Rosemary's Blog

Connecticut Designer

2012-01-27T07:54:00.000-08:00

We love to share installation shots when we get them. This is from a Westport, CT design team called Design Serendipity Interiors. Shannon and Jody went for a bold rug and the end result looks great.

Glaze Dhurrie in Architectural Digest

2012-01-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

In case you missed us in the January issue of Architectural Digest, we were very please to see our Glaze Dhurrie Rug in Daniel Romualdez's spectacular Los Angeles getaway. Feel free to contact us or your local showroom for more information or to request a sample.

2011-12-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

New England Home Design Blog

2011-12-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

New England Home Editor, Karin Lidbeck Brent, spent some time at my home and studio last week for an upcoming issue. And she was kind enough to write about it on the New England Home Design Blog. Thanks Karin!

Stonehenge is "White Hot" - Interior Design Fall Market Tabloid

2011-12-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, Interior Design selected our Stonehenge rug for the White Hot section of their Fall Market Tabloid. Available in custom sizes and colors.

House Beautiful Instant Room Uses Ombre Fabric

2011-11-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled that Los Angeles based designer, Oliver M. Furth, selected our forest green Ombre fabric as part of his Instant Room for the latest issue of House Beautiful. Hand dipped and available in a number of colors, our Ombre fabric is great for drapery, throws, pillows and even upholstery for a dramatic effect. Contact us or your nearest showroom for samples or more information.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

In honor of Halloween, I wanted to share a photo of the Flat Rib rug installed at our favorite Los Angeles showroom, Thomas Lavin. It is the perfect pop of color for fall.

Peter Margonelli Opening - Nov 2nd

2011-10-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

If you do not know his name you have for sure seen the beautiful photos by Peter Margonelli on the pages of your glossy interior magazines. He is having a show of his new "exterior" photographs with an opening this coming Wednesday if you can make it. Peter describes this new series as "Blurred photos shot through the windows of trains and cars as they moved through the landscape both in America and in Italy. They are images of fleeting moments that exist more in the realm of a daydream and create something not seen by the eye necessarily but maybe the mind’s eye."

Sale - 50% off Cubes

2011-10-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

We are rearranging the office to make room for the new collection and are offering a few cubes at over 50% off. Each 18" cube is covered in hand-embroidered standard alpaca and is the perfect size to be used as an ottoman, side table or an extra seat. Visit our website to purchase a cube online.

COVER Features Our New Collection

2011-10-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

COVER is a fantastic British publication that showcases great design and appreciates the craftsmanship of hand-made textiles. We are proud to be receiving such a positive response to our new collection and are thrilled that COVER has featured it on their blog.

New for Fall

2011-10-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to announce our new Abacus Collection of rugs. With this bold collection, Rosemary continues to explore the experience of texture, combining a strong sculptural contrast in hand-knotted fibers with the accessibility and durability of flatweaves. We also have a number of new throws that are perfect to cuddle up with as the weather turns cold. Please contact us or your local showroom for samples or more information.

The extremely popular Ombre Throw now comes in Orange and Plum.

The Hand-Painted Boucle Throw is double woven for extra warmth and texture.

The Striped Suri Throw has been updated with a chocolate fabric border.

Swan Chair Designed by Nate Berkus

2011-10-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

We are very happy to have been able to donate our Alpaca Boucle Fabric to Nate Berkus and charitybuzz. We hope this gorgeous chair finds a good home so please get your bids in and support a worthwhile cause and great design.

Description

Swan Chair Designed by Nate Berkus

Dimensions:
- 29.1” w 26.8” d 30.3” h 15.8” seat height
- 18” base diameter

Nate Berkus is an American interior designer and product designer. Berkus runs the Chicago publications such as ELLE Décor, US Weekly, People, O Magazine, Lucky, InStyle and House Beautiful. In 2005, Berkus’s first book “Home Rules” was a New York Times Best Seller. In 2010, he became the host of his own weekday talk show, The Nate Berkus Show.

“I am honored to be selected as one of the designers chosen to participate in this fantastic charity. We really wanted our chair to be a culmination of the things we love: an antique textile and leather cording juxtaposed with a shot of a modern, vibrant color and a classic wool boucle. We treated the Swan chair as though it was going in our own home by making it feel chic, yet comfortable and well-assembled.”

Special thanks to Alberto Sanchez of A.S. Upholstery for upholstering the chair, Holland & Sherry for donating the Rosemary Hallgarten Double Boucle Alpaca fabric for the chair, Mete Mutlu owner of Yoruk Gallery for donating the antique textile for the pillow, Molly Quinlan owner of Eli Wyn Upholstery for making us the blue suede pillow, Greg Fishman of Fishman’s Fabrics for donating the textile for the suede pillow.

The proceeds for this item benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

Alpaca 101

2011-09-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

In designing and producing my new collection, which features alpaca rugs created by my wonderful artisan team in Peru, I was reminded again how amazing and luxurious alpaca is. And how much I have loved working with this fiber for almost 10 years.

So here are some fun facts about alpaca fiber:

It is comparable to cashmere in fineness, to silk in smoothness and softer than cotton.
It is an exceptionally strong fiber. Stronger than mohair and three times stronger than sheep's wool.
It has excellent insulating and thermal qualities. It is warmer than goose down and seven times warmer than sheepskin.
It is non-itch, hypoallergenic, fade resistant and the natural oils in the fibers repel dirt and dust.

For more information specific to the alpaca used in my rugs, please visit my website.

