Okay hear me out.
Let's set the scene. We are in our favorite local brocante and a full dinner service set has easily caught our eye. Perhaps it was a grand vintage mirror tucked away in the corner that did it. It's so easy to figure out how you are going to use a piece like this. But what about the heaps of thick, embroidered, wonderfully detailed rugs that are often lay overlooked in brocante after brocante. I must admit, I too, in the beginning of my brocante days would walk dismissively past such rugs. Outdated. Not coming back into style. Heavy. Dare I say too old?! Well life has a way of always teaching you a thing or two in Her own time. I came across the marvelous design work that India Madhavi completed in Rome's Villa Medici. And I was enthralled! Pouring over her work, I discovered there is something good for us all to discover here. Vintage rugs are back and here's how to use them.
(Villa not included)
Design Tip ONE:
Tapestry! I know but why not? So we may not live in a castle off the coast of Scotland (or maybe you do, if so - can we come over?) but who's not to say that we can't have a little fun. We love expecting the unexpected here at Galileo! I mean how great would it be to have a tapestry rug hung on your living room wall. I get it: here I would go for a rug or a tapestry that perhaps is heavy on storytelling or lighter in coloring or pattern to keep the wall open and light. And if you are concerned about it taking up too space, cut it in half or thirds or quarters. Let's play. There are no rules here.
Design Tip TWO:
You know we love to upholster here at Galileo. That 19th century vintage armchair you just scored at Les Puces needs some TLC but the fabric at the local store seems just too new. Gotcha. Vintage rugs. Bring history, storytelling, and a whole lot of depth into that armchair by repurposing that vintage rug. It will also work brilliantly to reupholster benches, stools, throw pillows, fabric headboards and just whatever else your wonderful mind can conjure up. What I love about this is that you have fabric that is durable, practical, and a piece that is now literally one of a kind.
So next time, you think of walking past that heap of gorgeous rugs why not take a second to linger just a bit more.
Happy sourcing friends!