Moroccan Kilim 

Moroccan vintage Kilims, are flat weave tales is intentionally channel inherited knowledge into the loom. It is pure coincidence in the flat weave Kilim, with their simplistic form and geometric purity, appear modern to the Western eye, as each one is deeply rooted in ancient history. Pattern work extends the physical borders. Many examples of woven Moroccan Kilim show shifts in the pattern, reflecting a change and a spontaneous creative expression.

The new Orient refers to the Berbers of North Africa. Drawn on by the allure of the exotic, the traveller found in the Maghreb Al Aqsa, 'the land farthest west' , a whole other world of colour and sensuality. Artists such as Delacroix and Matisse were heavily influenced by the colors of the Moroccan  Berbers. Matisse, who spent several years there, drew inspiration and techniques of Berber rugs and textiles.

Weaving is perhaps the greatest of Berber artistic traditions , it is also one of the oldest. When the Berbers first inhabited the plains and mountains of the Atlas around 1500 BC, they are thought to have brought rudimentary weaving skills with them .

Technical improvements came with commerce. Shawls, blankets , rugs and tents were traded with the Africans of Mali, Senegal and Nigeria and the Arabs from the east,and from the Phoenicians the Berbers learned more about the art of vegetable dyes . The process was accelerated by the need of Moroccan Berber kilim rugs as blankets. United by a single religion, North Africa became one huge marketplace for the woollen cloths, brocades and silks woven in Morocco. Religious influence also brought new symbols and motifs, especially in the form of the rigorous geometries that distinguish Berber rugs.. Portuguese and Berbers ledgers from the first sultanate confirming the new status of Moroccan weaves as currency -textiles had become an integral part of the economy. Profit, however, was not the village weave's sole motive. Rugs and carpets are said to contain BARAKA, or ' beneficent psychic powers'. Vibrant colours are used to offset the darkness of dimly lit rooms, but the actual motifs are related largely to superstition .The most common of these is the hand of Fatima, used to ward off the 'evil eye' and the d'joun. Other motifs are believed to have the power to draw in the Berber universe. Interestingly and the traditional prohibition on figurative representation, tribal weaving still incorporates the Berber vocabulary of animist symbols, albeit in a disciplined, geometric form.

Moroccan rugs in rural areas

Weaving still follows the rhythm of village life. The men of the village tend the sheep while the women do the weaving, besides carrying out the preparatory steps such as washing, spinning and dyeing. For these women, who sing together and tell tales of superstition as they work, weaving is a skill that can increase their 'dowry price ' substantially. Stylistically, the rugs of these villages share an earthy simplicity and graphic boldness, despite the fact that the weavers may use entirely different colours and motifs. To the collector or connoisseur of Moroccan rugs and textiles, these are the most valuable. Largely flat-woven, they are often embellished with symmetrical knots. Colour is used in strong bands across the rug. In addition, or sometimes instead, Moroccan kilims feature symbols arranged in bands, as if to mimic the ubiquitous stripe. Broadly speaking, the classic flat stripes woven predominantly in the south are referred to as GLAOUA, a term derived from the name of the most powerful Berber tribe in south Morocco.

The urban weaving tradition , most probably growing out of the influx of craftsmen after the fall of Granada in 1492, is responsible for an entirely different product . The style of the rugs and carpets produced in Morocco's cities inspires imaginations and motifs and colours are observations.
Often knotted as opposed to flat-woven, these more sumptuous but less original designs are distinguished by the symmetrical placement of their geometric and floral motifs, their clearly defined borders and their quite pronounced dominant colour, the most popular of which is red.
Whether of rural or urban origin, Moroccan rugs are the product of a unique country and people , whose sense of beauty was poignantly celebrated by Delacroix: They are closer to nature in a thousand ways, their dress, woven Moroccan rugs is a beauty that has to share everything. The Berber hand knotted Moroccan rugs often have a bohemian style of colors and designs.

THE BARAKA OF THE HANDMADE MOROCCAN RUG MAGIC

By the late 19th century Orientalism was a well- established phenomenon in Europe. The new Orient refers to Morocco, and North Africa. Drawn on by the allure of the exotic, the traveller found in the Maghreb Al Aqsa, 'the land farthest west' , a whole other world of colour and sensuality. Artists such as Delacroix and Matisse were heavily influenced by the colour of Moroccan life. Matisse, who spent several years there, drew inspiration and techniques of Moroccan rugs and textiles. Looking back on his career, he wrote in 1947 that ' revelation thus came to me the 'Orient'.'
Weaving is perhaps the greatest of Moroccan artistic traditions , it is also one of the oldest. When the Berbers first inhabited the plains and mountains of the Atlas around 1500 BC, they are thought to have brought rudimentary weaving skills with them .
Technical improvements came with commerce. Shawls, blankets , rugs and tents were traded with the Africans of Mali, Senegal and Nigeria and the Arabs from the east,and from the Phoenicians the Berbers learned more about the art of vegetable dyes . The process was accelerated by the need of Moroccan kilim rugs as blankets. United by a single religion, North Africa became one huge marketplace for the woollen cloths, brocades and silks woven in Morocco. Religious influence also brought new symbols and motifs, especially in the form of the rigorous geometries that distinguish Berber Moroccan rugs
Portuguese and Berbers ledgers from the first sultanate confirming the new status of Moroccan weaves as currency -textiles had become an integral part of the economy. Profit, however, was not the village weave's sole motive. Rugs and carpets are said to contain BARAKA, or ' beneficent psychic powers'. Vibrant colours are used to offset the darkness of dimly lit rooms, but the actual motifs are related largely to superstition .The most common of these is the hand of Fatima, used to ward off the 'evil eye' and the d'joun. Other motifs are believed to have the power to draw and then dissipate evil in the six directions of the Berber universe. Interestingly , despite centuries of Islamic influence and the traditional prohibition on figurative representation, tribal weaving still incorporates the Berber vocabulary of animist symbols, albeit in a disciplined, geometric form. 

