This month Merida is recognizing the amazing work of global artisans and the companies that support them. One such company is Ten Thousand Villages – a boutique franchise that exclusively sells fairly traded, sustainable artisan goods. Like Merida, Ten Thousand Villages builds longstanding relationships with the makers of the products they sell so that the company can better support the craftsmen and their communities.  Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for five years in a row, including this year.

Jacaranda Workshop, Kenya

Ten Thousand Villages is also a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). The WFTO now has over 350 member organizations in 70 countries. In order to become a member of the WFTO, a company or organization must demonstrate a 100% commitment to fair trade practices. The goal is to use fair trade as a means to improve the lives of artisans, farmers, and factory workers around the world. Ten Thousand Villages has lead the way in this movement for over twenty years while also making strides in environmental sustainability by encouraging artisans to use rapidly renewable and recycled materials.

peony mug & saucer made in Vietnam

robin's egg blue necklace from Kenya

What drew me in to Ten Thousand Villages (which has a location in downtown Boston), is their unique array of goods. I frequently go there for fair trade jewelry and gifts for family and friends, but as I’m re-decorating my bedroom, I’ve also been drawn to their baskets, picture frames, bookends, mirrors and other décor items. Every time I purchase something, the cashier asks if I’d like more information on the item, and when I say yes, they provide a detailed write-up about the artisans that created the object and the materials it is made from. I love this transparency! It is great to know exactly where your new purchase comes from.

kaisa storage basket from Bangladesh

giraffe salad servers from Kenya

These stores will also appeal to those that love the “Gypset” trend because all of the goods are so worldly and unique. I am a huge fan of the gypset look (Gypsy + Jet  Set) and am constantly finding things on the Ten Thousand Villages website that would be perfect to complete a decor style like those pictured below:

example of gypset decor via apartmenttherapy.com

example of gypset decor via apartmenttherapy.com

example of gypset decor via bohoglamour.com

The pairing of smooth wool and organic raw sisal has long been coveted in the rug industry for the soft, luxurious texture that results.  As such, Moko has been one of our top selling products for over a decade.  Always one to strive to stay fresh and on trend, we recognized it was time to give Moko a little facelift.  Thus was born 4 luxurious new colors: Ashburton, Wyndham, Kapua and Cromwell.

Moko in Ashburton

Ashburton features pure, clean cream wool reminiscent of the soft whites of clouds floating in the sky, paired with sleek silver sisal flecked with white.  Ashburton reads cool and pairs well with any palate.  This is the ideal way to add texture to a neutral room, or can provide a light base for bright colors and/or bold patterns.

Moko in Wyndham

Wyndham is the warmest of the new color family and takes on a deep heathered beige look.  The wool is a rustic moth color that is complimented by the marriage of warm golden tones and pale silvers seen in the sisal weave.

Moko in Kapua

The on-trend Kapua blends beautiful gray wool with our popular silver sisal.  This neutral color is a great way to add subtle interest and texture to a room.  It pairs well with both warm and cool color palates and works with contemporary and traditional interiors.

Moko in Cromwell

If you’re looking to add depth to and ground a space go with Moko in our new Cromwell color.  The charcoal wool pops against the dark royal blue and warm gold sisal, enhancing the juxtaposition of the two fibers and emphasizing the rich texture.

Let us know what you think of our fresh new Moko color palate!

Want to use Moko in an upcoming project?  Get an online quote from our Customer Center today >

For over 30 years Merida has been know for manufacturing high quality natural fiber area rugs. What you may not know is the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every rug we create. Hand-finished in one of our two Massachusetts workshops, each area rug has its binding applied by a skilled member of our Custom Rug Team. Different techniques are used for various binding materials, corner types, rug shapes, and rug materials. Each rug receives an expert touch before it goes out the door.

This video details one Marrakech sisal rug’s journey from broadloom to beautiful bound area rug.

View our full selection of natural fiber rugs.

To order call (800) 345-2200 or login to the Customer Center.

Creative inspiration can be found anywhere you look, from nature to machine, from the exceptional to the common. We find the Art Deco aesthetic in the 1920′s and 30′s particularly inspiring in its combination of elegance and boldness. Primarily a reaction to the Art Nouveau movement, Art Decor used structured geometric patterning instead of organic shapes.

Art Nouveau vs. Art Deco, via Wikipedia

Despite the World’s Fair poster’s more masculine, industrial, design it retains an air of elegance with soaring and simple shapes. This trend towards geometric art was coincided with a movement towards technology, industry, and science. The idea behind it all was the marriage of luxury, design, and function.

The Chrystler Building, via Wikipedia

Lee Lawrie "Wisdom, With Light and Sound" 1933, via Wikipedia

Jessica, a writer at Arcadian Lighting, searches daily for the newest interior design and lighting trends and writes about the beauty of good design. She further explores the history and aesthetics behind Art Deco lighting:

“Art Deco lighting fixtures are especially eye-catching for their sleek, sophisticated designs and linear symmetry. Geometric patterns and highly polished metals, such as chrome, brass, or steel, reflected an era enamored with modern machinery and luxurious beauty. Stained glass lamp shades in bold primary colors helped create a bright, colorful impact in the home that was as popular during the 1920s and 1930s as it is today.

via Arcadian Lighting

Sparkling, over-sized chandeliers became popular once more in response to the booming economy that followed the stark atmosphere of World War I. Glamorous lighting fixtures suddenly graced movie theaters, lobbies, and ocean liners, embracing the desire to celebrate and enjoy life once more.”

Chandeliers at the Smith Center, Las Vegas. via blog.vegas.com

We are inspired by the aesthetic of Art Deco and see endless opportunities for its use in interior design. Whether an entire room is done in the style or just a single, statement piece, Art Deco’s structural elegance is versatile and beautiful.

via Traditional Home

via Traditional Home

via Veranda

via Elle Decor

Be on the lookout for some new Art Deco inspired area rug designs by our amazing Creative Director Maegan Fee, coming soon!

What do you think of Art Deco style?