By Adriana Ermter
Can an area rug be trendy? Yes, it can, says Michael Pourvakil, citing two styles of rug that are popular at the moment. As the founder and creative director of Weavers Art in Toronto, he says “contemporary textural” and “transitional Persian” rugs are enjoying a boom. Both styles are meticulously hand-crafted with natural wool or a blend of wool and silk fibres, he says. Contemporary textural rugs require fewer knots and can be characterized by clean, simple patterns as well as neutral, tone-on-tone shades of cream, off-white, ivory, beige, blue, grey, and gold. Soft to the touch and rich in texture with alternating peaks and grooves, their visual depth and simple sophistication make them versatile for various rooms. Each one takes between three and five months to complete, and they range in price from $3,000 to $5,000 for an eight-by-10-foot size. “They are the number-one seller,” Pourvakil says. “Their simpler patterns translate well in any room and their quality defines luxury and comfort.” Equally luxurious and not far behind in popularity is the new generation of transitional Persian designs. They are sought after for putting a contemporary twist on traditional rugs with a variety of modern colours suitable for today’s interiors, he says. With their large-scale motifs and flowers, they enhance the aesthetic of formal and not-so-formal dining and living rooms. These hand-knotted beauties can take between four and six months to weave and cost between $4,000 and $7,000 for an eight-by-10 size.
“Both styles are very hot right now,” Pourvakil says. “Having the right rug makes all the difference.” In fact, he says they augment a room’s function and appeal. Area rugs, by their nature, anchor and define a space, offer warmth and comfort, minimize noise, protect floors, and add a personal design touch. The contemporary textural and transitional Persian styles are available in various sizes, suitable for spacious homes and compact condominiums. “We live at least six months of the year inside our homes,” says Pourvakil. “We spend time with our families, friends, and also entertain indoors, so rugs are extremely important and are an extension of our taste, personality, and lifestyle. Each one has a unique charm.” They’re also considered a status symbol, something Pourvakil knows well. Born in Iran, he says that in his homeland, high-quality, hand-knotted rugs are comparable in prestige to “where you live, the make of your car, and the diamonds you wear. They are proudly displayed in every home with a sense of pride. In Iran, you may drive a Toyota, but your home will have a $100,000 rug in it. It’s our heritage and custom.” Weavers Art also creates custom-made rugs. Pourvakil and his head carpet designer, Wan Ki, take their inspirations from nature, travel, and architecture. They work with some of the best mills in Nepal and India to craft one-of-a-kind custom rugs for discerning clients. The process takes between three and five months for any size.
For more than 30 years, Pourvakil has been sourcing exceptional rugs from Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal, each one crafted by master weavers using traditional methods passed down through generations. Celebrated for their artisanal appeal, these rugs invite touch and exploration. Whether chosen for their emphasis on texture or pattern, each one’s particular allure distinguishes it. “They are timeless and an investment,” Pourvakil says. “You live with them, walk on them, enjoy their beauty, and after 30 years, they will still look great.”