Friday, July 17, 2009

Underfoot



The above images are from a set of amazing books from the 70’s that I thrifted awhile back. I’m not going to tell you about them now though, as I want to give them a well-deserved post of their own. I did however, choose these interior photos to start off the post because I adore the layered and mismatched woven rugs featured.



I’ve been dreaming of starting a collection of gorgeous old ethnic-patterned woven rugs to one day have strewn about our home. Oh, to be able to walk into shops like these and stock up to my hearts content!


(images via Lena Corwin)

The rugs o’ my dreams look something along the lines of these beauties…

Unfortunately, the darn things ain’t cheap. The beautiful vintage ones that I fall in love with while browsing antique stores are hundreds of dollars at least. Even the few that I’ve come across in thrift stores have been priced in the one to three hundred dollar range.


So when I walked by this fine specimen laid out on the ground at the flea market on Sunday, I stood and gazed longingly at it for a little while before almost walking away without even asking about the price. Luckily, I stopped myself, went back to ask just for the heck of it, and was told to my delight that I could have it for $40… and have it, I do!

It’s old and worn and has imperfections but that kind of adds to its charm I think, and it’s a nice size at 4 ½ ft long by just under 4 ft wide, not too big or too small. I wish I had found out some background info about it but I was in a hurry to get back home after spending so much time at the vintage clothing heap and regrettably neglected to ask.


I really love the pattern and colors though: black, pale blue, yellow, and pinky peach against rusty brown. My collection has officially begun, hooray!

23 comments:

Marie said...

Lovely vintage rugs are expensive, and a lot of work- but they have such character compared to the mass produced stuff today. I look for them too- not with much luck! Good for you on the fab find!

Alexa said...

I love that layered rug look! The third photo is like a bohemian fantasy - I want to sit down and eat food at that table with my fingers.

Mars said...

oh man, lovin' those photos from the '70s! that rug you got is AWESOME, what a cool thing to collect! i can't wait to see you find more awesome deals :)

Anonymous said...

What a steal! So glad you snapped it up.

Manja said...

Ooooh...that rug is so pretty! Can't wait for your post about your books!

magnolia*mama said...

amazing find. I am inspired to go on my own rug hunt!

Eyeliah said...

Oh these would add so muc character to any room.

polaris said...

Congratulations on the great find. I too look forward to hearing more about the books. Love those various rooms!

Aya Smith said...

Such BEAUTIFUL photos! I feel so inspired... my poor little ugly apartment :(

Andrea said...

I love all the colours and patterns in those ethnic rugs. Looking forward to futher posts you might do on this subject :) It would be great to go to markets in countries like India.

Rowena said...

yay! congratulations. I love THE find. Sometimes, I think not having that huge budget means you become more creative and open minded. If you can buy the look you love from books, or hire someone to create it, then you don't do the mental adventuring on your own.

And there's nothing like the thrift hunt.

Anonymous said...

I love that last rug. The colors together are so amazing! Great post all-the-way!

xo,
Jessica

angelina said...

beautiful!!!!! i was just at an antique store in healdsburg looking at rugs and it made me sad cause they were wayyyyyy too expensive. even ikea's are ridiculous. yours would look great in a teepee. heehee. did you see the post i did in honor of you?

Dave said...

Amazing fabrics and patterns in those books. There's something just so thrilling about the aesthetic of places like India and its neighbors. Such a crossing of the ancient and the semi-modern.

Liz said...

I love this post. love it. I love all of the rugs and the gypsy caravan thing going on! So inspiring!! It's a bit of a contrast to what we have going on in our house now, but I would do this too.
I'm so curious about the book now...I've found a few cool books in my thrifting jaunts but this one looks really good...

ms. teacakes said...

those photos you posted are wonderful! i adore the relaxed feeling the roms have with the decor and the patterned rugs.

amy merrick said...

I'm right there with ya on this! I've got three which I hung on the walls in my tiny living room.

Ginela Gonzalez said...

I adore the trippy bohemianish interiors! I bid you much glory and luck in your new collection, a very lovely one at that!

MOUSEVOX VINTAGE said...

hooray for shorts! yours are perfection.

xoxo

LF said...

these rugs are awesome-loving the southwest trippy look!

jess////

Tracy said...

super score! that mismatchy collection is going to be awesome!

Caroline said...

Oh I definitely share your desire for floors covered in old woven rugs. I've done my share of ebay trolling for them, but you're right about the high prices. What a great steal for you though! So cute.

Cadmium said...

amazing find - hope your collection grows quickly, now that you've got an eye out for them rugs. can't wait for your post on those 70s books!