The first time we saw this look and loved it was inside an adobe modernist home in Santa Fe. Then we spotted the same idea in old photos of George Nakashima's home, and we loved that look, too. Southwestern rugs - whether antiques, contemporary designs, or patterns inspired by traditional weavings - fit in well with modernist furniture. More ideas below.
The most famous southwestern-style rug comes from the Navajo Nation. Navajo rugs are woven from wool, typically in earth-toned geometric patterns.
For a good selection of contemporary Navajo Rugs, visit the Foutz Trading Company located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Shiprock, NM. For good links, check out the Navajo National Hospitality Enterprise.
We also found some attractive antique Navajo Rugs at Ruby Lane. Rugs can range from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars. Traditional Navajo rugs are made with natural dyes, and they're very durable.
For more information from the Navajo Nation, click here.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
This is just WRONG! Let the southwest stay in the early 1990's where it belongs.
view hejiranyc's profile
Navajo designs look pretty damn modern to me.
Say what you will, but I think the color scheme in the first photo is amazing.
view ChristopherB's profile
hejiranyc, are you kidding??! Do some research on the effect of Native American arts and culture (particularly that of the Navajo) on American Modernist design, particularly on the work of the Charles and Ray Eames! Have you ever even seen photos of the interior of their house?!
view Anna at D16's profile
Original Navajo rugs are timeless and beautiful.
view austinjohn's profile
Anna:
Don't forget Russell Wright as well!
view ChristopherB's profile
Timeless and beautiful indeed--would that I could afford one of these beauties, but it certainly wouldn't go on the floor.
view jen_g's profile
No, no, no
view dhdougherty's profile
Original Native American rugs cost tens of thousands of dollars - and are incredibly visual.
Folks who don't understand that they're not early '90's kitsch or some type of folk art need to broaden their design horizons.
view Taureg's profile
That is beautiful. I have a very small, comparitively plan Navajo rug that was my grandmother's and this is giving me great ideas.
view hilaryb's profile
My feeling is that the more graphic rugs fight with the pieces of furniture. I love the Eames Chaise picture - and the surfboard table, but I think the Eames Lounge is a little competetive with the rug pattern.
view Modfan's profile
I love this, but we can't have expensive rugs because of the cats. If we did get one, it would have to go on the wall.
view bigfun's profile
*cringe*
nonono.
view Rosalyn's profile
Not even tempted.
view jendavid99's profile
I have a Navajo rug I got in 1977. I use it regularly. It doesn't show any greater signs of wear now than when I got it. (It had a few worn spots then.) It dates back to the 1920s. I don't walk on it with shoes and I have it cleaned regularly. I don't think it's ostentatious, but it definitely is one of the finest things I have, or will ever have. It's my belief that these rugs are timeless.
There are many, many things I don't have, but I thank my lucky stars that I was able to have this.
view AustinSarah2's profile