take it to the floor

2012 New Collections

2012-02-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

This year, we debuted 4 new collections at the 2012 markets in both Atlanta and Las Vegas; Natural Wool Houndstooth, Elmwood, Tiburon and Brooklyn.
The trends this year consisted of natural tones, warm hues and texture.

In response to the expanding palette of neutrals in the market, we added 8 new polypropylene colors to our offering that includes grays, browns and naturals.
Additionally, we introduced new constructions and color pairings that provide style and design that is both transitional and practical.

Take a peek below for additional info and photos of the new collections.

Natural Wool Houndstooth
All natural, un-dyed wools come together in a unique cablelock tweed design creating a Houndstooth pattern. A highly durable and eco-friendly option that adds sophistication and comfort.
Available in 6 colorways: Cream, Latte, Tea, Caramel, Cocoa, Espresso.

Natural Wool Houndstooth Collection - HD36-Espresso, HD31-Cream, HD33-Tea

Natural Wool Houndstooth Collection - HD32-Latte, HD34-Caramel, HD36-Espresso

texture shot of natural wool houndstooth - HD36 Espresso

Natural Wool Houndstooth Collection - HD32 Latte rug and basket

Elmwood
A soft, easy blend of natural tones with just a hint of color creating a design that works with any pattern. Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. Constructed of flat braid wool-blend and polypropylene yarns.
Available in 6 colorways: Stonewash, Denim, Tarragon, Rosewood, Evergold and Bark.

Elmwood Collection - EM59-Denim, EM79-Rosweood, EM99-Bark

Elmwood Collection - EM49-Stonewash, EM89-Evergold, EM69-Tarragon

Tip: If you're a fan of lots of pattern, try the Elmwood rug under a bed dressed in multi-colored quilts or use it in a living room to create a soft, beach-like feel.

Brooklyn
A fun, updated design to a traditional shape in natural, earthy colors.
Combining both flat and cablelock constructions gives this rug the added element of texture.
Made of 100% polypropylene
Indoor/outdoor
Available in 7 colorways: Brownstone, Slate, Blue Haze, Moss, Terracotta, Natural, Amber Way

Brooklyn Collection - BN19-Brownstone, BN89-Natural

Brooklyn Collection - BN79-Terracotta

Tiburon

An updated shape takes a traditional flat braiding mix of natural and earthy tones to create warmth and style.

100% polyproplene.

Indoor/Outdoor

Available in 6 colorways: Stone Blue, Dockside, Misted Gray, Spruce Green, Rusted Rose, Sandstorm.

Tiburon Collection - TB69-Spruce Green, TB79-Rusted Rose, TB49-Misted Gray, TB09-Stone Blue

Tiburon Collection - TB19-Dockside, TB89-Sandstorm, TB49-Misted Gray

Tiburon Collection - TB79-Rusted Rose runner and basket

New collections are currently being added to our website and will officially be ready to order March 1.

Please feel free to contact us for more information regarding these new collections.

Comments welcome!

Thank you!

Meredith

shapes and stripes and black and white. . . fringed

2011-09-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

1. zig zeb necklace - howkapow via design sponge, 2. braided rug - cmi, 3.layland embellished cami top - Diane von Furstenburg at Bloomingdales 4. feathered geometry scarf - anthropologie 5. lourdes sanchez zebra fish pillow cover - west elm 6. zebra shoe - topshop, 7. code vase - cb2

Geometric patterns and play with shapes, stripes and animal prints has been a current trend in fashion, and mixed with the sharp contrast of black and white. . . the look is bold and certainly creates a statement.
I thought I'd take part in all the fun and came up with this runner shown above.
The flat braid wool blend yarn helps to play down the sharpness of the geometric shapes in the design and contrasting color and the added fringe gives an element of texture and fun.
Hope you like it!

-Meredith

An Inside Look. . . Rug Design

2011-08-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

At CMI, rug design doesn't fall into one category.

Yes. . . we make braids. . . but trust me, the possibilities for how those braids come together are truly endless. From color, yarn type, shape, design and braid construction. . . the outcome of each design can vary significantly.

To show you, I'm going give you a bit of glimpse inside how some of these designs come together.
We'll take a look at 4 different designs and the process taken to achieve the desired style, aesthetic, color palette and design.

