Rug Design

Unique Shapes by Nuzrat Carpet

2011-08-30T22:15:00.000-04:00

I'm always on the lookout for rugs that think "outside the box" (or the 5' x 8' rectangle), so I was pleasantly surprised to find these fun designs land in my inbox from Nuzrat Carpet. Classic geometric shapes are rejuvenated into a fresh and exciting dye-cut border. I love how such a simple twist can make such a bold impact!

The universe will never get enough of circles and squares... yet, we will never stop thinking of unique ways to reinvent them. I love the monochromatic color concept in both designs paired with the neutral grey.

Thanks Nuzrat Carpet for inspiring the rug world to rethink our shapes! Check out more of Nuzrat Carpet, right HERE.

Interview with Designer Malene B

2011-08-22T23:12:00.000-04:00

Remember the fabulous Malene B from this years ICFF show? Malene is an extremely talented rug designer and her designs whisk me away to exotic cultures all over the globe! I've been a big fan of Malene's unique point-of-view for some time now, so when she allowed me the honor to interview her for this blog post, you can imagine I was all ears!!! Feast your eyes on her amazing inspirations come to rug form...

I like to ask designers questions that relate to their artistic point-of-view and background, as well as some 'off the cuff' questions that give us a better idea of who they are as people, what ticks their tock and makes them leap for joy. So without further ado, I present the fabulous insights of Malene B...

1) Is there something you can share about your childhood, perhaps a memory or hobby, that is reflected in your career today?

My mother and I had a cake decorating business. She taught me how to make the cake and frost it. I would draw all of the characters. This was my introduction into using my art skills to make a product for sale. Then later on I hand painted t-shirts, developed a hand screen printed line of t-shirts and made clothes that I sold each summer during my college years.

2) As an independent designer, how did you discover your calling to the rug industry?

It was as a result of my textile program at FIT. I won first place for the coveted Stark Carpet Design Award for my carpet design based on an African folktale and then later on I completed an independent study in carpet design for the Carnival Cruise Ship. My experience at Nourison help to nurture and develop my skills. And Malene b, gives me the outlet to showcase my work.

3) How would you describe your unique style?

My style is global, modern and bold! I like to mix traditional techniques/icons with contemporary design elements.

4) It appears that your inspiration comes from so many fantastic sources - your travels, the people in your life, textures in your memories... but how would you describe your state of mind when you receive many of these inspirations?

Pretty hyped and excited! Once I’m inspired I usually want to get on a plane to go and visit the places that I just researched.

5) What designers or artists, past or present, do you most admire and why?

Lois Mailou Jones . She was a fine arts painter and textile designer; her style was bold and colorful. Her work inspired me to create bold colorful pieces with stories.

6) What are some of your interests outside of the design world?

West African Dance, traveling of course and cooking.

7) Who is your celebrity crush?

Djimon Hounsou, Darius Rucker and Idris Elba! I gotta have more than one!

8) What is your favorite type of food?

There are too many to choose Jamaican, Trinidadian, Indian, Thai, Senegalese, Ghanaian, Mediterranean…I just love good food from many parts of the world

9) Do you have any current favorite TV shows? Favorite books?

Currently I don’t watch TV but when I did I loved watching Millionaire Matchmaker, Housewives series, The Game and Girlfriends.

10) What is your favorite holiday to celebrate?

My Birthday! I act as if it’s a holiday.

11) Do you have any funny pet peeves?

Hmmm good question, not sure if this is funny but I’m not a fan of area rugs on wall to wall carpet.

12) What human characteristic or virtue do you most admire in others?

Humor,if we can laugh together it only makes our relationship smoother.

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Thank you so much Malene for inspiring us with your amazing design perspective and sharing the simple joys of life (yes, I too can't get enough of Millionaire Matchmaker! and seriously, Djimon Hounsou... total hunk).

To check out much more of Malene B's stunning and inspired collections, check out her website, right HERE.

Largest Rug Everrrrr

2011-08-09T15:32:00.000-04:00

I know, I know... I too thought I was looking at crop circles for a second, but oh no, this is an actual rug. Not just any actual rug, but actually the biggest rug on EARTH.

This rug is specially made to order for Abu Dhabi mosque in United Arab Emirate. It is 60,468 square feet and incorporates thousands of unique flower motifs. It's pretty intense. Check out more info on this rug that I stumbled across on this blog, right HERE.

