The most exciting projects we have collaborated on in the last decade have been those that have tasked us to provide quirky antique rugs to cutting edge contemporary residences. As the vogue for minimalist furnishings and pale colors has expanded in today’s homes, it has proven to be a lifesaver for many design projects to throw in a couple of antique rugs and other colorful objects of choice.
Modern rugs are for the most part dull and soulless, working best (if at all) when there is some warmth around them to make up for their lack of spirit. Conversely, the heartwarming radiance of century old natural vegetable dyes and the intimate unpredictability of old carpets, particularly those of a tribal or rustic nature, have turned out to be winners time and time again. Natural dyes have an honesty to them that gives a carpet tremendous depth and texture, offsetting the rather gritty surfaces of fashionable materials like chrome, leather or lava stone (to cite examples of metal finishing, textured fabric, and flooring respectively).
The oxidation process, which every carpet on the planet has been organically subjected to from simple and daily exposure to oxygen, results in the natural dyes acquiring a delicious patina of age. This means the colors of an old rug have mellowed out and become rather restrained while losing none of their vibrancy or charm. What does this ultimately signify, in terms of furnishing and decoration? It means that the carpet is full of soul and adds life to the coldness of a monochrome off-white or grey-toned interior; and that its colors will react positively to everything around without screaming out loud. Finding the proper antique carpet is a rewarding journey that will bring multiple and repeated moments of joy to your home and gasps of pleasure to your life. These rugs have a character and a soul that will surprise you with new discoveries every time you walk into that particular room or space. At times you will admire the effortless tastefulness with which an ancient weaver combined certain colors together while at others you will be simply amazed at the motifs and secret symbols hiding in front of you in plain sight.
“I practically furnished my entire home with carpets from Hadi. The process was not only a joy but it was also a learning experience for me. Hadi was super helpful in identifying the right pieces for my home that would both work with my taste, budget, sizes required and that would be a good investment for my family. Hadi’s collection is second to none, and his knowledge and service is truly the blessing on top.” Amr Banaja, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
To me personally there is no surprise, event or frankly anything that gets me more excited than the purchase of a treasured piece of understated artwork such as that of a proper vintage/antique carpet. The sourcing, grading and authentication of these pieces is no small task but is of the highest importance. Through the respected dealer Hadi Maktabi all that is guaranteed, and rest assured the one thing I can guarantee personally as a client is a first class service from the initial selection process till it gets delivered right to your door step. It was an undeniably special experience, with hundreds of carpets to choose from, will definitely be visiting again. Thank you dear Hadi. Habeeb Al Monawer, Kuwait 🇰🇼
You can't only be a customer of Hadi Maktabi. While his main purpose is rug dealing, he starts with story telling and ends with history selling. That's what I call high-end art curating and closing it all with an entertaining friendship. George El Hani, CEO Levica, Lebanon 🇱🇧
Email List
Request Offer