Issues → January/February 2007 → Home & Garden →
Hooked Rugs: Floor to Wall
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- Inspect the craftsmanship, color planning, and design.
- Do a sniff test. Many smells, such as pet urine, never go away.
- Look for holes. A few small holes may be repaired, but don't buy a rug that has more holes than rug to it.
- Avoid rugs that show signs of dry rot (a fungal rot that causes cracking and crumbling of the fibers) or mildew.
- Like any antique, buy what you like and what you can truly afford.
Hooked Rug Designers in New England
Claire Murray is known worldwide for her artful hand-hooked rugs. In scores of sizes, shapes, and colors, her rugs are available in patterns -- nautical, patriotic, floral -- sure to please. Unlike the hand-hooked rugs in your granny's house, Claire's modern creations are upbeat and very much today. She opened her first store on Nantucket Island in a historic cottage; now there are 12 other locations around New England. 11 S. Water St., Nantucket, MA. 800-252-4733, 508-228-1913; clairemurray.com
Angela Adams
Angela Adams is a self-made Maine rug designer who has wowed the world with her hip originality. A-list types such as Courtney Cox Arquette and Macy Gray own Adams's handcrafted rugs, which feature swirling graphics and unusual colors. Stop by to ogle these elegant yet playful rugs at her humble showroom and workshop and you'll see why one magazine described them as "rustic Down East meets mid-century modern and The Brady Bunch." If you can't afford a rug (they're not cheap), shop for other Adams-designed merchandise such as notebooks, handbags, and glassware. 273 Congress St., Portland, ME. 800-255-9454, 207-774-3523; angelaadams.com
Dash & Albert Rug Company
Annie Selke, founder of Pine Cone Hill, also offers a collection of brightly patterned rugs through Dash & Albert (800-557-2035; dashandalbert.com), which she created in 2003. She roams the world for inspiration in designing her lines of rugs, bedding and furniture, and pottery and tableware (through Potluck Studios). A retail showroom, The Home Store, carries all items and is the place to go when you want to give your home a makeover. Visit the outlet center next door for overstocks and seconds. 55 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox, MA. 413-637-1996; pineconehill.com
Company C
Walter and Christine Chapin started Company C in 1994 out of their home. Today, rugs of all sizes and colors bedazzle the eye at their mammoth flagship store. In addition to its vast and well-priced selection of rugs, Company C also offers furniture, antiques, lighting, and ceramics. 102 Old Turnpike Rd., Concord, NH. 800-818-8288, 603-226-4460; companyc.com
Reader Comments
Comment from Elizabeth Jones on January 7, 2008
Your link for details on the leaf peeper Quilt and Rug Show does not work.
Comment from Genevieve Kennedy on January 7, 2008
I enjoyed the rugs and mats that you showed. When I was a child growing up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, while my brothers and sisters attended school during the cold winters, my mother would sit down in front of her 'hooking rods' and spend a few happy hours working on making mats and/or rugs. By the time springtime arrived she had completed a good number of original beautiful products for home or for gifts.
Comment from Carol Fitzpatrick on January 7, 2008
I've seen rugs made of yarn - would these have the same quality?
Comment from Jo Anne Kenney on February 27, 2008
i HAVE MADE MANY HOOKED RUGS BOTH FUNCTIONAL AND DECORATIVE - I ENJOY CRAFTING THEM AND GIVING THEM - I ALSO HAVE USED MANY SOURCES BUT THE NEW ENGLAND RUGS ARE THE BEST - THEY LAST AND LOOK SO GOOD WHEN DONE
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