Runway to Rug: Marc Phillips + Carolina Herrera

2011-08-02T21:52:00.000-04:00

I looooove this wool and silk Nepalese rug by Marc Phillips. I'm just really digging the abstract vibe and layers of texture. This style keeps popping up more and more and I can't get enough of it. Naturally, I gotta look to the fashion world to see what designers are also getting inspired by this trend. The classy Carolina Herrera never disappoints. I absolutely love how she takes this textured motif and pulls it together into something so elegant and sophisticated. Plus, both designers utilize the concrete/blue color scheme that is strong, but not over powering.

The only thing I have in my closet that remotely represents this concept is my salvation army jeans that are covered in paint (my "studio" jeans I like to call them). I think I could use an upgrade, hmmm, how about this dress?

Check out the Marc Phillips 'Twist' rug, right HERE.

Vintage Shag Rug

2011-08-01T21:13:00.000-04:00

I'm totally hooked on the new Bravo TV show Million Dollar Decorators. There's something so comical about high drama design. No doubt, I can't deny the talent that the decorators showcase. In the midst of the designers having a meltdown whether to use high back or low back bar stools, I really appreciate the risk takers who incorporate totally unexpected pieces into their spaces.

I wanted to discover more of what these decorators had to offer, so naturally, I googled their websites. I was pleasantly surprised to come across some really unique objects in Kathryn Ireland's shop. I really get a kick out of her brash English humor and her playful style of integrating pattern and color.

How about this for unexpected? A vintage shag rug for a mere $16,500. A tad bit out of my price range, but that's considered way under budget for these decorators. In the past, whenever I came across this style of a hairy rainbow beast, my reaction was a bit indifferent. Not anymore! I'm really digging it! I love the unlimited color palette to work with and all that "hair", well... looks kinda cozy all of a sudden. Check out this show stopper on Kathryn Ireland's website, right HERE.

Henzel

2011-07-27T23:14:00.000-04:00

I've had my eye on the Swedish company, Henzel, for awhile now and every time I browse the collection, I'm blown away by the genius of these designs!!! I am SO in love with the graphic watercolor technique it's ridiculous. The colors are so vibrant that the rugs appear more like artist canvases with paint splatters gracefully making their permanent imprint in wool form. (I feel so fancy just typing about it. I think I missed my calling to be an art critic, now the rug industry has put up with my babble). But seriously, take a looksy at the striking varieties below...

Henzel features techniques in wool form that I have honestly never seen before. I've always known them for their graphic and bold depictions of using text and faintly layered beautiful faces in their rugs, but to actually get the feeling of paint dripping and gradations of color that make you think water is drying... is. just. so. friggin. cool.

Thank you Henzel for inspiring the rug world and inspiring me to get out my paint and canvas. To check out more of Henzel rugs, check out their fabulous website, right HERE.

Tie-dye Kelims

2011-07-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

Summer days bring me back to the good ole' days of childhood - BB Q's, playing in the pool, wiffle ball, ice cream... and watching the "big kids" tie-dye their t-shirts. Tie-dye seems to be making a come back, not necessarily in the form of the Grateful Dead colorful rainbow tie-dyed shirts, but a bit more understated and monochromatic. Well, who would of thunk it, tie-dye is now making it's way into some very unique area rugs.

Thanks to my buddy Matz Ridderstrom, who has such a creative eye for spotting unique rug designs, sent these really unique Kelims my way. Check out the many color schemes used in the tie-dye kelims on the Carpet US website, right HERE.

Papilio

2011-07-19T22:33:00.001-04:00

I recently learned of the Belgium rug company, Papilio, and was instantly floored by the innovation in these rug designs! The texture and materials are super adventurous. The image above appears to be fabric and strips of newspaper woven together. uh-mazing.

Cow hide is breaking the mold with an adventurous color palette and quilted plush effect below...

Here are just a few more of my favorites from Papilio. I love the photo styling and the nontraditional shapes of the rugs...

I'm not gonna lie, I may have gone through a phase in my earlier years when I desperately wanted to be a skater girl. Well, it just wasn't meant to be, I'm not even coordinated enough to stand on the human conveyor belt at the airport. So as you can see, I'm a little jealous/admire the coolness of the skater dude in the photo styling.

Check out more innovative designs from Papilio, right HERE.

Moral by Surya

2011-07-13T01:00:00.000-04:00

I was really WOW'ed when this great design from Surya landed in my inbox recently. The design is inspired by Spanish party dresses. It's like a fiesta on a rug! Love that! Plus, check out the detail shot below, doesn't it look so comfy and thick? The Moral rug is created with 100% wool felt, cut and sewn together.