There are a few things to take into consideration when beginning the design process:

1. Yarn preference - polypropylene for stain resistance or outdoor placement, all natural wool, wool blend, chenille, spacedye, fabric
2. Color
3. Design - geometric, solid, multi, tweed, etc
4. Construction - flat braid, double braid, cablelock, fabricord, fabraid
5. Shape - oval, round, rectangle, square, octagon

It is important to note that none of these factors above work alone. They are all dependent on how each is used in conjunction with the other. Whether you are creating a solid colored rug that incoporates various constructions for texture in a geometric design or a blend of various yarns and fabrics that come together to create a desired color palette, each element plays a role.

As with most design processes, there is typically an inspirational element with which to start from.
For this particular rug, I was initially inspired by the pattern seen int hese Nerokomi ceramic cups designed by Japanese artist Yusuke Aida.

Below is a drawing that follows a similar pattern and serves as a guide for manufacturing to follow.

Because of the sharp lines and geometric angles, I decided to incorporate some natural elements to break it down into something quieter. You can imagine how using deeply saturated and bright colors could have a completely different effect when using this design. The 100% natural wool yarn gives an overall soft texture and appearance, however the placement of the colors maintains some contrast allowing the design to still stand out. By then incorporating a few different textures through various braid constructions we were able to create an additional dimensional quality.

Cablelock and Flat braid in 100% natural wool

The rug is sewn first as one large piece, cut, finished on the inside edges, then pieced together, as shown here. The final finishing will be the serging of the edges.

Finished product shown in the cmi Las Vegas showroom

The criteria for this next design was that it had to be indoor/outdoor, solid neutral color with a lot of texture for interest.
To do this, we came up with a diamond style design that incorporated smaller sized diamonds throughout the rug to add a linear aspect and create a pattern. Within each diamond, we used alternating constructions for texture and dimension, but kept the pattern in sync by alternating these 2 constructions consistently throughout the rug.

Drawing of rug pattern and direction of braid

Additionally, we used a taupe colored, naturalized polypropylene yarn. This yarn is suitable for outdoor applications and through a process where the fibers are wound, the yarn is given a texturized and natural aesthetic.

Finished product

In some cases, the rug design is based on color alone.
When using our yarns or fabrics in creating a braided rug, durability is a known factor. The reality of braids having been a floor covering tradition due to their ability to withstand high traffic areas and last for generations, makes choosing a braid based only on color, completely doable and worry free.
As in the image below, where a designer used their fabric choices and paint colors to then create a coordinating rug.
A simple flat continuous braid construction combing both wool and polypropylene in green and natural will serve as the perfect floor covering to compliment the fine detail in the fabric and pick up on the more subtle colors being used throughout the space.
A flat continuous braid is best described as a hair braid, with 3 parts.
You can see the designers came up with 2 options to work with.
One option using 2/3 green polypropylene yarn, 1/3 natural wool; the other using 2/3 natural wool, 1/3 green polypropylene yarn. Even this simple change in where you place the color, can impact the entire rug and therefore overall space.
(this project is currently in the works. . . blog post soon to follow!)

Two coordinating options to work with fabrics, painted floor and wall colors.

This last design incorporates a banded style that allows for some division and clear definition of each color pattern, but requires a focus on color agreement to create a design that is attractive and coordinating.
In each band, the color combination is different and the use of this color is dependent on how it combines with the other colors in the band, as well as in the adjacent bands.
The yarn choice was chosen for its indoor/outdoor quality, as well as it's bright colors.
We wanted a fun rug that could liven up a space indoors or out.

Using a flat braid construction enabled us to play around with a lot of color.
You can see how color combination and band placement places a role in the overall design. For example, by using the lightest combination of green, yellow and white as the center band, it allows your eye to not get "caught" in the middle of the rug and adds a softness to an otherwise, not so soft rug. Keeping the boldest band on the outside with the most color gives you that defined border from which to then work inward and your eye continues to do so because of the replication of the orange color once again on an inside band closer to the center.
Below, interior designers at Wells & Fox used the same pattern and idea, however selected colors specific to their customers interior needs.

You can see how the designer chose blues, taupes, reds and some green to be used in the rug. As mentioned above, the color and band placement is important. The 2nd blue band stands out and your eye continues through the rest of the rug when it picks up the blue used in the center in another combination.
The rug, seen below in the customer's home, is used in a pool room, therefore making the use of polypropylene yarns significant so as to prevent mildew and stain. Looks great!

This is only a glimpse into some of the design possibilities!
I hope you'll be back for more. . .
Thanks for reading!

-Meredith

Trending Braids

2011-08-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

During a recent flight back from designing our new showroom in Las Vegas at the World Market Center, B431, I was looking through some fashion and home magazines.

In the pages of Elle and Traditional Home, I found a few products by some of the world's top designers utilizing a new trend. . . braiding!! You can only imagine my excitement! Braids!?! ok. . .but it was pretty cool to see Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere and Ralph Lauren incorporating the idea of braiding into their products as a way to add texture and dimension.

