporary with traditional to create a seamless look. “What’s so great about these design aesthetics and techniques is that they’re on trend, yet timeless.”
Don’t be afraid to mix styles. “Mixing styles adds depth to a room and keeps it from coming across as one note,” Erika says. “But be careful about mixing too many different items. An eclectic room should look effortless. Even though pieces may be from different periods or genres, they should still be able to play off of one another. All you need is a complementary color or silhouette.”
If you can, “It is much easier to start with a rug as the foundation for any room,” says Kurtz. The right carpet will set the mood. Arrange for a reputable dealer to see and measure the space. “From there you should talk about styles and color schemes. A good store will have a staff that can pull together different options within your price range. Don’t purchase the rug without trying it out first, since lighting can change the way a carpet looks in your space.”
If you’re trying to match existing decor, find a carpet that complements the style and color of the room, but don’t stress about finding an exact match. Varying colors and tones adds interest.
“Many collectors and consumers use rugs as wall coverings, rendering a 3-D, textural element to a space,” John says. If you own many lovely rugs, rotate them seasonally. “This will prolong the life of your rugs and allow you to change the look and the feel of your home as the season changes.”
Pet owners tend to shy away from purchasing expensive carpets, fearing their animals will destroy them. Relax. “If you choose a quality rug made with the best materials and craftsmanship, it can withstand the wear and tear,” John says.
Above all, if you can afford something you love, don’t settle for something you don’t. “Hand-woven rugs are true works of art,” John says. By contrast, an ordinary rug will be ordinary forever. “It will actually bring down a room. Why would you want to waste your money on just an ordinary something?”
New Moon is at 1010 N. Union St., Wilmington. For more, call 654-4095, or visit newmoonrugs.com.