I love to see how felt is used in the industry to create such beautiful and sculptural designs. The flower-like blossoms that boldly jump out of the rug make this design a show stopper and something my feet can seriously sink into. Check out more of Surya's designs, right HERE.

Embed by Top Floor

2011-07-11T23:38:00.000-04:00

I just received some fantastic new designs that landed in my inbox from Top Floor. There were so many gorgeous rugs to admire, so I'll post them one by one sporadically in the coming weeks. This design, called 'Embed', is just so delightful! I absolutely love the "button tufts". The rug is inspired by the neighborhood mattress and quilt shops from the designer, Esti Barnes, childhood in Istanbul. How sweet and nostalgic! Check out more of Top Floor rugs, right HERE.

Photo Styling, Knotisse

2011-07-06T01:00:00.004-04:00

What can I say? I just really like this rug by Knotisse. I love the sunny shades of vibrant yellow! The photo styling is so simple and beautiful, by incorporating an "old-world" feel of the patina dyed concrete wall and dripping yarn above, oooo delicious! Love how it's such a great casual photo by just having the rug hang on a clothes line. But that yellow, I just can't get enough of it! Having that on my floor to look at every day would really brighten my day :)

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T22:20:00.000-04:00

I spotted this American Flag patchwork rug at ABC Carpet several months back and figure now is a good time than any to feel patriotic. After eating one too many cheeseburgers this past weekend, I'm starting to appreciate the American Flag more and more as a work of art. Many textile artists and fine artists have always found creative ways to honor the flag, so it's always a treat to see how the rug industry can have a little fun with it.

Runway to Rug: French Accents + Burberry Prorsum

2011-06-30T23:02:00.000-04:00

Ah, how I miss you Runway to Rug! What can I say, it's been way too long and I think we're due, no? Sometimes a trend just doesn't go away. In fact, sometimes it just gets better and better and better, and eventually, becomes a staple category that defines the times. One of those trends just so happens to be ikat patterns. Now, some of you might be thinking, REALLY? I mean after all, ikats came on the scene several years ago now, you think it has that much lasting power? Yep, I sure do. And the reason is, because every time I walk up the dang street and window shop at Banana Republic, Zara, H&M, whatever... there it is, ikats. Ikats on cute sun dresses, ikat inspired jewelry, ikat summer scarves, more ikat sun dresses, you name it. Now introducing, ikat for menswear! Wahoo, go Burberry Prorsum (by the way I don't know what the 'Prorsum' means).

There are LOTS of beautiful ikat rugs out there, but one collection I keep coming back to (and getting weak in the knees over) is the Ikat Collection by French Accents. The patterns keep true to what one might think of when they think of ikat designs, but it also pushes the creative envelope by incorporating exciting colors and over sized motifs. Plus, I love the deep blue that these particular pairings are sporting. It's so fresh and regal. It's like 'preppy', 'nautical' and 'global' had a party and this is what came of it. Totally scrumptious.

So, there you have it... if you're a daring fashionisto-man looking for some bold and very on-trend prints, then check out Burberry Prorsum's latest collection. If you're just in the mood to browse some exciting ikats patterns, then check out French Accents, right HERE.

Ingrid Kulper Inspirations

2011-06-27T01:00:00.006-04:00

I was so ecstatic to recently discover the very talented Swedish rug designer Ingrid Kulper, who runs her own company, Mattahari. Her designs are such a beautiful balance of modern and feminine. I absolutely love her color palette of blush pink paired with white, grey, and dusty shades of mauve and lilac. Her designs are so fresh and bold, but with a delicate touch that is so appealing!

I'm also a huge fan of her photo styling! I can really picture the fabulous lifestyle that the photos exude. I love the eclectic 'vintage meets modern' vibe that each room scene showcases.

Ingrid allowed me the honor to interview her and dig deeper into her inspirations and background. I think you'll find them just as fascinating and delightful as I have!

How did you find your calling to be an area rug designer?

It just happened when I came in contact with sacred geometry years ago during a trip to Bali and I just knew that I wanted to incorporate all the forms in rugs, and so the first rug came into being.

How would you describe your unique style?

For me, it is so much fun to work with this kind of rugs and I feel strongly positively influenced by them, which gives me a sense of peace of mind that I can contribute to others well being this way, as well, through the rugs.

