Loveable Livable Trends: Kilims

As we enter a new season and the colder winds start blowing, we begin to think about preparing for winter. I know, I know, no one wants to talk about winter yet, and neither do I. So instead lets talk about the sudden urge we are all feeling to get cozy. In our wardrobes the knits, boots, and jackets are coming out and in our homes the throws, pillows and rugs are suddenly welcome additions. So in the spirit of the new season I'm going to share with you one of my very favorite trends: kilims.

Kilims are flat-woven tapestry style rugs and pillows that generally known to be Turkish, but can actually be from a wide range of regions and local styles from Turkey to Pakistan. Known for their colour and beautifully woven patterns this is a trend that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. I love, love, love them!

Generally, kilim rugs are not super expensive, although they are increasing in popularity and therefore demand. They range in price depending on their authenticity and age, antique or handwoven kilims can become quite pricey while big-box knock offs are usually the cheaper choice of the rug world.

A kilim in the process of being handwoven

Black and White Wool Kilim

I don't currently have any rugs in my house, but am looking forward to changing that this winter. I love the way a beautiful rug both unifies and defines a space. A colourful rug like a kilim gives you so many colour options to draw upon for your space. And a large area rug helps you to define a specific space, especially in an open concept house like mine. It subtly tells you this is the living room and that is the dining space, etc, etc.

One general rule of thumb is that, in a living room for example, your area rug should touch or slightly go under the front legs of every chair/couch in the room. And if you have say an entertainment unit on the opposite wall from the couch, the rug should be big enough to almost touch it (at the very least). This time the touch rule doesn't necessarily have to apply. But it should be close enough that it still visually reads as part of the space. This tip helps you avoid having an awkwardly proportioned room. Nothing can make a space feel more off than badly scaled pieces such as a big sectional and an itty bitty rug. However, I will give you one caveat: once you know the rules, all rules are meant to be broken! For example, if your area rug doesn't quite reach the edges of all the furniture, but you feel that it still visually unifies the space, then follow your instincts and keep it! ( Just make sure you actually think this and aren't just fooling yourself because you "just bought this rug damn it!")

One last tip: always measure first! I learned this tip recently while shopping for rug. Rugs always look ginormous hanging up on a wall, but won't necessarily be the right size for your space. D'oh! So yeah, measure first!

Clockwise from top left: Kilim Floor Cushions; Throw Pillows; Colourful Diamond Kilim; Kilim Thow Pillows; Red Kilim

Beautiful Red Kilim

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo by Lindsey Dolter

Here in Canada tomorrow is Thanksgiving! That means family time, turkey and pumpkin pie! I just want to take a moment to give thanks for all the wonderful people in my life: my family and my friends mean the world to me and I am SO lucky to have them in my life. I'm not a person who likes to ask for or receive help, but despite my tendencies you've found ways to help me anyway. I'll admit I've needed you guys, especially over this past year. And you have been there for me in so many ways. I only hope one day I get the opportunity to return the favour. I love you all and wish you the very best Thanksgiving!

Photo by Lindsey Dolter

Because I love good quotes, here's one from Alice Walker: " 'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding."

Photo by Ryley Dolter                                    

Hey Lani, do you remember this photo shoot? Haha!