The New Season Brings a New Collection

2011-09-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, we are preparing to launch our new collection. Stay tuned for more information on our new bright, bold and graphic rugs inspired by ancient patterns and the enduring popularity of my alpaca boucle rugs.

Here's to a wonderful autumn.

Dragonflower Print - A "Cool Floral" in House Beautiful

2011-08-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, we are very pleased that House Beautiful included Dragonflower in their September selection of "Cool Floral" fabrics. Contact us or your nearest showroom for information or to request a sample.

More Dog Love

2011-08-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

A client sent us the following. We are enjoying all the animal love lately!

A certain little white dog (named Pinky) has made it her morning routine to make a nest in my Boucle throw. Rough life my dog has :).

Another Satisfied Customer!

2011-08-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

This is Aspen enjoying a presentation at Wade Hallock's fabulous new space in Miami.

Favorite Things: Ethereal Vases by Brit Maya

2011-08-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have another "Favorite Thing" from my London trip. Ethereal vases by British designer Maya Selway, which are inspired by the sketches of Morandi. Like me, Maya is influenced by the impermanent nature of the objects that surround us and the cycles of change that these objects go through. And I love that she uses ethically produced and 100% recycled materials.

Favorite Things: Ristretto at Machiavelli

2011-08-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am always on the search for the perfect crema topped espresso, or preferably the super short ristretto. My new favorite place in London is Machiavelli , which calls itself a "kitchen and dining room". In addition to a perfect ristretto they offer a delicious breakfast, lunch and edible and non-edible goodies to buy.

I also love how they have done their shelving, which you can write on. I think this would be a great way to do an office or playroom.

NEW: Printed Outdoor Fabric

2011-07-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

We know a lot of people like to use outdoor fabric for a number of applications - inside and out. Don't forget you can custom order our new printed fabrics on Sunbrella. This is a picture of Glaze printed in a Mediterranean blue. Contact us if you would like more information or to request a sample .

Congrats to Rockwell and Champalimaud on Hotel Bel-Air

2011-07-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Alexandra Champalimaud and David Rockwell on the Hotel Bel-Air. Interior Design highighted their work in designwire this week and the pictures are stunning. And we are proud to have our throws included in the rooms!

Our Favorite Things: The Brookstone Fabric Shaver

2011-07-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

Analisse Taft and I recently tried out the Brookstone Fabric Shaver and absolutely loved it. Check out ALT for Living's new blog for the before and after.

EditorTV: Buying Bespoke

2011-06-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share The Editor at Large piece that went live today. It showcases one of my favorite showrooms run by one of my favorite people. It was a great party! Click on the image below to view.

Summer Sale Reminder - 35% Off

2011-05-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Remember to check out our summer sale online for 35% off select items!

Dwell with Dignity

2011-05-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

I met with an interior designer named Lisa Robinson the last time I was in Dallas and was very impressed with the work she is doing through Dwell with Dignity. Their mission is to help families escape poverty and homelessness through design. They believe, as do I, that if you can change a person's surroundings, you can begin to change their outlook on life. We are happy to donate items whenever possible
.

Look at this happy bedroom! That is some great design that would inspire anyone and I am so proud that my mum's grey and yellow felted pillow was included.

Our Mosaic Rug found a spot under the kitchen sink.

You can visit their website to see more amazing dwellings and find out how you can help support this great cause.

Summer Sale - 35% Off Online

2011-05-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

With summer very much in the air, one of the first things I do to celebrate is to swap out my winter pillows and throws for lighter, brighter colors. Changing colors can transform a room and these throws can double as wraps when the evenings cool down. To help you celebrate we are offering our summer colored brushed baby alpaca throws at a 35% discount. Shop online now.

Our Leather Shag Clutch and Felted Pillows are also 35% off for a limited time.

Contrast for Balance

2011-05-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

What I love best in an interior, and is often hardest to achieve, is a successful balance of new and old. Shiny modern with worn down super textural antique. I recently returned from a trip which combined business with pleasure (also my favorite combination!) where I saw my mum. I was reminded of how well she achieves this balance in her 16th century flat in the law courts of Lincoln's Inn in central London.

A late 18th century metal lock sits side by side with a contemporary and bold piece. The lock was bought in Syria while we were living in Beirut and the intriguing work of contemporary art is by award winning British ceramicist, Katherine Morling.

And here is my mum, still as beautiful and elegant as she was at 20 in the picture behind her. She is wearing a ceramic lock and chain, again by Katherine Morling.

Selldorf Architects

2011-05-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to come across this Wall Street Journal article about Anabelle Selldorf yesterday. I love her work and her modern yet elegant architectural design creates the type of space in which I envision my own designs. I am proud to say that Selldorf Architects has used my rugs on a number of occasions, particularly the boucle flatweaves pictured below, in their amazing spaces.

The CNN Freedom Project Features GoodWeave

2011-05-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

We have been a proud member of GoodWeave for some time now. For those of you that don't know, GoodWeave is the international nonprofit organization that works to end child labor in the carpet industry and to offer educational opportunities to children in South Asia. Through the GoodWeave certification process, we are not only sure that the work on our rugs is being done in decent conditions, but also that we are contributing to the education of the workers and their families.

The CNN Freedom Project recently aired a story highlighting GoodWeave's innovative market-based solution to child labor. We highly recommend that you take a few minutes and watch this story. We all need to be educated consumers.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

2011-04-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

My poor mother often gets forgotten in the UK and I never really know when mother's day is there...but that is no excuse. I think I will give her one of my new super soft striped alpaca throws. If you would like a unique gift for your mother order online by Monday, May 2nd for delivery before the big day.

