I vote: YES.

These are my favorite kinds of rugs. I can't wait until I can invest in some.

This has always been my favorite look, and I have achieved a similar feel in my living room. It gives modern pieces a softer, vintage vibe.

Yeah, I don't think they're usually referred to as 'oriental' anymore because it's racist. There's no such thing as 'the orient.' It's a term that was coined by the west to exoticize the east. I believe they're usually referred to as being Persian inspired, or Indian inspired, etc.

I love kilims...have several of them. We have W2W carpeting now, so there's no place to really use them.

This is the first time I've heard of using the term oriental to describe an object as being politically incorrect. I have heard people should not be described as oriental, but is appropriate for objects. In Hawaii, the largest seller, Indich, still uses the term oriental.

Oops, didn't finish my post above, first time I heard about the political incorrectness so did some reading on it and it is interesting, based on the origin of how the term came about.

I can see them working, as they often have geometric patterns and rich colors... typical of some of the more modernist sensibilities.

On a side not, oriental/occidental always meant east/west to me.... Not anything racist to it in the minds of the speaker, but apparently in the ears of those that hear it. I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill and hoping to be offended.

Left handedness was also criticized many many years ago, and in fact, "sinister" referred to the left at one point. I also suffered for being left handed as a child when attempts were made to force me to use my right. But I don't get offended when I hear terms relating to my handedness.

Let the old prejudices die instead of trying to revive them...

The ones that aren't red-based work for me.

Yes Bob, I do agree as well about the PCness but I think it depends on where the person is coming from.

In Hawaii, we have an asian population of 38% and very few people will get offended at any use of the term, because we generally know use is an error and not bad intent. But, if we say had different life experiences, grew up in a different culture, area, etc, I could see how the reaction may be different.

Back to the rugs... They are too busy for me, I much prefer an ikat or morocaan inspired print but for years, I've only been able to find these types of rugs (Hawaii is pretty limited in furniture/decor choices, mainly resort tropical and asian inspired items) and so, I think I just crave something different now.

My grand-parents have persian rugs all over their places, crowding their rooms, so I'm strongly predjudiced against them. I don't find any of these rooms really appealing. The rug makes the floor too busy for my taste.

I think they're beautiful - great craftsmanship. Adds some 'soul' to a room.

That's why after so many centuries these rugs are still classics.

Can someone tell me where I can find those woven, round, floor poof/pillow things?

We recently brought a couple of the softest persian carpet/rugs home, and they are amazing underfoot. With their rich color, they also add the dramatic flair we really needed to complete certain sections of our new house. You can have a look here if you want - and if any of you are passing through Singapore or KL, definitely have a look at some of the carpet stores there. We carried ours home in our suitcases, and 8 months later, still adore them!!

Anna, if you're talking about the ones in the first photo they're Alseda stools from ikea . Best news is they're cheap, about 30 bucks a pop.

They really are timeless classics that transcend trends and work well with any style of furniture. I'm a huge fan of the Oriental rug plus modern furniture pairing and use it in my own home; plus they're gorgeous and hardwearing, what could be a better investment?

http://lavalotti.wordpress.com/

A great post. But it takes a nice rug, usually predominantly red, to pull this look off. These rugs stand the test of time, which I think is key. Is there anything more inviting than a room filled with books, artwork, a persian rug and a comfortable couch?

I hate trendy rugs that use the "latest colors." Nice persian rugs will look good for eternity. Thats a lesson we could all learn from.

I have always loved Persian rugs, Kilims, etc, in homes and especially in homes with modern furniture. As someone else mentioned, it gives a room instant "soul" and vibrancy. I couldn't disagree more with the commenter who said they are "busy." (And that could depend on the particular rug, as well.) In fact, I find them a perfect antidote to the mass tendency to "beige-ify" everything.

love the contrast. these rugs add alot of flavour to a space.

my style exactly:

http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/boston-michelles-house-tour/item/145507

http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/boston-michelles-house-tour/item/145496

my feeling is that these rugs add warmth and texture to what in some cases otherwise might be a more sterile modernism.

These rooms are all stunning, I would LOVE to live in any of these homes. One thing I love is that they really showcase how white walls can be an intentional design choice and not simply the downside of renting.

I was lucky enough to get several beautiful vintage persian rugs from my parents. I have concrete floors, exposed brick walls and mostly teak danish modern style furniture. I think they definitely warm up the feel of a contemporary space. They do limit the patterns and textiles I use elsewhere but i think its worth it. I cant imagine a more classic and timeless way to incorporate a bold graphic pattern to a room.

Love this kind of rugs

The term "Oriental" may be used to describe an object or idea from the Orient, ie., Eastern Asia; it does have historically Eurocentric connotations referand some now prefer "Asian," but I don't personally think this makes it necessarily un-PC. It is, however, pretty consistently innappropriate and derogatory to use this word to describe a person. Good to be conscious of your choices, my friends.

And am lovin' all those rugs!

Speaking of rugs... I saw this one at Anthropologie online but of course they don't sell it:http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=21164280&catId=HOME-FURNITURE&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE&popId=HOME&navCount=7&color=042&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=HOME-FURNITURE-DINING. Anyone know anything about the style/design and an online source to purchase? I'd be looking for 9x12".

You really can't beat the timeless beauty of these gorgeous rugs and kilims. They just ooze class

You say "oriental" because terms like Persian aren't correct to describe these geometric rugs, which are mostly Caucasian in origin. Persian, or Iranian, rugs are a different style.