Monday, September 14, 2015

Help Me Decide! Bazaar Velvet Rugs

Choosing an area rug for our living room has been one of the trickiest things to shop for; they're either not big enough (or too big) or too ... boring. It's kind of like shopping for jeans: they might fit nicely around the legs, but gape at the waist. So frustrating! 

Someone suggested I take a look at Bazaar Velvet's luxurious hand-knotted rugs and they're stunning. Definitely more up my alley than the ho-hum boring ones we've seen so far from John Lewis or IKEA. 

I'm also impressed by Bazaar Velvet's commitment to ethical trade standards. As a partner of GoodWeave, the non-profit organization that works to end illegal child labor in the rug industry, Bazaar Velvet works with Tibetan weavers to produce their exquisite, hand-knotted rugs. I complain a lot about how much good quality rugs cost, but seeing the craftsmanship and artistry involved in the set of behind-the-scenes photos on Bazaar Velvet's website made me realize just how much time and effort goes into creating these beautiful works of art.

Trouble is, I can't decide what style to go with ... so I've created my short-list of contenders below and would love it if you helped me choose! I've paired them with items we already own, plus items that we'd maybe like to buy ...


I love the irregularity of this gorgeous Moroccan Berber rug and its grey, ombre effect. I think this would look great with copper accessories like the Made Amelia clock which we just purchased, and minimalist, Scandinavian furniture similar to the design of Swoon Edition's Clayton media unit (which would be perfect for the new TV we got a few weekends ago!). I'm also a fan of this copper table lamp from Heal's - I couldn't take my eyes off it during our last trip to the store!







But I'm also a fan of the faded, mismatched pattern of this Anatolian patchwork rug and I think it could be really striking in our living room. I'd let it sing by pairing it with simple, white and brass accents, like this side table from Zara and the West Elm lamp. It's also got a terrific travel-inspired feel and most of the artwork we've collected so far has a travel-theme, like this print by Amy Victoria Marsh, depicting people she observed on her trip to Morocco.




Look #3: The Zaide I

And then I saw the Zaide I. The geometric grey-and-white pattern of this rug really conveys a sense of high-end luxury to me ... it's something I could see in the suite of one of my favorite boutique hotels, or the way I've always imagined wanting my living room to look like! I'm not entirely sure that it's 100% "me", but if I went for it, I'd go all-out luxe with the rest of the room by adding a creamy armchair in a thick, luxe fabric, a gold sunburst mirror, and a colorful vase to offset the neutral palette.





Look #4: The Ethos VC3

Finally ... this is a wool and silk rug. As in, anyone who'd ever step on it with "outside" shoes on would definitely get whacked in the head by yours truly (actually, anyone who steps on my current IKEA rug with outside shoes on already gets some serious side-eye from me: most recently, the salesman from security alarm company ADT). But it's oh-so-beautiful. There's something so striking and bohemian about intricate pattern which makes me think of airy, New York-style lofts and - again - our travels. It would work wonderfully well with the ladder shelf we bought from The Futon Company, as well as the colorful Kilim cushion I've had my eye on for ages at Yonder Living, and this amazing pouf from Anthropologie.




So, what do you think? Which "look" is your favorite? Thanks in advance for helping me pick!

This post was sponsored by Bazaar Velvet. All opinions are my own.
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18 comments

  1. I would go for #3! Neutral + geometric = win-win. :)

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    1. I love that look, Charlotte! My ony hesitation is whether it'll look too "cold" or not ... any suggestions to "warm" it up a bit and make it look more homey?? You're good with this kind of stuff!

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  2. Definitely #2 - love the patchwork!

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    1. Ah, I'm a sucker for #2 too, Alix. that patchwork pattern is so unique and cool!

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  3. Ooo I like number 1 with the copper, or number 3!

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    1. You know, #1 is my personal favorite, I think. I'm obsessed with those Berber rugs and can't get away from them. But #3 is a super clean look too. Ahhhh!!!

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  4. Ha, I guess I'll be the first person to vote for number 4. It's complicated and delicate but not at all loud, and I think it's really beautiful. Second choice is number 1--is it as soft as it looks? I like the colors and patterns and patchwork structure of #2, but the pre-worn character isn't to my taste. #3 is beautifully clean in design, it just reads more as "hotel" than "home" to my eye.

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    1. Go for the unusual, Marjorie! #4 reminds me of something we might find in a professor's office at MHC. I definitely want to see these in person before making any further decisions! I totally agree with you re: #3. A little too hotel-y, maybe.

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  5. love love love them all! will you please style my future apartment/house? thank you.

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    1. Haha, I'm sure you'll make it look fantastic with your skills!! (although I would always be happy to homeware hunt with you ... too bad we can't bring Crate & Barrel, etc. over here! At least there is West Elm ...)

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  6. For me, #4 just pipping #1 and #3. I wouldn't be able to pick just one though...!

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    1. Ooh ... going for the controversial #4, are we?? #1 is my personal favorite, I think ... but they're ALL so beautiful. Thanks for casting your vote!

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  7. I'm loving look 2. Love the vintage feel and it would look beautiful on wooden floors.

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    1. I think #2 will probably be the best for our home, honestly, Laura. I like all the other looks, but I don't know if they will work with the style of our house, whereas #2 will fit in naturally! Decisions, decisions ...

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  8. I love The Zaide rug but with all the elements from look #1... and that sunburst mirror!
    That's me personally - but I say go for one that you won't regret in two months' time!

    Honey x The Girl Next Shore

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    1. Oops, just realized I never responded to this, Honey!!! I am still drooling over these rugs though, two months on! And still haven't been able to make any decisions ... xx

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  9. 1 & 3 are my favorites. You just inspired me to get a rug :P

    Cylia - http://noshandchat.blogspot.dk/

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    1. So sorry for not replying to this at the time, Cylia! Thank you so much for dropping by to read and for sharing your favorites ... I love those ones too! x

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