Shadow Striped Alpaca Throw - $450

Felted Pillows - $435

Leather Shag Clutch - $290

Mini Rug - $150

ADEX Awards

2011-04-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

We are the proud recipient of the 2011 ADEX Award for Design Excellence. The judges are an anonymous panel of design professionals who vote on product design of furniture, fixtures and finishes marketed to the design trade. Actually, we have three winners this year!

Hand-Painted Fabric
Platinum Winner

Glaze Dhurrie

Platinum Winner

Lattice Rug

Gold Winner

Introducing Our New Printed Fabric Line

2011-04-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to announce the launch of our new printed fabric line. Based on some of our most popular rug designs, the fabrics are hand screen printed locally in Brooklyn, NY on linen, linen/cotton and silk. Stock quantities are available in the designs shown and custom colors and fabrics are available. Visit your local showrooms or contact us for more details or samples.

Custom Alpaca/Wool and Leather Rug

2011-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

We love this recently installed alpaca/wool and leather custom rug. It was designed for an exclusive interior design firm through our New York showroom, ALT for Living.

My Mum's Jewellery

2011-03-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

While living in Beirut in the early 70's, my mum worked with a local jeweller, Hovic, to create some wonderful jewellery using ancient Roman beads. She has kept the best pieces but the rest are going on sale at Bonhams in London on April 13th. I love this picture of her...we left when I was eight but I am sure living there influenced me greatly and I have very strong and good memories from that time.

To view the entire Bonhams collection, follow this link.

Reflections on Peru

2011-03-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

I have seen a lot of change in Peru over the 16 or so visits that I have made in the last 7 years. It goes beyond the great restaurants, massages at the airport and multiple Starbucks (a negative from my perspective...when I am there I swap my ritualistic crema topped espresso for the local mate de coca). It has been very rewarding to see the artisans, whether they are from the dye house, are rug makers, or machine and hand weavers, change for the better. They have improved their homes and places of work in part, or largely as a result of, the business I, we, have been able to give them. Of course with this growth comes the pressure to continue to build my business. When I go out to meet them, as we look at their new premises and I congratulate them, they all want reassurance that things will continue to go well. All I can do is promise that I will do everything I can to ensure they do!

Final Day in Peru

2011-03-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Today is my final day in Peru. Thought it would be interesting to show how some of our accessories and fabric are made.

Alpaca boucle throw being woven on a hand loom.

The final product...Double Boucle Foam Throw.

Peru - Day 3

2011-03-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

I love coming to Peru to work directly with the artisans who make our products. Here we are working out the design for a rug before it goes on the loom.

And even though rug making is a craft that is handed down from generation to generation here in Peru, things do change a bit over time. Here I am getting a lesson on the new warp tension tool for the new loom.

Yesterday I posted a picture showing how the yarn is hand painted for my hand painted boucle rugs. This is a picture of the final product coming off the loom. One of my favorite rugs.

Peru - Day 2

2011-03-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Inspecting some hand painting of yarn used for my hand painted boucle rugs. This is a temporary workshop.

On My Way to Peru

2011-03-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have been traveling to Peru twice a year for 7 years now. I go to meet with all the artisans responsible for my rug knotting, hand and machine weaving, and then there is the all important dye master. I personally work out any production issues and check on current projects. And then I get down to the business...I start to develop new ideas and products for future collections.

This is Day 1, Lima airport. Three generations of pure Peruvian Indian blood. And I just love the snow white trophy Barbie in the picture.

Stay tuned, I will keep you updated on my travels.

Cozy Up with a Suri Fur Pillow

2011-02-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

There is still enough winter left to follow Celerie's lead and cozy up with one of our Suri Fur pillows. Our new Alpaca Boucle and Suri Fur Pillow is in stock and comes in two colors. It can also be customized in any of our popular Alpaca Boucle fabric colors. Be sure to visit our website and view all of our Suri Fur pillows or, email us at info@rosemaryhallgarten.com to request a sample.

Rosemary Hallgarten and House Beautiful, love runners!

2011-02-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

Runners are so versatile and have the ability to transform a room in a relatively inexpensive way. One of our favorite runners, Stripes, in alpaca and leather, is featured in the March 2011 issue of House Beautiful. Visit our website to view our entire rug collection or email us at info@rosemaryhallgarten.com to request a sample.

Combining Form and Function

2011-01-28T04:46:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love it when form and function come together to blend seamlessly. My latest find that does this so beautifully, is this kaleidoscope palette of lip-gloss by Metier de Beaute. With hues that cascade out in sleek, little drawers from the center of the mirrored compact, it is both practical and chic. I just throw it in my purse and go!

Greetings from Maison

2011-01-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

Fresh off a trip to Paris and Maison, I am back in the studio and back to work. It was a great show, full of inspiration and here were a few of the highlights for me: One particularly fabulous piece at the trade show, was Erwan Boulloud’s “Crashing Concrete” dresser, made from burnt wood, concrete and steel. Bolloud, whose main objective is to create a “telluric universe favoring the emergence of shapes and texture,” accomplished exactly that, in designing and constructing his piece, pictured above. With incredible shape and form, Boulloud’s dresser is an example of a brilliant marriage between utility and art.

D’ARGENTAT is a Parisian furniture design house, whose work also caught my eye at the tradeshow. Please see the photos below of their sensational, striped settee, as well as a beautiful, black leather chair.

