Kush featured in Rue Magazine!

Rugs are a central design piece that can be the starting point for building an entire room. Even a neutral colored rug can add to the warmth and comfort of a space, while a dramatic rug can transform it entirely. Whether you are looking for high impact or quiet unity in your rug, Rebecca Lurie and Brian Robins from Kush Rugs can help you select the perfect piece.
Both worked their way up in the rug world, Brian as a rug washer and Rebecca as a ‘flipper/shipper,’ in industry parlance. They “fell in love with the unconventional nature of the rug business, and with the timelessness, permanence, and complex beauty of the product.” We visited their showroom in Portland to learn more.
You both worked your way through the rug industry, what inspired you to start a business together?
Brian: Rebecca has been travelling for nearly half her life. She first left home for a year in West Africa at age 20, and has since visited countless countries on multiple continents over the years. Rebecca’s interest is in culture and religion, and the art forms that serve the purpose of expressing both. Rugs fit naturally into her sense of what’s important and inspiring, and after so many years of negotiating the developing world on her own, the idea to start a business seemed obvious and far preferable to working for someone else. Oh, and she loves math.
Rebecca: Brian loves film and photography. Composition and color plays a large part in both mediums and is applicable to rugs and interior design. When designing rugs he is comfortable reworking classical motifs, but is most energized by riffing off modern design and pop culture. And he hates math…
Brian: We have very different taste and perspectives from one another. Our yin and yang balance out the gallery. If we both like a rug or design, we know it’s a winner!
Your showroom is so open and feels like a luxury bazaar. What was your inspiration?
We looked for a gallery that had a rustic, industrial feel and beautiful windows, and we put in a glass roll up garage door for summer. Rugs are always the center of attention here. It’s a treat dressing up the windows and seeing people press against the glass to see in. Our design concept was to make to space feel approachable. People drop in to say hello and then realize they have been hanging out for an hour. Mission accomplished!
There are so many styles of rugs- how to you define what fits into the “Kush look”?
We divide our rugs into 4 broad categories. Traditional, transitional, modern, and custom. Our focus is on ethically sourced, handmade rugs. They are mostly new, although there are a few vintage and antique beauties that we couldn’t pass up.
To find your handmade rugs, you must travel frequently to some very inspiring locations!
The best work trip, hands down, is Turkey. Istanbul is the most beautiful and romantic city in the world; Anatolia is wild, vast, and ancient, and the coast is pure Mediterranean paradise. Turkish food is unstoppable, the people enchanting, and the weaving tradition is inspired.
And our favorite place to relax? Astoria, Oregon. We live in the greatest state.
Nothing beats being home! Speaking of homes, what tips do you have for someone who is rug shopping- maybe for the first time?
Take time to educate your eye. Visit at least a couple shops so that you can see the many different types of rugs available. You need to learn what moves you, and what works for the space- and then you look for a rug that does both. Start a relationship with a gallery that will allow you take rugs home on a trial basis. Seeing rugs in their intended space as opposed to a gallery setting is illuminating. Like fashion, everyone has a strong opinion about rugs. Ultimately the right rug is an expression of personal style.

Travis: December 2001 - September, 2013

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the death of Travis the boy dog.

Travis was a very, very good boy. He spent his days as shop dog at Kush, perched regally on a rug stack or upside down with his legs in the air, encouraging belly rubs. Travis greeted our visitors with a calm, easy-going manner and watched our movements with his shining, chocolate brown eyes, front paws crossed politely in front of him, eyebrows working up and down independently of one another, as if watching us was all he ever cared to do.

   

He may very well have been the most expressive dog in the history of dogs.

He learned to love the mailman, and even the UPS guy, and eventually he announced their arrival before they turned the corner onto our street. He recognized and loved our repeat customers, and he was always eager to befriend the newcomers. Strangers knew his name, and visited him regularly. He was a part of the team, and days were not complete when he was absent.