What designers or artists, past or present, do you most admire?

The artist I admire very much is Leonardo Da Vinci

Is there something you can share about your childhood, perhaps a memory or hobby, that is reflected in your career today?

I can remember that i liked to draw mandala-like figures a lot as a child

What are some of your interests outside of the design world?

I love to be in nature, gardening and being close to water

What human characteristic or virtue do you most admire in others?

Being present and focused is something I admire in others

Do you have a favorite holiday/getaway retreat?

I love sailing a lot and my favorite place is a small island in Sweden, called Gotland.

Lastly, where can interested buyers purchase your rugs?

The rugs can be purchased directly through me

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Thank you so much Ingrid for sharing your beautiful designs and inspirations! Check out more of Ingrid's stunning designs on her company website, Mattahari, right HERE.

ICFF: Rug Art

2011-06-23T12:00:00.003-04:00

Well, what can I say... it sure has been an eventful past month here on Rug Design Blog. It's been an honor for me to report on all of the amazing designers and companies at the ICFF show this past May. This is precisely why I blog, cause I really do love rugs and I love more than anything discovering the unique voice and talents of each designer. The sources of inspirations are endless, and in an effort to unite and celebrate each other's talents, thanks for reading whoever you are. I really appreciate it :)

Now I'm all mushy over here! but I couldn't be happier to end this journey of ICFF with this company, Rug-Art. You see, (not to make this about me or anything) but I enjoy blogging because I enjoy praising other's unique gifts. It's nice to see that the rug community has been an incredible support and motivation for me to continue blogging, but more than that, it's just so nice to know that you seek the same thing.

When I approached the very bright, chic and energetic Rug-Art booth, I met two very friendly men, Vidal Sasson and Frank Driscoll. I remember meeting Vidal and his extremely talented designer wife, Sigal, at the 2009 ICFF. I was all ready to 'reintroduce' myself with my card in hand, just to give him a lil reminder of who I was. Vidal looked at my card and said "you're her?" (soak that in for a second with me, would ya?) I couldn't believe it! I had one of those 'tilt my head like a dog' moments and thought to myself 'hot dang, you actually read my blog?' It was like the most validating thing I could possibly hear in my entire life!

That being said, the Rug-Art designs were so vibrant and energetic! The colors just bounced off of the fibers. I also love the tiled pattern of the hide rugs below...

Thank you to Vidal and Sigal for bringing such vibrancy, energy and inspiration into rug form. To check out more of Rug-Art, click HERE.

I'll miss you 2011 ICFF! Till next year! Stay tuned for fresh new posts!

ICFF : Inigo Elizalde

2011-06-22T01:00:00.001-04:00

Loving the Inigo Elizalde rugs! Such a great assortment of fantastic color paired with really serene and pure neutrals. I mean, check out the color in the rug above! It's like digital and delicious looking at the same time.

A native of the Philippines, Inigo now resides in New York City where he draws inspiration from everyday found objects and surroundings. His mission is to bring the outdoors in, to create a different way of experiencing nature, so that the natural world can be better appreciated.

I'm also really digging the monotone color schemes in the neutral rugs. It's all about the texture, the raised highlights and the imagery. Check out more of Inigo Elizalde rugs, right HERE.

ICFF : Proper Rugs

2011-06-22T01:00:00.000-04:00

First of all, I love the name of this rug company, Proper Rugs. It's so different and unexpected. The lovely Laila Ahmadi, is the talented designer behind her company and explains that Proper Rugs stands for 'rugs make a proper space'.

So true, how often do I watch yet another home makeover show that proposes the simple question, 'how will potential buyers understand the space in this house, what defines this room?' duh, a rug people. It's the most simple and obvious way to make a space out of any square footage. Rugs say, "hi, I'm a space, go crazy and use your imagination". Even better if the rug is a stunning focal point! Well, that's exactly what Proper Rugs proposes.

Leila finds her inspiration in the most unique combination of ideas and experiences. For example, the rug pictured with Leila at the top, came to her while on a hiking trip. She noticed beautiful moss with little flowers coming out of it. Then she decided to incorporate this image in the idea of an atlas map. So cool!

Check out the Proper Rugs website and skim through the designs. Make sure to read the unique phrases that are paired with each rug. You truly feel like each design has their own unique story out of book. Take a peek at Proper rugs website, right HERE.