I also fit in a visit to the wonderful Musée Carnavalet, where they are currently showing an exhibit on vintage Louis Vuitton. Below I‘ve shared images of some of the gorgeous trunks featured in the exhibit. If you are in Paris or plan to be soon, be sure to stop by and check this out!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a successful trip to Paris without sufficient indulgence in the city’s local fare. I would be remiss not to share a couple of photos, which I snapped of meals during my visit: Lobster Bisque and crunchy, buttered bread, what I would call true “comfort food.” Have a look at the Chevre Quiche as well; bringing the combined decadence of goat cheese and quiche, to an entirely new level! Delicious!

Ink as an Art Form

2011-01-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

I personally own a Mac laptop, an iPhone 4 and an iPod, all of which I love and adore. However being a closeted neo-Luddite, I found myself growing nostalgic for old-fashioned ink. My initial idea was to find a classic fountain pen, with which to write notes to clients, friends and family. But, when I happened upon a compact Caran d’Ache pen, I immediately fell in love. Caran d’Ache is a Swiss brand better known for their beautiful colored pencils; but since purchasing one of their wonderful pens, I’ve found that I simply cannot stop sketching with it. I love feeling the way the ink glides from the tip onto paper and though my drawing skills may have a ways to go, the practice is a lot of fun!

From New York to London: an exciting close-up!

2011-01-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

While New York buckles down for yet another blizzard, Sotheby’s London prepares to welcome an exceptional private collection of Modern and Contemporary artwork. The collection is part of a preliminary two-day auction, currently being held at Sotheby’s New York house. In between meetings this morning, I briefly stopped in to see it myself. Amongst the impressive collection, are works by some of my favorite artists; included are pieces by Modigliani, Picasso, and Giacometti...as well as a couple of amazing mixed media pieces by Antoni Tapies. It is only showing for the next two days, so try to get there if you can. It is thrilling to see art that you admire in an auction setting as opposed to a museum, knowing someone very fortunate will get to own these pieces!

Click here to view Sotheby's catalogue yourself.

Happy Holiday Shopping

2010-12-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

Since books are the perfect last minute gift item, might I suggest two especially lovely ones (in which, I admit, I am featured).

The first, DETAILS by Lili Diallo, showcases my home in what I consider a very pragmatic and inspirational book, filled with helpful hints and lots and lots of wonderful images. Following are a few pix of my house and office.

The second book, Made To Order by noted designer Campion Platt, showcases my Glaze Flatweave rug in one of his gorgeous rooms.

Both books are available on Amazon and elsewhere. I recommend them highly - not only as gifts for others, but for yourselves as well.

Happy, happy holidays!

The James New York, Interior Design and Me

2010-12-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

I was so pleased to have worked on this great project - The James New York hotel - featured in the November issue of Interior Design. Check out our Boucle Pillows in the guest room and our super eco-friendly Grain Rug in the hotel's suite.

Celebrate the Holidays with Style and Savings!

2010-11-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

Double-Sided Throws

Just in time for holiday gift giving and for the first time ever, ALL Rosemary Hallgarten throws are on sale for the month of December! Every luxurious and eco-friendly throw is discounted either 10% off designer net or 30% off retail cost. With a wide range of throws, including the sleek, baby alpaca Ombre Throw, the colorful Double-Sided Throw, and the unbelievably plush Ultra Boucle Throw, there is a throw for every room and every decor!

Ultra Boucle Throw (pillows not on sale)

All Rosemary Hallgarten throws are available in showrooms throughout the United States or by contacting us at 203.259.1003.

Ombre Throws

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

New Product/New Launch

2010-11-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

In keeping with our commitment to produce eco-friendly products as well as support artists and the creative process, we are introducing the Alpaca Boucle and Suri Fur Pillow and the Felted Pillow, now in the new Limited Edition category on our website!

The Alpaca Boucle and Suri Fur Pillow is a chic combination of two of our bestselling pillows. These incredibly soft plush pillows are handcrafted in Peru using Suri fur remnants that would otherwise be discarded. The pillow's available in Chocolate Cube or White Stripes, as well as our custom boucle colors.

Each Felted Pillow in our Limited Edition category is unique and handmade by famed British textile designer Gloria Dale. Starting with balls of virgin merino lamb’s wool, Dale creates a one-of-a-kind felted pillow that is a true work of art and available only on our website.

Even Our Rug Pads Are Eco-Friendly

2010-11-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Since clients and showrooms are always asking us which pad to purchase for our rugs, I thought I'd share some information on the one that we recommend.

The Jade Green Rug Pad is made by Jade Industries exclusively for Chatalbash by Costikiyan. It's wonderfully eco-friendly since it's made from open cell all natural rubber and other renewable materials such as jute, a natural plant fiber. The pad contains no PVC's and is completely biodegradable. We've found that it lasts longer than other pads and makes for a sturdy foundation for our rugs. There's also less friction between the rugs and the pad, allowing for more rug stability. The Jade Green pads do not stain, mar or discolor flooring and can be easily vacuumed.

And best of all, in keeping with our commitment to be as friendly as possible to the environment - through a partnership between Costikiyan, Jade Industries and Trees for the Future - with every purchase of a Jade Green rug pad, a tree is planted in a developing country! Currently trees are being planted in India where deforestation and climate change have devastated many areas of the country.

I am especially proud to be associated through Jade Green with the wonderful Trees for the Future, which since 1988 has helped communities plant over 47 million trees worldwide.

Living Etc. Feature

2010-10-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled with the "Dream Weaver" feature story in the November issue of Living Etc. magazine. The article showcases me, my products and my home (and my two boys) with wonderful images taken by Stacy Bass.