  

Travis spent his nights with his family, following us from room to room, soaking up the laughter, love, noise, and ritual that made his days complete. He always found a spot that was central among us so that he could be out of the way, but watching our movements, reading our faces, and hearing our voices. He watched us endlessly, happiest when we were happy, but searching for any sign of sadness or upset, eyebrows narrating his perception of our feelings, as if watching us was all he ever cared to do.

Travis loved his people purely and unconditionally and he showed us, every single day, just how to be. Happiest with the ones we love.

When Travis was younger, he accidentally killed a chicken. She’d gotten out of the chicken yard and the neighbor threw her over the fence into his territory. He couldn’t help it, I’m sure. I got home from work that day and found the feathers, and saw his shame. After a few moments he reluctantly showed me where he had buried her - upside down in a stand of bamboo, so that only her legs were visible above ground, camouflaged by the shoots. He’d hidden her there, because he knew I cared for her, but he fessed up right away.

Throughout his life, Travis aspired to be a master squirrel hunter. With vigor and enthusiasm, he barreled out the back door every morning, intent on chasing down the hoard of backyard squirrel intruders. His lifelong failure to catch one was never a deterrent. Travis knew that you should never give up on your dreams.  

But mostly, Travis was not a flashy dog. I don’t have long list of anecdotes about his foibles and mishaps. Travis was a devoted and flawless companion, whose sole ambition was to be with his people, and ensure their wellbeing. And eat.

Travis died peacefully in his home on Thursday, September 19th, under the tree and the full moon, in our arms. He was even more handsome than I can say.

He leaves behind so many people, and so many animals.

Clark, who made him happier than he had ever been, and who inspired countless toothy smiles.

Ruby and Owen, his adopted kids, who taught him how to be a family dog, and whom he protected as his own.

Trevor and Alan, the cats who forced him to accept them, and showed him how to love cats. They were his closest animal pals, he loved them, and his embarrassment over this obvious fact was hilarious to observe.

Christa and Eric, the Kush team, who loved him as their own and spoiled him rotten during his long days at work. Every day he looked forward to seeing them.

His grandparents, who loved him and cared for him during my frequent trips away, and for whom he flashed his last toothy smile. They were his second family, he loved them completely.

Brian, his oldest friend, who taught him who to protect.

And me. The luckiest and most heartbroken girl in the world.

We will forever miss his smile.

Ahmadi Event at Kush Rugs

What an honor it was to host the Ahmadi brothers at Kush last Thursday evening. Seldom do we have the chance to attach names and faces to the people who make our work so meaningful. Seldom can we share such concrete examples of the global scope and human drama behind what we do.

Donning jeans and black blazers, Zubair and Jawid Ahmadi sat atop a heap of handmade rugs and with humility, charm, and humor they told their immigrant story to a rapt crowd. We listened to the unfolding of an American Dream; a Hazara family of 10 children, refugees of Northern Afghanistan, who passed through Pakistan and Iran in pursuit of safety and opportunity. Having finally found refuge in L.A., the Ahmadi family moved from home to home, fleeing landlords who became wise to their teeming family stacked in bunk beds, exceeding capacity. Zubair and Jawid learned the art of antique rug repair from relatives in Iran and the U.S. and the skills they honed were the seeds of their entrepreneurship. With a firm handle on rug construction and classic design, a first generation thirst for contemporary influence, as well as a commitment to the Hazara people of their heritage, the Ahmadi rug production was born.

Thanks to the wonderful questions from the audience, we learned so much from these men-- their design inspiration, the importance of materials, the bonds of family. We heard tales of weavers adapting under fluctuating Taliban rule, the trials of running a young, international business in underdeveloped countries, the triumph of an ethnic minority family in the face of unimaginable challenges.

The evolution of their ancient native craft, brought from afar and developed to shine in a modern world, is a story of relentless hard work. The Amadi Rug Company is a thriving business, straddling the contrary worlds of LA and Kabul, inexorably tied to tradition yet fueled by contemporary hunger for quality, beauty, and design.

