July, 2009

Design — Comments Off
23
Jul 09

Trend Alert – Peacock Feathers

Used as inspiration for a graphic pattern, or actually applied to a surface for decoration, the peacock feather is in fashion again as it was in the 1920’s.  It’s become the new organic-floral pattern for interiors, and the new fur for fashion! It’s bringing the outside-in in exciting ways by adding a touch of elegance and romance with an edgy twist!

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I’m a huge fan of the feather. I’m actually incorporating it into my own wedding next Spring. I’ve decided the 1920’s is my theme, and the peacock feather is my inspiration for color. What I love most about the feather is that is has a wonderful palette that can range from rich deep navys to iridescent lime greens, and even hints of purple! These vibrant jewel tones are influencing both the fashion world as well as interior trends. Due to the feather’s complex color and structure, it works best as a pattern when surrounding elements are simplified. Whether it’s the shape of a dress or elements in a room, the forms should compliment and highlight the extravagant plumes!

Picture 12Matthew Williamson’s textiles are great examples of the peacock trend applied to clean forms and used in many applications.  You experience this in his clothing line recently launched at H&M. The silhouette of his dresses are kept clean and seem to echo the flow of his patterns.

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He’s carried over the trend from fashion to the home in his new rug pattern – Peacock -  designed for the Rug Company. What keeps my interest going is that he’s reinterpreting the form in each product he creates.  The colors and movement in his designs evoke an energy that I’m drawn to.

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The silhouette of the feather is also a great display of the form. Examples of this can be seen from Ferm Living’s wallpaper, to Anthropologie’s peacock plates, to  Thomas Paul’s pillows. It seems as if there are endless ways the motif can be used!

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Even though the trend seems to be taking over the design world right now, it’s nice to see how the plume can generate so many ideas. From Prada’s feather skirt, to the blue peacock paint (Benjamin Moore – Galapagos) in this shot from Domino, the trend continues to inspire.

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Design / Merida Rugs — Comments Off
10
Jul 09

Gensler Features Merida Design

Last month, Merida’s NY Account Representative, Robyn Evan, came to me with a project requested by Gensler for their NY office.  The  large design firm consists of architects, designers, planners and consultants, who partners with their clients for over 3,000 projects a year.  Gensler was interested in featuring Merida design inspiration and process on a 24″ x 170″ wall in their office.  The display is in a prominent section of their library where all the designers and vendors walk by daily.

The boards arrived in NY this week and below are a few images of them placed in Gensler’s space.

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  • Merida Studio Branding – Collage with textures and color to help define our new image.

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  • Color and texture inspiration

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  • Global Expedition – Collection inspired by travels

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  • New Developments – Inspired by fashion

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Merida Rugs — Comments Off
7
Jul 09

Sisal fiber for area rugs

A few weeks ago I did not know much about sisal. My knowledge of natural fibers had been a bit limited before I came to Merida. But now in my fourth week as the marketing intern, I know that there is a lot to be said about this particular fiber.

  • It is rapidly renewable
  • It is durable
  • It is naturally insulating and difficult to ignite
  • Its production does not require the use of herbicides or pesticides

I also know that there is a lot that distinguishes the sisal that Merida uses in its area rugs. It all starts with the plant. Merida uses the highest-quality sisal, grown in the ideal climate conditions of East Africa. Then Merida’s unparalleled production process turns those fibers into its many distinctively designed rugs.

First, the cleanest, whitest fibers are separated and shipped to Belgium. There they are machine-combed nine times to soften and separate the fibers. After combing, the sisal is fiber dyed, which ensures rich, consistent color.  The dyed fibers are then spun into smooth, silky yarns and woven into broadloom on jacquard looms. The process is completed with the talented Merida workroom staff who finish the rugs with custom shapes, sizes, and edge finishes.

Working in the same building in which these finishing touches are made, I have been able to see and appreciate exactly what this process produces for our customers. Compared with some of the natural fiber textiles from other companies that I have seen at the Boston Design Center, Merida’s extensive process does make a huge difference in terms of quality and presentation – one that even the untrained eye of an intern can distinguish.

Here I am showing off two of our new sisal designs, Kyoto (left) and Serengeti (right).

Here I am showing off two of our new sisal designs, Kyoto (left) and Serengeti (right).

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Merida Rugs / Sustainability — 2 Comments
1
Jul 09

My favorite Merida rug: inside a 100% sustainable design

Merida is having a promotion and giving away my favorite natural fiber rug: a chunky abaca design called Malaybalay Bark. I have had an abaca rug in my living room for more than a year now and every time I have friends over, I receive many compliments on how beautiful it looks. People are also amazed when they learn about its sustainable design.

Abaca is a vegetable fiber, a type of material that is rapidly renewable and helps to control global warming by producing oxygen and capturing CO2.  Our abaca rugs are also 100% biodegradable if properly disposed of because they are not dyed and use no backing materials. At the end of the rug’s useful life, it may be chopped up in your yard or composted for fertilizer.

The fibers themselves come from the Philippines and are grown on plantations managed by a farming cooperative that provides more than 1,000 small farmers with seeds, technical support, sustainability education, and financial assistance that helps their families and communities thrive. The rugs themselves are woven by hand, requiring valuable artisanal skills from local craftspeople.

Filipino craftsman weaving an Abaca rug

Filipino craftsman weaving an Abaca rug

We are very proud of these rugs not only because of their sustainable design but also because of how great they look! You can view our abaca products on our web site by clicking here, and don’t forget to enter the contest for a chance to win one of these fantastic rugs for yourself!

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