ICFF : Asha Carpets

2011-06-20T01:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday morning! Yep, still reporting on BEAUTIFUL rugs I saw at ICFF this past May. There were just SO many stunning rugs, how could I not report back to you on all the gorgeous "floor candy"?

It was my honor to feature the latest Neutrals collection from Asha Carpets back in February, so it was a pleasure finally getting to meet Miron Chlebosz in person and see the beautiful rugs first hand.

I really love the many different textures and styles of design that Asha Carpets produces. There's just something so warm and sophisticated about the color palette of each rug. Whether the design is a depiction of cotton balls, coral, snake skin or modern florals, each rug has a completely unique vision, while keeping to the sophisticated and cohesive aesthetic of Asha Carpets.

Thank you Miron for inspiring the rug world with such unique and beautiful designs! To check out more of Asha Carpets designs, click HERE.

ICFF : Aimée Wilder

2011-06-17T01:00:00.005-04:00

When I first came across Aimée Wilder's ICFF booth two things crossed my mind, 1) such FUN patterns!!! and 2) her awesome family who was there to support her. It's so comforting and emotional for me, seeing Mom and Dad come out to the show and being so proud of their designer daughter (who is clearly making her unique and strong stamp in the industry). It takes the cold edge off of business and you can't help to realize the dream unfolding for an entire family. It makes me so appreciative of all the parents in the world who has a child that wants to pursue art and design. When they recognize the passion and talent in their son or daughter, support and nurture their dream, and ultimately to see them exceed any and all expectations in developing their own line of lifestyle products.... kudos to the family of all artists and designers :)

That being said, Aimée certainly isn't a newbie in the design industry. Her patterns have been featured on everything from Vans sneakers to baby bedding. Her style is so fresh, whimsical, cheerful and modern. She already has quite an impressive line of wallpaper and pillows, so naturally rugs is a great next step. Aimée has partnered up with Surya to make something really unique and special. Surya is definitely becoming a leader in licensing some of the most talented designer in the industry, so naturally this is a great fit. Aimée's signature style and bright palette can now be a part of any floor that needs a bit of cheer.

Check out Aimée's full line of product on her website, right HERE.

ICFF : Nanimarquina

2011-06-16T10:29:00.000-04:00

I was super excited to see Nanimarquina rugs in the flesh at ICFF because I definitely find myself wandering their website from time-to-time, "ooooo-ing and awwww-ing" over the very cool rugs!

Nanimarquina is all about design innovation. I love to check out the rug production videos on their website, to really see the craftsmanship that goes into a single rug. Nanimarquina takes experimenting with really unique design concepts and qualities to another dimension. Truly applying ancient rug crafts-making skills in the most modern ways possible.

To check out the latest rug innovations from Nanimarquina, take a peek of their website, right HERE.

ICFF : Jan Kath

2011-06-13T01:00:00.000-04:00

The very first time I heard of the incredible designs of Jan Kath was many years ago, upon being awarded for his beautiful and innovative designs showcased at the Domotex show in Germany. The buzz was swarming about the industry and I too couldn't wait to check out Jan's designs!

Actually... hold that thought. That wasn't exactly the first time I ever heard of the name Jan Kath. No, come to think of it, it was much earlier than that. Now I remember... I was a young textile design student, carrying on at my drafting table in Rug Design 101 class. My professor, who is a veteran of the rug industry, told us students, "if you want to get into the rug industry, than you need to know the name Jan Kath." Nuff said. (I made a mental note that day)

Sooo, as you can imagine, it was a great pleasure to finally meet Jan at this year's ICFF. I approached his booth with tepid intimidation, visualizing that I was about to meet a great wizard of rugs with a long white beard and James Earl Jones deep voice. Boy was I far from reality. Jan approached me with the warmest smile and hand shake. His down-to-Earth joy shined through as he shared with me his humble beginnings...

As a young man, Jan ran away for an adventure to Nepal, where he happened to meet up with a family friend who owned a rug factory. They started working together to produce something really special and different. Jan eventually led the company to produce some of the most innovative concepts in the industry.

I'm drawn to Jan's designs because there are so many different ways to look at one rug. In one sense, I see beautiful moss-like silk growing out of the rug. In another sense, I see the same moss-like quality and recognize a faint pattern that it creates. The layers of texture and the seamless combination of designs in one rug, just WORKS. Each rug is edited so beautifully and the ultra modern approach to antique replica-ish designs is stunning! Some designs almost appear to be coming out of concrete, and others seem to be drizzling from one end to the next. The faded patterns and color combinations are sooo deliciously beautiful!!!