Afghan Rug event

Mosaic is the newest addition to Kush's private label collection. Rebecca found Mosaic while on her latest travels to India. A flat weave hand made with soft wool, Mosaic is beautiful to look at and lovely on the toes.

Here is a close up photo that highlights the variegated color and warm feel. Mosaic may be ordered in runners and custom sizes. Stop by Kush and check out our samples. Full size rugs are on the way.

Tamarian Tibetan Rug Event

Thanks to Ryan of Tamarian Rugs and all of our guests who attended our Tibetan rug event! We learned a bit and got to peruse the latest ideas in modern rug design. To view more stunning Tibetan rugs click here.

Ryan co-owner of Tamarian.

The party in full swing. Fun!

Jason Ball showing off his cool Socks.

Andrea Jolly, Wendy Broadstone O'Brien, & Chris Healy.

Designer Open House

Wednesday, April 25th * 1:00 - 6:00 PM
205 NW 10th ave. Portland, OR

New rug lines:

New Moon

Michaelian & Kohlberg

Food and drinks will be provided. We look forward to connecting with our friends and colleagues in the design community!

See you soon,
Team Kush

Suzani Rug

Lovely Suzani design in Tibetan weave.

Treasures from Turkey

Rebecca recently traveled to Turkey, where she purchased some beautiful vintage and antique textiles. Today I want to highlight a couple pieces from the latest shipment from that have really been tugging at my heartstrings.

The first is a vintage Anatolian Kilim. It's fairly small, about 3'x3', with a richly variegated ground field and a warm red tribal motif in the center. It has a natural sense of balance and symmetry. The colors in both the field and the foreground fade vertically from deep, rich tones to a more muted pallete at the top, lending a sense of weight to the piece. Mighty purdy.

The second is an antique Tulu from the early 20th century. Tulus are village rugs, and were not traditionally woven for commercial use. They typically have a shaggy, sometimes looped mohair pile, and feature a wild variety of designs. This piece has definitely been used over the course of its life and has worn and faded wonderfully. It has a comforting, familiar quality, somewhat like a favorite pair of old jeans, and in the right light, the wear pattern actually gives it a silky, almost fluid appearance.

Join us for Interior Design + Wine!

Hosted by Rejuvenation: 1100 SE Grand on the 2nd floor
When: Thursday, September 30, 2010 6:00 – 8:30

Click here for more details.

This tasteful (and tasty) night of mingling with Portland design enthusiasts includes lively presentations by Michael Steuve of SRM and Jennifer Leonard of Nifelle Designs that include fabrics, furniture and color samples. Get the experts' best ideas for updating your home based on the themes of designing for less and layering styles and periods to create a contemporary look.

Get ideas, get inspired and shop Kush and Rejuvenation during this special after-hours event.

Folk Life rugs have arrived!

Woven with hand-spun wool and natural vegetal dyes,these folk life rugs from India evoke a sense of tranquil whimsy in the home. This unique collection includes depictions of fish, roosters, and even the occasional dragon. Very cool. Also quite affordable! This approximately 4' round rug is $880.

Kush featured on Growers and Nomads

Growersandnomads.com recently featured our Patchwork Kilims in an article titled "A Designer's Picks for Green Innovations". Author Judith Cohen says "Salvaged antique rugs are colorful and appeal to my clients who like a more eclectic style. As a designer, I love to mix vintage and industrial objects with high-end home furnishings". Check out the rest of the article here! http://www.growersandnomads.com/article/A+Designer%27s+Picks+for+Green+Innovations

New shipment has arrived!

(Click here for more photos)
Kush has just received a new shipment of Afghani tribal rugs, inluding some really incredible Suzani pieces! Unwapping these in the showroom for the first time is always an exciting experience. For more photos of the shipment, check out our flickr link above.

Snow Leopard Trust

Come check out these cozy felted rugs!

