By Susan Semenak with reporting by Adriana Ermter
What comes to mind when thinking of a rug? For many people, it’s probably an opulent Persian or perhaps a timeless jute. It can be a daunting task trying to find hand-knotted rugs that appeal to modernist tastes, but finding one that you really love is worth spending time on. “Having the right rug puts your stamp, your mark, in your home,” says Weavers Art founder and creative director Michael Pourvakil.
Born from Pourvakil’s deep passion for high-quality rugs, Weavers Art has become a go-to destination for GTA design enthusiasts on the hunt for the finest options. Now in its third decade, the showroom has an extensive collection, with everything from transitional Persians to neutral contemporary styles, and many are designed in-house by Weavers Art’s head designer Wan Ki. For those seeking bold and modern rugs, the showroom stocks an exceptional array.
New to the Weavers Art collection is a selection of freeform rugs, which feature irregular shapes to pack a modern design punch. Take, for instance, the Splash Zone rug, a freeform variety made of hand-knotted silk and wool: it boasts an amorphous oval shape with colours that radiate out in a gradient. Others in the collection look like the cross-section of a geode or a blooming flower. Opting for a rug beyond the typical round or rectangular shape is a trend that’s gaining momentum as designers seek to incorporate playful and unexpected elements into their spaces.
“HAVING THE RIGHT RUG PUTS YOUR STAMP, YOUR MARK, IN YOUR HOME.”
For a more refined modern flair, look for rugs created in collaboration with contemporary artists. In the works now at Weavers Art is a collection created with Toronto abstract artist Pietro Adamo, whose colourful paintings have been exhibited worldwide. With vivid pieces that masterfully blend hues, the rugs make for a joyful and sumptuous focal point. Currently being handcrafted in Nepal, each has a density of 22,500 knots per square foot. “This exceptional collection will appeal to people who love art but also to anyone who wants a rare and distinctive statement rug worth collecting,” Pourvakil notes.
The Weavers Art showroom also includes a vast Modern Art collection, featuring sophisticated abstract rugs that would look right at home on a gallery wall. For a slightly more muted but still modern look, rugs with geometric patterns, such as the Cubes & Pyramids carpet, imbue a space with a subtle nod to Bauhaus design.
No matter an individual’s style, rugs should be chosen with care and longevity in mind. “They are timeless and an investment,” says Pourvakil. “You live with them, walk on them and after 30 years, they will still look brand new.” Good rugs are the grounding element for a room, and with half of our lives spent indoors, they become the backdrop for countless memories and occasions.
Growing up in Tehran, Pourvakil developed an appreciation early on for the artistry of well-made rugs. “In Iran, you may drive a Toyota, but your home will have a $100,000 rug in it,” he says. “It’s our heritage and custom.” It’s a legacy he has proudly brought to Canada with Weavers Art—now he sources one-of-a-kind hand-knotted rugs from around the world, including Nepal, India, and Pakistan, and takes pride in having one of the most beautiful rug collections in the country. Thanks to Pourvakil’s keen eye, it’s also one of the best places to source high-quality modern rugs. “I’m happy to share my passion for rugs,” he says. “I guess you could say it is my life’s calling.”