Thank you Jan for generously sharing your story, your passion and inspirations. To check out Jan's cutting-edge website (you literally feel like you're walking through a gallery), click HERE.

ICFF : Nomadic Trading Company

2011-06-08T01:00:00.001-04:00

I absolutely LOVE the feeling of a modern day rug bazaar. I can't exactly pinpoint what that means, but when I entered the Nomadic Trading Company ICFF booth, it felt exactly like that. COLOR is the word of the day when speaking of Nomadic Trading Company. Reclaimed over-dyed patchwork rugs are all the rage in the rug industry right now, and I'm completely in love with this concept.

Honestly, I can't decide which color is my favorite! It's like a rug version of 'skittles, taste the rainbow' experience. Whether the reclaimed traditional rugs are pieced together to make a gorgeous Union Jack rug, patched together to make an incredible vintage meets modern look, or the rug is kept in its entirety and over-dyed in solid color... whatever! I take them all!

Now you decide which color preference you envision for your monochromatic awesomeness on your floor. Check out the Nomadic Trading Company website, right HERE.

ICFF : Orley Shabahang

2011-06-07T01:00:00.008-04:00

I'm still alive and kicking, reporting on week FOUR of ICFF coverage. I know what you're thinking... I too was VERY pleasantly surprised to see so many fantastic rug designers at this years ICFF!!! Wahooo, go rug companies!!!!

As I continued my stroll down the massive halls of the ICFF show, I came across a fascinating man by the name of Geoffrey Orley, from Orley Shabahang. The rug designs were truly special, featuring high-end hand-knotted rugs that Geoffrey coined 'functional art'. Functional art indeed! The rugs were absolutely stunning, and I could clearly see the quality was superb. Using the oldest techniques of hand-knotted rugs and applying such gorgeous modern designs, was such a fantastic twist on what I otherwise might expect to find a traditional design.

The details and vibrancy in the rugs were really impressive! I loved the variety of designs, the abstract and organic motifs and the movement many of the rugs showcased. Does that even make sense? Well take a looksy yourself at the Orley Shagahang website and feast your eyes, right HERE.

ICFF : Tania Johnson

2011-06-03T01:00:00.003-04:00

What a pleasure it was to finally meet the talented Tania Johnson in person at ICFF! After interviewing her via email, I adore her approach to design and life (check out that interview right HERE). Tania's designs are so modern and tranquil. Her inspirations come from the most simple subject matter that she observes around her, then she recreates the ideas into stunning works of art in rug form. I love how Tania can see an object that is used everyday, then have an inspiring moment to recreate the subject in such an unexpected and beautiful way!

For her latest collection that she featured at ICFF, Tania's inspiration came from the window in her studio. She noticed one day how beautifully the light came through the glass and how the mood, colors and reflected light would change at each passing hour of the day. She recorded these moments to recreate them in her latest collection. How cool is that!?

I love the way the designs are executed to recreate light in it's many forms - streaks, fuzzy edges, overlapping spots of sunshine, etc. The colors are so warm, grounded and vibrant all in one! Thank you Tania for helping us to think outside the box and reconsider the beauty in our daily surroundings! To check out more of Tania's beautiful rugs, click HERE.

ICFF : Malene B

2011-06-02T01:00:00.002-04:00

A couple of years of ago I attended a design conference hosted by the color experts, Pantone. Pantone invited a select group of interior designers and rug designers to share their wisdom and inspirations on a panel. I crept up the back with my journal in hand, ready for some amazing creativity to hit me in the face. Well, little did I know I was about to experience the incredible optimistic energy of Malene B! Malene was on the panel of speakers, but there was something very different about her presentation... it was full of life and passion! She spoke so genuinely from her heart about her travels, her native Caribbean heritage and her many inspirations.

As you can imagine, it was a pleasure finally getting to meet Malene in person after a year or so have passed since the conference. After a few emails going back and forth, it felt like I was saying hi to an old friend! I absolutely love her vibrant color schemes and her depiction of inspiration to rug form. Check out her very unique subject matter below. From henna tattoos to Aboriginal artwork, Malene takes color and construction to a whole new level! Her concepts are so fresh and exciting.

Take a looksy at the clean execution of such whimsical and vibrant designs...

Thanks Malene B for having such an authentic design voice and encompassing it in every way you express yourself! It was so much finally getting to meet you!

To check out Malene's website and many of her beautiful designs, click HERE.