Kips Bay Showhouse

2010-10-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the Opening Night Preview of The Kips Bay 2010 Show House. I was excited to see two of my Hand-painted pillows and an Ombre throw (see below) that the wonderful designer Jennifer Post chose for her penthouse space in the Show House. The space, consisting of a his and hers massage room, a lounge and an outdoor terrace, is not to be missed. I encourage everyone to go see this year's Show House, which is stunning and, most importantly, for a worthy cause.

Nobel Prize Win for Peru

2010-10-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Mario Vargas Llosa, the Peruvian author, for winning the 2010 Nobel Prize for Literature! A wonderful acknowledgment for an amazing writer and a native of my beloved Peru. For anyone looking to read a masterful book, I would especially recommend The War of the End of the World.

Please Vote

2010-10-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

I've entered two rugs - Lattice and Ombre Blocks - from my new ATELIER Collection in Interior Design's Best of Year (BOY) Awards 2010. Online voting began today and will continue until midnight on Sunday, 10/10/2010. Please show your support and vote for one of my rugs. Thanks in advance!

In COVER

2010-09-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

So pleased that the fabulous COVER magazine blog has featured my new ATELIER Collection (Lattice rug shown). Great blog, gorgeous magazine, and great to be in the company of such wonderful rug designers.

Introducing the ATELIER Collection

2010-09-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

My latest collection of rugs, the Atelier Collection, has officially launched and the rugs are arriving in showrooms this month. The six rugs in the Collection (shown above in this order: Ombre Stripes, Brushes, Stones, Ombre Blocks, Lattice, and Ombre Flatweave) are all handcrafted in Nepal in luxurious combinations of wool, silk, and linen. I was particularly inspired this year by my move into a new, atelier-like studio and my rugs reflect this painterly influence in both design and process. As always, they are all available in a wide range of custom colors and sizes. Enjoy!

The Pink Wishbone Chair Project

2010-09-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

I am very proud to be part of this year's Pink Wishbone Chair Project, which benefits breast cancer research. Working with Alexandra Champlimaud, who I greatly admire, was also a plus and I'm honored she chose my sisal rope fabric for her chair. Check out the recent Daily Fix entry at InteriorDesign.net featuring several of the chairs in the project (see above for an example) as well as information on the upcoming event.

Back to School

2010-08-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is almost officially over, as the mother of two young boys, I’ve been getting my household ready for back to school. It’s now time to think about school routines: buses, lunches, play dates, sports, and all the organization involved.

Active lifestyles with two active boys require sturdy home furnishings and since rugs are a primary focus in my business, I thought I’d suggest some durable ones. Any 60-knot wool rug or a flatweave is great for kids. I also love alpaca boucle rugs. I have one in our highly trafficked kitchen and it holds up really well. The kids love it because boucle is so soft and I love it because it’s reversible, which allows for lots of spills. And there's nothing like a cozy rug under your feet once the temperatures start dropping!

(pictured Glaze flatweave)

Handweaving in Nepal

2010-08-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Just got this wonderful photo from our mill in Nepal - showing several weavers working on the reverse side of a customized rug. The design is Falling Leaf and the weavers are busy making sure all the threads are pulled through.

Picasso in London

2010-08-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my recent trip to London was to visit the Gagosian gallery to see the exhibition of the ever-inspiring, witty genius Picasso. The work is from his later years in the South of France, on loan from family members and curated by John Richardson. Highlights for me are shown here: an erotic drawing on a door, a bikini clad woman created out of the curves of a large earthenware jug and his series of a bull which leaves me open mouthed with admiration and jealousy!

Change Is Good

2010-07-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

We've officially moved into our new space and we love it! The space is light, inviting and cheerful and hopefully the scene of lots and lots of creative energy!

Please note, our new office is

Rosemary Hallgarten Inc.

993 Post Road East

Westport, CT 06880

203.259.1003

Piles of pillows (note the one-of-a-kind felt pillows made by my Mum and soon to be available on the website and in showrooms).

The Fine Art of Ombre

2010-07-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the painterly qualities of ombre and have recently started to incorporate it in my products. The magical process of gradually changing a shade from dark to light or from one color to another is a beautiful serene and subtle expression on fabric and textiles. The above photograph is a potential colorway for one of the rugs in my upcoming Atelier Collection. These colors are actually blended together to create over 20 different shades in the final rug.

PERU PHILANTHROPY

2010-07-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

Keeping traditions alive and social responsibility has always been important to me and is the reason I started working in Peru, where work opportunities are very scarce. On my visit a few weeks ago, I spent time at a home for physically disabled and disadvantaged young women who come from the many hillside slums on the outskirts of cities.

Most of these young women pictured in the photos here are either orphans or have been disowned by their families. One young woman, still a child really and the victim of rape, holds her infant.

I am actively involved with several wonderful organizations in Peru and urge anyone wanting to help to check them out. In Peru, a little goes a long way.

Mum's Pillows

2010-07-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

My mother, now in her 80s, is a continual source of inspiration for me. Her latest creative outlet is one-of-a-kind pillows crafted from felt, which will soon be featured on my website in a new category called Limited Edition. The pillows shown in these photos were recently on display at the ALT for Living showroom ... and sold out immediately.

California Home + Design

2010-06-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

So pleased that my Braid rug was featured in the June issue of California Home + Design magazine's Trend Report.

Braid's chunky, naturally patterned combination of eco-friendly sisal and leather makes it perfect for summertime beach environments.

PERU JOURNAL, #1

2010-06-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

Spare me from Starbucks!

