Introducing three gorgeous new styles in our very popular jute collection. These unique designs feature both braided and woven constructions, crafted by hand or with a traditional wooden loom. With names inspired by the natural color and beauty of beaches around the world, our jute rugs mimic the flowing patterns of waves and sand dunes.

Koh Lipe in Bay

Koh Lipe features a new spin on heavy basket weave construction. Special jute yarns are hand-twisted to create the smooth, strong weft yarns that run horizontally. Each length of special jute yarn is hand made by twisting together selected jute fibers.

Koh Lipe in Gold

This twisted jute yarn creates a bold pattern and contrasts with the smaller, braided warp yarn adding depth and reflecting the different techniques that go into creating each jute rug. Like all of our jute rugs, Koh Lipe and Pattaya are un-dyed. The range in fiber colors is naturally occurring.

Pattaya in Summer

With a similar construction to our Bora Bora rugs, Pattaya is intertwined with more finely braided jute yarns. These rugs are hand braided from end to end without the use of any looms or machines, creating a truly unique final product. Additionally, at our Boston workshops we add a variety of finishing techniques to further customize jute rugs.

Watch below to see some of our Jute rugs being braided and constructed:

To order, call 800-345-2200 or visit the Customer Center

Craftsmanship is not just using high quality materials and manufacturing techniques. Craftsmanship is creativity, versatility and a hands-on approach. At Merida, we are frequently amazed by the expertise of our own craftsmen. Our workers have the skill-set to improvise when faced with a challenging custom rug design. Custom Rug Team Leader Steven Ho demonstrates this willingness to take on challenges as he seams together two large Bali jute rugs by hand.

Member of our Boston workshop Thanh was inspired to create a variety of unheard-of finishing and seaming techniques using vegetable fiber rug remnants. As the following pictures demonstrate, Merida now has a number of new custom options for vegetable fiber rugs as a result of Thanh’s experimentation:

Click on the image above to see more seaming capabilities on our Pinterest board

For more info on our inventive new Jute fabrication techniques, call (800) 345-2200

Based in Nyak, NY, Karen Houghton Interiors (KHI, Inc.) has been committed to the principle that, “a room must be right for its time, its place and for people who live in it,” for over 25 years. When we came across photos for one of their latest projects we understood what makes them so special; their spaces are elegant and sophisticated yet fun and livable.

The particular project that first caught our eye was a home in Pelham, NY that KHI, Inc. designed for a young couple and their two children. Transitioning from city living to their first home in the suburbs, the family was looking for a home that was aesthetically beautiful but that could withstand the wear and tear of entertaining and having young children.

Dining Room

Dining room detail

Having moved from the city, the couple had an affinity for modern style that they wanted to see reflected in their new home. Lead designer Andrea Ackermann did a beautiful job of marrying their contemporary style with the innately traditional architectural foundation of the home. As such, Ackermann was able to create a home that that has clean, modern lines but maintains a sense of warmth and comfort.

For the living room, Ackermann selected fresh, simple furniture pieces, including a refined smooth leather chair in a stunning pale blue. To offset the smooth surfaces and bring texture to the space without overwhelming the soothing color palate, she selected a Merida Bora Bora jute rug for the floor. As Ackermann said, “the Bora Bora rug brought in the ‘wow factor’ and gave the room the life that it needed.”

Bora Bora rug in the living room

Living room close up

Upstairs in the master bedroom the owners wanted to channel the lush, extravagant feel that they experience at luxury hotels throughout their many travels. To achieve the look Ackermann went with a palate of calming light blues and grays that channel an inner Zen spa like feel. To ensure that the rug was an exact match to the color theme, Houghton custom colored a Tranquil Pile rug selected for its dense pile. As Ackermann says, it complimented the plush look in that “you feel like you are walking on a cloud on it.”

Master bedroom with custom color Tranquil Pile rug

Ultimately Karen Houghton Interiors was able to create a chic home that is kid friendly and will be able to grow and change with the family for many, many years to come.

Let us know what you think of this project!

Log in to our Customer Center to request samples of and quote a Bora Bora or Tranquil Pile rug.

Catherine, Roxanne and Maegan of the Merida team were lucky enough to attend the 2012 Design Leadership Summit in Marrakech. The perennial event brings together designers, architects, and editors in a forum for sharing inspiration and ideas in a location that offers a unique perspective. Marrakech, Morocco was chosen for its wealth of patterns and cultural variety. Handmade craftsmanship and artistry are highly valued in the city, and community and collaboration are essential parts of everyday life.

Our creative director Maegan Fee reflects on her experience exploring the many shops, vendors, and artisans in the ancient Medina section of the city. She remarks on the thought-provoking process of visiting such a unique place with interior designers:

CEO Catherine Connolly observed how many of the lessons learned in the conference can be seen in the culture and art of Marrakech:

She noticed that sustainability and artistic craftsmanship are part of the culture and daily life in Morocco. As Maryam of MyMarrakesh explained, every piece of architecture has an aesthetic purpose behind its design. Sustainability is a necessity in a city that sits on the edge of the desert.

Apart from the desert are the snowy Atlas mountains, another characteristic of the Moroccan landscape. Contrasts are everywhere in Morocco, and during the conference contrasts in design were discussed by Keith Granet, Aileen Lee, and others.

Along with creativity and variety, Marrakech highlighted the importance of community and collaboration for Catherine. She explains the lessons that can be learned from daily collaboration and cooperation she observed in Morocco.

More photos of amazing Morocco from the Merida ladies:

Jeffery Alan Marks of JAM Design

Catherine and House Beautiful Editor-in-Chief Newell Turner

Katie Leede of Digs by Katie, Lisa Staprans of Staprans Design, and Jean Larette of Jean Larette Interior Design

Roxanne, Lisa, Maegan, and Catherine