I saw a great reference a while ago (sorry… can’t remember where it was) of rugs layered as flooring and thought what a great idea – especially for a lover of pattern, colour and rugs in general. Whilst trawling through blogs today I found another reference, not the best one, but you get the idea. I have also worked out why I really like the idea and it’s a practical one as well as aesthetic. We love vintage or tribal rugs which are always the wrong size and usually too small so this idea fits perfect – layer them all. Modern houses have such big spaces and a little rug just looks weird (animal hide’s excepted) proportionally so layering a few is perfect. We have a few from Turkey we bought last trip and a really old kilim from Afganasthan…or maybe Iraq actually…and a Beni Ourain that wasn’t allowed to be sold. stay tuned!

I just finished reading a post from Abigail Ahern and it made me realise I like it when people throw their opinions out there. It’s an opinion and as everyone is different it’s great to be able to read why she likes what she likes and get an insight into her taste, especially being quite successful. Like everyone I take bits and pieces of stuff here and there to define my taste and form my opinions…travel does this like nothing else though and I think so far in my life, coming from a pretty simple upbringing, travel and seeing different cultures, architecture and style educates and changes me constantly.

So anyway, after reading Abigails post I thought I’d let you few out there into my thoughts. Not long ago I started accumulating images for our (that would be Tar and I) next dream house. Well one has left a good impression so I’ll start here.

Mixing styles and eras is the strongest look at the moment – BUT, it’s by far the hardest. So much easier to do hamptons with all the neutrals or as many do, pick a colour and get locked in – definitely not my thing, but done right I guess works. The mixed look can seem easy which I guess is the appeal, but going to the local op shop doesn’t always work – it just makes your space look like an op shop really. Rooms like this one are so painstakingly choreographed, Morrocan stools, Iron Cabinet from the industrial revolution, Designer lamp, vases, glassware and table ware from portugal, Turkey, spain? This room is a special collection. All the pieces have a story, history and creative mind attached to them.

Another “collected” room! I love the internet but nothing will replace an actual book, apart from travel, books as a kid were my doorway through to the world…anyway, a stack of books is a must in every room – even their physical presence works for me. I like pale floors and flooring and this one is great, it seems like a patchwork hide? not sure, but it looks natural, soft and luxurious. sorry machine made artificial fabrics on the floor don’t do it for me, they usually go all flat and lifeless anyway – a hide or vintage carpet, rug will last forever and get better with age.

I have a basket just like that one in the shop at the moment…anyone? Not a massive fan of that artwork but I think the pop of colour is a great example of how to mix a room. I even like how it isn’t hung. More books! I love the simple architecture, rendered walls, no cornices etc, but it’s not a minimal look at all. The cavities give an impression that walls are so solid (probably are) – gives me the feeling like the house has been there for a million years and nothing is going to knock it down, nothing lightweight and temporary about it.

No surprise, I love that rug…and the cushions. It’s like a lineup of trips, or a “cushion journal” of where this person has been. A home should be like this with everything, except I guess a fridge which doesn’t say much other than where’s my nearest Harvey Norman…ha! Other than that, everything here has a story and a history. if the story is good then you can usually guarantee it’s worth having and will look amazing together like all these cushions. amazing outdoor area too with those raw beams overhead casting broken shadows. Like in Turkey they aren’t precious with their rug being outdoors – It’s survived 50 years in Turkey without too much care or wherever, it can survive here…outside!

Like I said on Facebook – I am THE biggest sucker for old doors, they say so much…like they’ve greeted generations and faced the best and worst mother nature can throw at them, and it’s all there to marvel at…sound overboard? I love these. We go to trade shows and see so much “made to look old” everything – nothing compares or is as attractive as the real thing…These doors say welcome properly.

hmmm…Old door? It’s more appropriate to the rug and cushion shot above but pattern and art is underrated. The better the pattern, the more it shows skill, creativity, culture, dimension and layers. When I go into places (homes or stores) and see flat colours everywhere, whether it’s in cushions or flooring or couches…whatever, I feel a bit flat myself. Without pattern or texture to break it, everything can be a bit two dimensional, nothing catches your eye and stirs your imagination or curiosity about it’s maker or origin.