For me, the whole point of traveling, or the pleasure of travel, is to experience different things. Obviously in our global world this gets harder and harder. Stepping off the plane in the Lima airport I was looking forward to my usual freshly squeezed naranja/piña juice, queso y Jamon croissant and a cup of hot mate de coca. So I was very disappointed as I reached the top of the escalator to be confronted by a Starbucks, which I'm sure was not there in January when I was in Peru. No surprise, they have several in Lima proper together with Hooters, but I immediately felt as if I was back in the US instead of on another Peruvian adventure. (And I have to confess the temptation for an espresso fix was strong...but not that strong!)

PERU BOUND

2010-06-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

I can only go so long before feeling the strong pull to Peru. I've been going to this magical country for almost 8 years now and each time I go, I come back loving it more. It's a country that has claim to such interesting history and, of course, there are the Andes mountains - home to the treasured alpacas (see photo at left) who produce the fiber for so many of my products!

For my visit this June, I'll be focusing on several new designs in development, as well as meeting with my artisans and checking out colors, fibers, and samples.

Women In Business

2010-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal that I would like to share. Titled "Why Are Women-Owned Companies Smaller than Men-Owned Companies," the piece is timely and relevant for those of us women, in particular, who own our own businesses. I would love to hear any feedback about this somewhat dismaying information.

Book vs. Kindle

2010-05-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

I don't yet have an iPad (waiting impatiently for a lighter second generation) but I do have a Kindle. And while I may have embraced the change from one technology to another (from my blackberry to iPhone) with open arms, leaving paper for the electronic page is a different story. I love how portable the Kindle is. I love that I can just slip it into my bag at the last minute while hopping a train to Manhattan or rushing to the airport. However, after reading a couple of books on it - that I highly recommend - (Just Kids by Patti Smith, Man on Wire by Philippe Petit and I Shock Myself by Beatrice Wood) I craved to hold a real book in my hands, to have the whole visual feast of the novel available to me at one time instead of one click after another, and most importantly, to indulge in searching a bookstore to pick out a new book. Just as doodling on my iPhone is a fun thing to do from time to time (though I still prefer to put my main creative thoughts down on thick creamy paper), the Kindle is a great accessory. But nothing beats a real book.

Design on a Dime

2010-05-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

The Housing Works annual Design on a Dime is such a fabulous event for such a great cause. Besides knowing that your presence is helping Housing Works, it is also a wonderful venue for catching up with lots of friends in the design industry who are all too busy otherwise. I went with my good friend Analisse Taft of ALT for Living and we met up with John Robshaw - who does amazing printed bedding from India, as well as Kim Sebert, a friend of John's who he refers to as the "tabletop queen."

Alexander McQueen

2010-05-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

I have always been a huge Alexander McQueen fan and, of course, like many others was very saddened by his untimely death. He always took amazing and unique conceptual thinking and magically turned it into something beautiful, surprising and wearable. A true master of form and function!

I came across these flip flips (below) of his. I have flirted with doing a rug with a huge working zipper for years - and fell in love with these immediately! True to form, not only are the flip flops a great design but the zipper works perfectly so you can make them uniquely personal.

Creative Release!

2010-04-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Things seem to be getting better economy-wise. Retail reports growth (I am assured by my girlfriend who recently visited me from London with two teenage daughters that it is not just because of their personal spending spree!) and word-of-mouth in the design industry seems to suggest positive sales. Last year, as scared as the next person, I hunkered down, cut costs and spending. The hardest part was making myself not create many new designs - since with every new idea comes a pricetag in samples, photography etc. So the most exciting thing for me, as I seem to have survived and business is good, is that I can release myself and splurge on a much needed creative immersion. Yay!

Stay tuned for new products in the Fall.

One of many sketches for possible new product

Artisans vs Machines

2010-04-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

In a recent Architectural Digest issue, Nina Seirafi talked about the increased challenge for designers to find unique items. While I think it's great that much good design is now affordable, I couldn't agree more with her that we don't want all our homes to look the same. In our current economy, it's easy for a consumer to make the choice to buy something that provides instant gratification and is inexpensive. But it is also tough on small businesses who produce product that's handmade by artisans: the allure of quick and cheap production is always out there.

Working with artisans in Peru

I am developing some items that are more inexpensive and available to all because it allows me to have more fun with color and design. However, my English heritage has instilled in me the notion of filling a home with a collection of items built over time, each one with a memory attached. My priority as an artist and small business owner will always be to create individual and unique custom pieces. I love working with artisans, not machines.

My son Ziggy with an artisan in Peru

Hand-painted with Trim

2010-03-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a photograph of my hand-painted alpaca fabric in a recent installation in Los Angeles. I love how it looks with the trim!

The Mirasol Project

2010-03-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

I want to spotlight a wonderful organization that has been effectively fighting poverty and improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Peru since 2006. The Mirasol Project is named after a little girl (photo at left) named Mirasol who helps tend a herd of 3,000 alpaca high in the sierras of the Andes. Through the sales of the Mirasol Yarn Collection, the Project guarantees that Andean alpaca shepherds get a better trade for their yarn and, most importantly, the children are protected. Most recently a Mirasol boarding house was built that provides support for the children's physical, social and educational needs. I am very proud to be a supporter of this dynamic and dedicated Project!

Cosmic Ketchup

2010-03-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

I am often struck by how things happen in groups and in cycles. I'm sure there is some mathematical reason for it and we all talk about it in different ways. In England, for instance, where wet weather is a fact of life, we refer to this by saying "it never rains but it pours" or as a friend calls it "the ketchup factor" (remember how ketchup used to stick in a bottle and then come out in a big unexpected gulp?).