Made in Kyrgyzstan these spectacular felt rugs, known as shyrdaks, are traditionally patterned using shapes from the natural and spiritual environments. The designs represent harmony and coexistence. Durable for indoor and outdoor use, they are perfect near the entryway, bedside, or even as a wall hanging. No two are exactly alike, so they are a great conversation piece. Approximate dimensions: 52 inches by 34 inches.

The sale of each of these rugs also benefits the Snow Leopard Trust.
Founded in 1981, the Snow Leopard Trust is the world's leading authority on the study and protection of the endangered snow leopard. More info on Them can be found here: http://www.snowleopard.org/about

The sun is out!

It's a beautiful day here at Kush!! And with the sun shining in through our marvelous large windows, the rugs are radiating with warmth. One of my favorite things about a hand-made rug is its constant ability to surprise with its wealth of different hues, which change throughout the light of the day.

Today this runner has caught my eye. Something about a good,thick, chunky gabbeh lends a sense of casual yet luxurious comfort to a space.

Photos of new rugs and installations at Rejuvenation

Rugs, rugs, rugs!


From the left: A small patchwork from Turkey, a Persian Luribaft, a Turkish crazy quilt, and an Afghan bidjar. The world of Oriental rugs has amazing depth and diversity in design.

Now, what would look good in my house? It's always hard to resist the temptation to loot new shipments for personal use. At least I can visit my favorites every day at the gallery. Our indigo blue Serab rug provides a base for the warm tones in Rejuvenation's mid century modern furniture to pop, pop, pop!

Patchwork kilms from Turkey are simply stunning against the minimalist brick. New patchworks are available at both galleries.

Kush featured in the Oregonian.

Thanks to Bridget Otto for featuring Kush in the Homes and Gardens section of the Oregonian. Her article is posted below. Please note our gallery is now located in the Pearl at 205 NW 10th Ave. Portland, OR 503-231-0700.
Brian Robins and Rebecca Lurie, owners of Kush Hand-Knotted Carpets, have just opened a second location inside Rejuvenation.

On a quiet corner of Southeast Hawthorne, stories pile up.

Stories of culture and history, tradition and geography.

Stories that take the shape of hand-knotted carpets.

The stories live at Kush, a gallery of rugs owned and run by Rebecca Lurie and Brian Robins, and, this month, have taken on life at a second location at Rejuvenation on Southeast Grand Avenue.

Lurie found one story so compelling, she e-mailed me with the spectacular tale:

A picture of a Persian rug inspired one woman to plant a garden in the same design as the carpet. It still haunted her, though, and she went on a hunt to find the actual centuries-old rug, in hopes of buying it. She found it in the hands of a curator at London's V&A Museum -- but it was not for sale. That prompted her to call Lurie seeking an exact-as-possible replica.

But the client, who lives in London, did not know the name of the rug that she'd originally spied in a book -- or much else.

"It took a lot of work to figure out what she wanted, what the rug was," Lurie says, sitting on a stack of hand-knotted carpets in the middle of the spare but striking gallery.

With the help of a Iranian colleague who lives in London, they were able to trace the rug, known as "The Spring of Khosrow," back to its source -- Kurdish weavers in western Iran. They commissioned a new rug to be woven by weavers in the same part of Iran, which is now Azerbaijan, Lurie says.

"She wanted the soul of the rug. Same wools, same weavers -- in terms of ethnicity -- same family," Lurie says. "Incredible process, down to the very end."

Not all the carpets' stories are as complex. Many are about the materials, the region or origin, and the families who continue the tradition of hand-knotting rugs.

Both Lurie and Robins got into the rug business because they needed work.

Lurie worked for Christiane Millinger, a longtime expert in the world of handmade rugs, and co-owner of Madison Millinger rugs in the Pearl District.

Robins got his start by answering an ad for a rug washer. That was his introduction to another rug expert, James Opie.

They both agree that no matter how long you're in the business, there is always something new to learn. And like any good rug dealer, they pass that knowledge on to their customers, who, every day, Robins says, ask: How do you tell a good rug?