I really see myself in this one reading the paper. I have this debate with tara a bit about whether to stain or not to stain. I personally prefer not to, as long as the timber is worthy of course. I like the weathered grey against the stone. This looks amazing…to me. A lot of interiors rave on about layers, this is a great straight up example! Yes these cushions are flat-ish in colour but this space does not lack texture or pattern at all.

wow! I see myself swimming here. Perfect pool, simple! This is all I need?

Love the stone wall, simple stools that aren’t bulky and hog space. Not a massive fan of the Dining chairs? Love the cabinet at the back of the room and all that’s on it. the big Glass jar/Bottole/Vase. There’s something special about the colour of plain old green glass. old doors and shutters – everything seems to have a unique personailty or have been crafted – no two doors the same – more stone – perfect!

Spaces within a space. A nice light up room upstairs and a little secluded cave downstairs.Not sure council would approve the stair case though – who cares?

I have to have a Date Palm. They seem so worldly. This is an amazing area! I am going to need acres (by the sea of course)…
When we in Turkey I kept photographing tiles and Mosaics. I have some great references now.

That will do it for now – So you get the kind of Home I would have. I do have many more references…and opinions, but I will leave it at that for now.

danny

I had to drag my brother over yesterday afternoon to help me move a table out of the shop (sold obviously) and then bring in the replacement from the warehouse. The sold piece was starting to become a bit of a problem, as it was becoming more and more popular with offers to buy it becoming a little too frequent. It’s replacement, however, I am certain will be just as popular – it’s so nice.

This table is made from very old timber, actually this one is made from old (80-120 years) elm doors from Northern China. The top is virtually the door itself still in one piece as it would have always been. I never get sick of the blonde colour and split but smooth texture of it’s grain…

Anyway – here it is! sorry about the sleepy dog in the way a bit – it’s a bit of a production getting her to move so as they say (i think), “let sleepy dogs lie” – (is that right?)

Dimensions are 2.36m long x 1.0m wide x .79m tall – $2500.00. And if this table is one of those “oh, wish it was 20cm shorter” – don’t panic, we are off to Northern China as soon as Tara gets a new passport, say a few weeks, so we can take your dimensions and using old elm doors and timber have one custom made for you, so let us know if this suits you.

I always say to Tara – “your wish is my command”…well maybe I’ve said it once… anyway, but this time she has has her wish. These rugs tick all the boxes for us – One-off, tribal patterns, beautiful soft texture, natural materials and handmade and of course like all things we love…timeless age. Being on Tara’s hit list for so long, to finally have them is pretty exciting for her…and me. Below is Tara’s blog from few and far…

Near the top of my very long wish list, has always been a Beni Ouarain carpet from Morocco… So… for my birthday last Thursday, I decided it was about time, and ordered one in for myself, as well as a couple of extra special ones for the shop!! They arrived just in time, with a day to spare. I was very good, and waited right until Thursday morning to open them up. The carpet I had ordered in for myself was obviously the first one to be opened, and consequently, as a result of having a new addition to the lounge room, I made Danny help me rearrange the furniture and move things around, ready for a new breath of life! I have grand plans for the lounge room, and I’m getting impatient!!! But, my new Beni Ouarain carpet does look and feel (it’s SO soft and squishy under your feet) so beautiful, I love it every time I walk into the room. The carpets we have brought in are all vintage and 40-60 years old. They are all hand loomed sheep’s wool and are very high quality carpets, sure to increase in value and texture over time. They have previously been used as floor coverings, or as large blankets for warmth. Due to the ‘off white’ coloured base, Beni Ouarains are extremely durable and almost stain resistant. What more could you ask for? Being so neutral in colour, they are very versatile and would suit any interior – urban, modern, beach houses, traditional or contemporary styles… We will have these available on our online store very soon! Otherwise, feel free to pop in and have a look (and feel!!! Ooooh!)… Tara