A typical product cycle can take a year to really take hold, but what strikes me is when products that I have had out for several years, which sold a lot for awhile but then slipped off radar, suddenly and for no apparent reason, come back in favor. I may not sell one design for a year and then in one week I received a number of orders for the same thing from entirely different areas of the country. I always remember, several years ago, the day that I decided to stop doing hand-embroidered pillows, I received an order for over 50 for a hotel project and they have been selling well ever since!

As I write this, my hand-knotted alpaca rugs - so organic, luxurious and fluffy, are spurting out of the cosmic ketchup bottle!

Detail from my Ripple alpaca rug

GoodWeave Teamwork

2010-03-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

The 2010 GoodWeave Rug Sourcebook is completed and ready to debut at the Architectural Digest show in a few weeks. As you know, we have been a proud member of GoodWeave (RugMark) for some time. Rosemary Hallgarten Inc is included in the Sourcebook, along with a wonderful group of rug designers.

I know that our clients are increasingly committed to buying rugs that are child labor free and where a percentage of profit helps to ensure that children in Nepal are educated. The Sourcebook is a wonderful reminder of how a team of dedicated people can make needed changes and raise awareness for important issues.

If you are interested in receiving a printed copy of the Sourcebook, please contact us at info@rosemaryhallgarten.com.

Brushes Rocks

2010-02-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with my love affair with my iPhone, a friend recently introduced me to the Brushes app - and I am totally addicted. It's a wonderfully inspiring app for any artist - I recommend it highly. Here's a few of my doodlings, including one by my son, Ziggy:

Visiting Peru

2010-02-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

I always look forward to my trips each year to Peru. It gives me a chance to visit a country that I love, see the community of artisans and their families that I have been so fortunate to work with for over 7 years, and also to oversee the production on my products created there. Since I started working with Peruvian alpaca fibers, I've noticed a growing awareness on the part of other designers on the incredible softness, durability and sustainability of the fleece of these wonderful animals.

I recently returned from a visit to Peru. As always I'm filled with pride for the wonderful work being done there, and inspiration to continue to create product that celebrates the wonders of alpaca. Following are some photos of the process of creating the alpaca fibers that go into my products.

Switching Partners

2010-02-08T10:30:00.001-08:00

Like many people I am an email junkie. I have also been a devoted blackberry slave for years. I had the old Pearl and loved how easily it fit in my black fringe clutch. I loved the blinking light to tell me that someone wanted my attention, and loved how easy it was to type and was always one step ahead of me in choosing the words I wanted. My husband bought me an iphone for my birthday two years ago, because I had mentioned I wanted one, but as soon as the prospect of making the switch became a reality, I couldn't do it. I never fully committed to my new friend, going out with him, yes, telling him how much I wanted him, yes, but all the while cheating with my old familiar blackberry. I made myself feel better by telling myself, like my fellow blackberry snobs, that the iphone was nothing more than a plaything, the blackberry was for serious business.

Finally, well, I could take the dual life no longer and left the iphone at the bottom of the drawer, to be brought out months later as a phone for my 10 year old son's birthday. Time went by, and the nagging feeling that I was missing out on the world grew....It didn't feel cool anymore to have nothing on my technological blankie but phone and email. I wanted music, I wanted movies and most of all I wanted all those sexy apps. I have been making a general effort to actually act on desired change rather than just imagine and ignore it. So, the first step was to get a certificate towards the 3G using Amex miles. For a week, the shiny black gift card sat in my wallet, taunting the blackberry resting right next to it. Then finally, I went into Manhattan for a couple of meetings and carved out a good hour to devote to my planned purchase. The downtown store was nearly empty and I walked defiantly in and confessed that I was a reluctant and nervous potential convert. I was kindly shown how easy and painless the transfer would be. At the first opportunity I said thank you and fled, blackberry in hand. It wasn't until the following week that I mustered the courage to walk into the store again and take the leap.

And? I do miss the flashing red light and don't like that I have to be proactive and seek out email. I liked it chasing me better. BUT I have downloaded my music, starting collecting my apps and am just enjoying the change. For someone for whom the visual is so important, how could I not fall in love?

GoodWeave for a Good Cause

2010-01-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

I am very proud of my association with RugMark/GoodWeave and have been a passionate supporter of this wonderful organization for years - all my rugs handcrafted in Nepal are GoodWeave certified. Recently Robyn Griggs Lawrence, the Editor-in-Chief of Natural Home in an article on design trends, listed GoodWeave certified rugs among the top five interior design trends for 2010. She says: Flat, woven rugs are in. If you're in the market, make sure yours isn't made by a child - Purchase chic rugs from socially responsible companies. Look for the GoodWeave label to ensure your new rug wasn't made by children.
To read the full piece: 2010 Predictions: Interior Design Trends

The Joan Hamburg Show

2010-01-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I was interviewed on the Joan Hamburg Show for the radio show’s Launch Pad segment. Following a very interesting chat with Chris Matthews, Joan and her "serial entrepreneur" daughter Liz talked to me about being an entrepreneur and starting my own company. I never really think of myself as an "entrepreneur" - I am just lucky enough to be able to make a living doing something I feel passionate about. But this came after years of hard work and mistakes, which Joan, Liz and I talked about a little. My advice was to focus on something that you love and be prepared to really work hard, including, like me, working two jobs for awhile (the point being that at least one of them should be giving you a regular salary while you build and invest in your dream!). And that you have to keep pushing forward – in the early days when it was really hard sometimes I just had to tell myself to keep going every day - you may not be successful if you keep going, but there is no chance at all of success if you don't. For me the other thing that I think propelled me forward was never saying no, if your instinct says you can do it, say yes and then find a way to make it happen!