"When you look at a well-made rug, it speaks to you in a different way," Lurie says. They look for color movement and depth, she says.

Running his hand over one example, Robins shows how the rug's center panel is generally one tone but goes from very light to dark and everything in between.

"In rugs, it is called 'abrash' and it is something Rebecca and I look for in rugs. Otherwise it looks like it was stamped out by machine."

Lurie says the transition in the color indicates the wool's been hand-spun, which contributes to the strength of the wool. Machine-spinning wools, then bleaching or working them to create consistency in color, strips the wool of its strength.

"I think when you've looked at a lot of rugs, you start to recognize the good ones," Robins says. "You have to educate yourself ... observe as much as you can."

Both Lurie and Robins say it is not unusual for customers to come in thinking they want a traditional Oriental rug and leave with something entirely different.

"It's a journey, a process," Lurie says.

As is the business, which Lurie labels "nonconventional."

"You don't have to scratch too far to see that it's still very personal. There's a lot of handshake deals, a lot of negotiating all around."

They both say that whether they are working in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey or here, what they find is that people want the same thing: a home, stability, income.

"They want to do business with us," Robins says, adding that they have found there is rarely a mention of politics.

"It's always an adventure," says Lurie, who does the majority of the traveling. "It's fun."

And filled with stories.

And filled with stories.

-- Bridget A. Otto
SPECIAL PROJECT: Kush sends half of the purchase price of special textiles to the Progressive Women's Association in Pakistan to help end violence against women there. Read more here.

p:ear benefit dinner

Help us support this great program by joining us for a delicious dinner! Limited space so RSVP soon!

Pippa Arend, Program Director of p:ear and Rebecca Lurie of Kush Hand-knotted Carpets are hosting an Eastern-European Style dinner as part of the continuing fundraising dinner series for p:ear’s capital campaign!

Held at Pippa’s fabulous attic apartment in NW Portland, this casual but intimate dinner is limited to 12-15 people and will support p:ear’s goal of purchasing the building on NW 6th and Flanders. p:ear needs this building to be a stable place from which to offer its vital services of helping homeless and transitional youth through education, art, recreation and old-school mentoring!

Menu:
Home-Made Chicken Soup with Noodles
Lightly-Pickled Vegetables
Kugel
Vodka!
Some kind of fabulous meat, like a Brisket maybe!

Wednesday January 13th, 6:00pm
$25-$100, sliding scale
rsvp: pippa@pearmentor.org

Further details given with confirmation of attendance.

Located at NW 6th and Flanders, p:ear is a nonprofit program that works with 15-24 y/o homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.

Website: http://www.pearmentor.org
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/p__ear
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/pear/169967399130?ref=ts

Kush Carpets has 2 locations! 900 SE Hawthorne Blvd. and 1100 SE Grand on the second floor of Rejuvenation. Kush offers carefully-selected handmade carpets from the Middle East, central Asia and Nepal—ethically sourced. Kush is committed to eco and social responsibility and supports fair trade practices through numerous avenues. We are proud to support p:ear as part of our ongoing commitment to programs, near and far, dedicated to the betterment of our community and world.

http://www.kushcarpets.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1447646188

Series 7 limited edition art rugs

Kush sponsored a scholarship competition for students at the Art Institute. The challenge: Create a piece of art that knocks our socks off-- we'll make it into a rug. We gave the two winning students funds to help with tuition, as well as the rare opportunity to have their work made into hand-made rugs.

We also commissioned local artist Hadley Hutton to create three paintings for the same purpose. Those rugs have just arrived and they are simply incredible. The rugs featured here are Hadley's designs. Check back for the student designs at the beginning of 2010. Kush will host a full art and rug show at our Hawthorne location.

These completely unique rugs can be purchased or ordered in any size but here's the catch-- a maximum of only 7 pieces will be created from each design! Talk about exclusive."