Matt Sorum, Ace Harper, and their daughter Lou Ellington Sorum photographed in their living room. Their french bulldogs Ella and Bowie lounge on a Moroccan rug from Atlas Weavers.
Source : https://www.architecturaldigest.com/

Why Did They Pick Palm Springs for Their Sanctuary?

Sorum and Harper picked Palm Springs for their new family home because they married at the Colony Palms Hotel in 2013. Since then, they've been going back and forth to Palm Springs to visit and appreciate the area's beauty. With its desert landscape, views of the San Jacinto Mountains, and great restaurants, the city was a natural fit.  

The Interior Design for Their Palm Springs Home

 Sorum and Harper focused on creating a modern and inviting space for their interior design. They wanted to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere welcoming to family and friends. To do this, they chose a mostly neutral palette of whites and beiges, with touches of warm colors like red, orange, and yellow. It's quite evident on several items, like their authentic handmade Moroccan rugs.

Final Thoughts

Matt Sorum's sanctuary is an amazing place that reflects the multi-faceted drummer's creative talents. From the handcrafted furniture and authentic Moroccan rugs from Atlas Weavers to the art collection, every aspect of the home is a testament to Sorum's passion for art and design. With its eclectic décor, animal sanctuary, and relaxing pool, Matt Sorum's Palm Springs home truly reflects the drummer's creative vision.

Atlas Weavers provide an extensive selection of authentic Berber weave Moroccan rugs that you can incorporate into your home to make it look just as amazing as Matt Sorum's. Shop from our wide selection of Moroccan rugs today to give your home the perfect finishing touch.

Some of the most extraordinary interiors in the world are in Marrakech .and perhaps the most exotic and seductive of all these are the interiors designed by Bill Willis.

An expatriate American, Bill Willis has lived in Marrakech for the better part of 28 years. Originally from Tennessee, he studied at Columbia University, the famed Ecole des Beaux-Art in Paris and the Cooper Design Union in New York, before coming on a visit to Marrakech with Paul Getty. Completely captivated by Morocco, he decided to stay. With an eye for detail and passion for the ingredients of Morocco's architecture, design and artisan history , Willis has forged a style that is all his own; a style that is now widely copied and one that is popular , interestingly, with both his Moroccan clients and his European customers ( who built mainly second residences ). Through his work for distinguished clients, people like Yves Saint Laurent, Morocco's top industrialists and Paul Getty, he has over the years become part of the Moroccan influence in designs.

These are the very ingredients that he chooses to work with and they form the decorative foundations of his work.
Like architect Charles Boccara. with whom he worked on the design of the Tikckha Hotel, he prefers to draw most of his historical references from the golden age of Moroccan culture. The almoravid and Almohad dynasties of the 11th-13th centuries. In his interiors one finds the distinctive arches, the elaborately painted woodwork, the fanciful and complex geometric patterns of area Moroccan carpets and the soaring ceilings adorned with extraordinary plaster craving, all astonishing in their unique location, for , despite the fact this city has its share of cellular phones, German cars and European fashion, Marrakesh also still has its snake charmers, monkeys, dancers, acrobats, souks and the labyrinthine medina. Marrakech is a city like no other. It embodies the spirit of Morocco and Willis is convinced that design needs to recognize and indeed celebrate this .
Much in the manner that American author Paul Bowles stimulated interest in Morocco with his novel the sheltering sky, Bill Willis has used his distinctive visual sense to generate popular interest in Moroccan handmade Moroccan rugs and Berber weave. His interiors have almost single-handedly reintroduced a preference for artisan traditions.

Yet there is nothing nostalgic or melancholy about his enthusiasm for Moroccan culture. The lessons he has learned are all applied in a strictly modern manner. He is certainly not recreating historical interiors; in fact , in his opinion the kasbahs and riyads of old are far too much. Layer upon layer of intricate mosaics , woodwork and plaster craving were piled on one another like rugs in a bazaar . Even very grand spaces were , as result , often buried in a carnival of decorative effects. In traditional terms, more was never enough ! Even today, Willis will confide , many Moroccan just don't know when to stop, Thus, in addition to rekindling an age-old love affair with decorative craft, this American in Marrakech is credited with having introduced a new ingredient to the equation, namely: restraint.