To hear the interview, please go to

http://www.wor710.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=4323976

I've added a few photos here of me and my current studio, which shows the culmination of a dream that started so many years ago.

The MUM diaries

2010-01-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

The photo above is of my mum, Gloria Finn, in Italy in the 1960s. Recently I went to see the wonderful Bauhaus exhibit at MoMA and was reminded again about the role my mother played in the art scene over the years. Looking at Anni Albers' incredible weavings at MoMA, I remembered stories of my mother working with Albers, as well as a number of other famous and influential artists.

So I decided to start a little biography of my mum on this blog, along with some photos of her. As many know, I am a second generation artist, following, in many ways, in my mother's footsteps. So I am proud to be the one who gets to tell some of her story.

Please stay tuned for more Mum entries to come!

MUM

My mother arrived in Rome May 1960 having traveled from Madrid by plane. There was no one to meet her - she had 10 lessons in Italian under her belt and a room at the famous Hotel Eden. However, when she arrived there was no room available at the Eden. Thankfully the telephonist took pity on her and took her in for the night.

She was in Italy thanks to a grant awarded to her by Greta Daniel, assistant to Philip Johnson. Mum had already had a big show of her rugs at the Grace Borgenicht gallery in New York. The grant was for “Barag” who owned Aldon rugs, and it was $2,500 to go to Italy and create twelve artist-designed rugs.

Her hostess in Italy was Caresse Crosby (who had been married to the Bostonian heir Harry Crosby - who had committed suicide supposedly as a result of a love affair in 1929, on December 10, which just happens to be my birthday). My mother knew Caresse socially in Washington, DC. Caresse (originally Mary Jane Jacobs) had bought a castle in Rieti, Italy for $16,000. She had grand plans to start an art center. With the castle came the Papal gift of the title "Principessa," which pleased Mary Jane/Caresse immensely. She was not quite so happy when she discovered that along with her "Principessa" title, came the privilege of providing shoes for all the village inhabitants. In response, Caresse suggested she had something better to offer: an expert rug maker who, along with contemporary American and Italian artists and architects, would come and teach the local ladies the craft of rug hooking.

Softer Than a Cloud

2010-01-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

I started having a few baby blankets made over the years for family and friends. They were such a hit and have lasted the test of time so well, that I've decided to offer them on my website. They are incredibly soft, being handmade using the same plush alpaca (see below) boucle weave from my best-selling throws and fabric. So far no baby, including the sweet little girl in the photo, can resist the cuddly softness and light weight warmth. You can check them out and order them directly from my site at www.rosemaryhallgarten.com.

Airports as portals to adventure

2010-01-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Recently I was at JFK, picking up my mother, who was visiting from England. I love airports, especially those with the prospect of international travel. I love waiting at arrivals, seeing people come out from all different destinations: huge families from India with toppling luggage cards, couples from some warm climate arriving with tans and shorts - determined to preserve their vacations as long as possible as they drag their luggage out into the New York freeze. I want to talk to all of them about their adventures! I have promised myself that one day I will turn up at an airport, look up at the departure board (like George Clooney in "Up in the Air") and just pick a place to go.

We Won a Davey Award!

2010-01-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

What a way to start 2010! The Rosemary Hallgarten website was just awarded a Silver Davey Award in the retail category - from the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA). The Davey Awards is an international creative award focused exclusively on recognizing creative work from the best small firms worldwide. Congrats to KG Partners, who created my site, for winning one gold and three silver awards from a selection of over 4,000 entries. For more information on the award, go to http://www.kgmoment.com/agency/news/item/KG_Partners_Honored_with_Four_Davey_Awards

Faces of Freedom Exhibit

2010-01-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

I'm very proud to have one of my rugs featured in the Faces of Freedom exhibit curated by GoodWeave. My rug, Silhouette (left side in the image), hangs in the World Bank building in Washington, D.C. where it will be on display, along with the stunning photographs of the talented U. Roberto Romano, until January 31, 2010. Romano's heartfelt and mesmerizing photos taken during visits to India, Nepal and Pakistan reinforce my commitment to supporting RugMark/GoodWeave in this extraordinary program that rescues children from the horrors of child labor in the carpet industry and provides them with the opportunity to embark on a new life. The GoodWeave label is the best assurance that the rug you purchase is child-labor free. For more information on the exhibition, please check out:http://www.homeanddesign.com/content.asp?contentid=952

Rosemary Hallgarten News January/February 2009

2009-12-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

The first of Rosemary’s speaking engagements in 2009 will be at Design San Francisco - The Annual Conference for Design Professionals on Friday, February 6 at the San Francisco Design Center.

Joining a panel of industry experts from Western Interiors magazine and Decorati, Rosemary and her colleagues will discuss the very timely topic of branding: You as a Brand: How to Expand Your Business. Those fortunate enough to attend will get tips on a wide range of topics, including how to promote your brand and what partnerships to develop in these challenging times. The panel will be moderated by Michael Wollaeger, Editor-in-Chief, Western Interiors magazine.

Time: 1pm – 2:30pm
Location: De Sousa Showroom, Showplace 299
   San Francisco Design Center
   2 Henry Adams Street
   San Francisco, CA

Coming events: Rosemary will be featured at West Week in Los Angeles in March and at the Marketplace Design Center in Philadelphia in May.