I think I am spending too much time dreaming at the moment - it is my respite from all the painting and sanding that's been going on here.
And today I am dreaming of a beautiful Aubusson rug to put on my newly painted floors.
I really adore the soft and subtle colours of these flat weave tapestry rugs , they are still manufactured today using the same techniques as in the 17th and 18th century.
One of the reasons that the colours are so subtle is the use of natural dyes for the wools. Never gaudy, and also very resistant to light fading problems.
Of course, if I lived in a château then I may be tempted by a wall hanging tapestry .... but I don't ... and I'm not! I simply long for a good sized rug for a newly decorated bedroom......
For those with the deepest pockets, it is possible to buy original tapestries to hang. Sothebys regularly opens bidding at around $25,000 on 18th century Aubusson, but there are many still being made today in the centre of France that maintain that very special look and feel.
Their designs and motifs are still totally in line with decorating today. Personally I'd be worried to have something that precious in my home,.......
Many of these tapestries and rugs are between 9 to 12 feet long. Quite magnificent in the centre of a room. And even though they are so traditional and precious, I find they work just as well with priceless antiques as with contemporary feel of shabby chic and brocante.
unless of course your style is more Downton Abbey
the rug even works against white walls and floor .... hmmm...
And if a whole tapestry feels a little overwhelming, then there are smaller solutions like these stunning pillows made by the über-talented Debra at Acquired Objects. Debra gets to handle priceless tapestries every day as she lovingly restores and gives new life to old textiles to make her sought after pillows.
You can see her current selection for sale here.
So what do you think? Even if this isn't a style you would immediately think of for your home ... do you agree that an Aubusson is actually way more versatile then it first appears?
Hope you have something fun planned for the weekend,
thank you for reading me this week.
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If I had the means, I sometimes think that every room would have these on the floors :)
ReplyDeleteOn the wall or on the floor I wouldn't care. They are absolutely incredible. However my pockets are not that deep or if they are it's because they have a hole…still empty. :) I do enjoy your blog. It's almost like a little vacation each morning with my coffee. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't turn one down! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have always adored the soft beautiful colours of Aubusson rugs Sharon......just gorgeous! Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteSophia x
We had a carpet once but it was worn and threadbare but the floral pattern wasn't the husbands taste. You can still find them threadbare and they will be cheaper if worn but still cost over $10g's. Look for a smaller area rug that's what we had in the bedroom. Thanks for including me in your line up Sharon!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
XXX
Debra~
Love these beauties Sharon... one will look so gorgeous in your new bedroom... :)
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend... xv
If my pockets were deep, I'd have one in
ReplyDeleteeach room...
Beautiful
Sandy
Gosh is it Friday already???
ReplyDeleteWhere did the week go?
lol
As perfectly timed as this! Love them, beautiful work! Where can I buy them? Do ou know the place that still makes them? Not sure if I can afford it(: but looking for a carpet now.... Thank you! Ciao z
ReplyDeleteIf only.... I believe you found just the right ones. I am in love with the florals.
ReplyDeleteI love those rugs, in fact I have several. New but look like 18th century ones. I love the motifs and soft colors. The rugs ties in all my colors in the room.
ReplyDeleteAnything French 18th century era I adore.
The stunningly gorgeous rug is my favorite "character" on Downton Abby. I make my husband "freeze frame" the picture so I can admire it more!!
ReplyDeleteThe rugs are amazing and can well imagine them in your home but will you be tempted to complete the Downtown Abbey look with wardrobing?? Just dreaming I guess ... if only, ... eh?
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I am impressed with the effort you have so obviously put into this content. I am also impressed Sell Your Property Without Realtor Commissions in NY with your point of view on this topic, especially since you have made your points so clear.
ReplyDeleteI collect Kelims for many centuries but also like the Aubusson , No. 3 and 5 would be my favorites. Could spend a fortune on rugs rather than for expensive cars. Rugs last forever
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to correct you; but I think if you ask rug experts; the natural dyes and pigments DO fade!! It is what creates their greatest beauty to me!
ReplyDeleteTo say that they "resist fading is simply a falsehood!"
Even the "new" rugs using the "old techniques and the "natural vegetable dyes" fade! And thank God they do!
The only dyes that "resist fading" are the artificial dyes"! and I would steer anyone away from those!
And anyone with an "eye" can spot them a mile away!
Thank you for a great post on lovely old rugs!
There is no "decor" worth its salt.......that these rugs would not be an addition to!~
Brilliant!
Penelope
I just love em all..& if I win lotto tonight ''Sharon'' I will buy them all, to go into my wonderful french holiday home,with a bottle of the best french wine,and ocourse I will buy you one tooo heehee.. thanks for giving me the dream......
ReplyDeleteI ADORE THEM TOO SHARON!ESPECIALLY THE PASTEL ROSES................I ACTUALLY, HAVE ONE IN MY SONS ROOM THAT I BOUGHT AT A CONSIGNMENT SHOP!TIS PINK AND PASTEL AND HAS A RIP BUT WHO CARES!!!!!!!I WOULD LOVE A LARGRER ONE IN MY LIVING ROOM OVER THE BRICK FLOORS.........STILL ON THE HUNT AND DREAMING!
ReplyDeleteI HAVENOT BEEN ABLE TO COMMENT ON YOUR SITE UNTIL RECENTLY BECAUSE OF MY LAME COMPUTER SKILLS BUT HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS!
A BEAUTIFUL POST AS USUAL.............
They are beautiful! I have used used fragments of an Aubusson as curtains. They turned out amazing, wonderful those Aubusoon's. Happy Weekend xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon I just found your site! OMG!!I love it..I was very blessed to have spent a whole fall season in France. I spent 7 days in Paris(wonderful),then we went down to the coast. We stayed in a little village called Brignoles. I have always loved France but I will forever be in love her. You have given me the best Valentine gift!
ReplyDeleteYvonneasop@aol.com
Sharon I used to have a French Aubusson rug. I had forgotten all about it. I traded it in to the dealer where I purchased my rugs from so long ago. It seems my tastes had changed & then it just became a bit too fancy for me at that time. I wish I had it now. They are indeed gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, have you or anyone received some very strange & horrible emails either on your websites or blogs from some man that rants & raves about, well, I'd rather not say what but it is highly offensive? He did on mine & then portrayed himself as me posting on other blogs. He was unsuccessful in getting through to my blog but tried 4 times. Just wondering if you did, it was NOT me.
All the photos are so beautiful. I love them.
ReplyDeleteHiYa!!!
ReplyDeleteThere were some that I would absolutely love and some I would say maybe too.
Very beautiful and elegant, like, Down Town Abbey.
Thank you for posting so many beautiful pictures!!
Pam
There is a timeless beauty in an Aubusson tapestry...whether on a wall or on a floor.
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