Moroccan rugs have been around for centuries and have become increasingly popular in the modern world. Their history dates back to the 16th century when people primarily used them to decorate palaces and homes of the wealthy. Today, they are a popular choice for homeowners and commercial spaces. With their unique designs and vibrant colors, these rugs have a lot to offer in terms of style, quality, and craftsmanship.

Here are some of the qualities that make them so popular:

Material

When choosing the right rug for your home, the material is one of the most important factors. Not only does the material determine the rug's longevity, but it also affects the overall look and feel of the room. With so many different materials available in the market, it can take time to make the right choice.

Luckily, rugs from Morocco have been proven to be durable since their material is made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, jute, and even silk. The fibers are known for their strength, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.

Design

Have you ever wondered why many people prefer rugs with designs for their living space instead of plain-colored rugs? The answer is simple: rugs with designs can be an excellent way to add a bit of personality and style to your living space. Not only do they add a unique aesthetic to the room, but they can also be a great way to make a statement without committing to a large, expensive piece of decor.

The beauty of Moroccan rugs is that they come in various designs, from geometric and floral patterns to abstract designs. Whether you're looking for an intricate pattern or something more subtle, you will find the perfect rug for your home.

Thickness

When choosing a rug for your home, there are a few important factors to consider. One of the most critical of these is thickness. A thick rug is ideal for a high-traffic area, as it can withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and other wear and tear. Luckily, rugs from Morocco are usually quite thick and durable, making them perfect for any space.

After all, the thickness of these rugs usually depends on the type of wool used to make them. For example, rugs made with higher-quality wool tend to be thicker and more durable than those made with lower-quality wool.

Size

Of course, the bigger the rug, the more impact it will have in your room. While a large rug may make a small room look cramped, a large rug can make a large room look much bigger. Good thing rugs from Morocco are customized to any size, allowing you to get the perfect fit for your space.

Price

Finally, consider the price. While Moroccan rugs are more expensive than other types, they are usually worth the investment. They are incredibly durable and will last for years, so you won't have to worry about replacing them anytime soon.

Final Thoughts

Moroccan rugs have countless qualities that make them popular among rug collectors and interior designers. Their bright colors, intricate geometric designs, and high-quality craftsmanship have been praised worldwide.

Not only are they stylish and beautiful, but they are also highly durable and will last for many years. With their unique characteristics and quality construction, Moroccan rugs will continue to be sought after for many years.

Atlas Weavers provide a wide selection of intricate and appealing Moroccan rugs that can add a touch of elegance to any home. With our high-quality craftsmanship, you can find the perfect rug to fit your needs. Shop from us today!

Seasoned interior designers often point out that if you want to add a splash of color to a room, you should put a rug. It can add color and pattern to a space and can be a great way to freshen up a room without making any permanent changes. 

If you want to transform a room into an exotic oasis, you should throw in a Moroccan rug. These ornamental pieces are known for their vibrant colors and patterns, which can instantly add a touch of luxury to any space. They are also highly versatile, so you can easily find one that fits your style. 

When it comes to choosing a signature piece, there are a lot of factors to consider. But with so many beautiful options to choose from, it can take time to find the right one for your home. Keep these things in mind when shopping for one; you will find the perfect one for your home.

Negotiate 

It is no secret that the listed price of something in a shop is only sometimes the final price. It is common knowledge that there is usually some wiggle room when negotiating a lower price. However, you might need to find just how much wiggle room there is. If done correctly, you could save significant money by haggling.

Do not be afraid to haggle for the best price when shopping for a Moroccan rug. They are unique and beautiful pieces that can add a lot of personality to your home. But, like anything else, they can be expensive. If you are shopping for one, below are a few tips to help you get the best price possible:

1. Do your research. Know what you are looking for and the going rate for that type of rug. It will give you a good starting point for negotiations. 
2. Start low. When you first start bargaining, begin with a low offer. It will leave room for negotiation and help you get the best price possible. 
3. Be persistent. Do not give up easily. If the seller is not budging on the price, try another tactic, like offering to pay half now and the other half later. 
4. Be willing to walk away. If the seller is not budging and you are unwilling to pay the asking price, be ready to walk away. It shows that you are not desperate and willing to walk away from the deal if necessary.

Know What You Want

When it comes to buying a rug, there are a million choices. Not knowing what you want will make the process a lot more complicated. You should keep a few things in mind when shopping for a rug. 

First, consider the size of the room. You want to ensure the rug is large enough to fit the space but not so large that it overwhelms the area, and take measurements before you start shopping.

Next, think about the style of the room. Is it formal or informal? What kind of furniture do you have? The rug should complement the style of the room.

Finally, think about your budget. Rugs can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands. Setting a budget before you start shopping is necessary so you stay calm about your choices.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a Moroccan rug, it is worth researching and following the tips enumerated earlier. With these things in mind, shopping for a Moroccan rug can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Thankfully, you do not have to look far for authentic Moroccan rugs because you will get the best from Atlas Weavers. Check out our collection now!