Texture is a story and trend that continues to be a strong piece in the fashion and home furnishings markets.

How we use these textures and incorporate pattern and design is what keeps it interesting.

Braided clutch - Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Fall 2011. image via purseblog

Braided leather clutch - Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Fall 2011. image via purseblog

Pierson Floor Lamp in Saddle Braided Leather - Ralph Lauren Home

Braided Tote bag - Anthropologie

CMI double braid

A fun and innovative way to use texture and pattern to create some stylish new looks.

Hope you enjoyed!

~Meredith

Pattern Play

2011-07-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to create a collection of rugs for a company who focuses primarily on bedding . On my desk last week sat 2 of their best selling pillow shams.
Both fairly traditional motifs that appear frequently in many of today's well known catalogs.
The first being a blend of various patterns and colors that evokes that warm, welcoming home feeling and remains to be somewhat of a timeless style. The second drawing upon the recent Mediterranean style trend with bright white and blue and pops of green.
Here is a quick glimpse. . .

So this raises the question. . .what kind of braided rug coordinates with something so packed with pattern and color?
Each pattern is beautiful and the options for coordinating rugs seem endless.
The answer, ultimately lies in the taste and style of the end consumer. However, I think there are 3 key areas we can focus on that will help make that choice easier.

1. Neutral and Natural with texture for dimension.
The natural color palette continues to be a strong trend that is mixing with texture to pump up an otherwise bland rug. The play on texture gives a simple rug the extra dimension needed to keep the floor from falling flat when combined with various patterns and colors, but maintains that natural and earthy feel.
This style is seen in many of the most popular home furnishing catalogs today.

West Elm - Greek key duvet cover and shams shown with natural textured rug

Pottery Barn - butterfly poppy quilt shown with natural textured rug

By mixing various braid constructions and patterns, these rugs create a texture that provides style and comfort

cmi rug - air-entangled polypropylene rug in alternating flat and cablelock braid constructions

cmi rug - naturalized polypropylene rug in a wide stripe design using flat and cablelock braid constructions

2. Soft and Understated
To bring color into a space that already seems to have a lot going on can seem like a challenge if you tend to shy away from too much color.
Selecting a softer hue or tone of the color in your bedding or using one of the less dominant colors can work to create a soft and complimentary color palette that will not challenge those in your bedding.

Garnet Hill - Spot on Quilt with soft green rug

Pottery Barn - Neena patchwork quilt with soft blue rug

cmi rug - soft blues and taupes in a flat braid oval construction

cmi rug - muted brown and neutrals in a flat braid contoured rectangle construction

cmi rug - grays, taupes and pale green combine in a flat braid tweed design

cmi rug - all natural wool in a herringbone tweed

3. Bold and Linear to add the perfect amount of contrast

One more approach that is a bit more daring for some, but certainly pays off in creating some fun and inspiring spaces.
By adding color in a geometric and linear dimension, you are creating a contrasting design to the pattern play that is happening in your bedding selection. Using a stripe or geometric design gives the eye a nice diversion to the various patterns and colors that repeat themselves in the a floral or paisley motif. It provides you with that clean line that creates order and draws your eye to the other areas of the space.

photo via Elle Decor - interior designer Michael S. Smith

photo via Elle Decor - designer Sig Bergamin

photo via Lonny Mag - designer Bunny Williams

William Sonoma - block printed medallion duvet with red stripe rug

cmi rug - heather-ed gray and white stripe alternating flat and cablelock braid

cmi rug - blue and white stripes in an oval construction utilizing both flat and cablelock braids

cmi rug - diagonal stripes using heather-ed yarn

cmi rug - Allure Haystack wool blend stripe

cmi rug - Portico Chile polypropylene stripe

Patterns can certainly provide you with various looks and styles and rugs can help to accentuate the design and bring the space together.
Enjoy!
-Meredith

Hues of Blue

2011-06-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Nothing new about blue. . . right? Been around for quite some time.
It holds an element of nature as seen in the ocean and the sky. Historically, it has been used in military clothing or, in some countries, to signify royalty and later used as a social staple in the blue jean.
Home furnishings have used blue for its ability to create feelings of stability and masculinity when deep and saturated or brings a calming and serene atmosphere in lighter shades.

Recently, however, there has been a new trend of blues that has been popping up in home accessories, wall coverings and clothing. Bright blues, dark blues, soft blues, green blues, purple blues. . . and they are all enticing and refreshing.
When combined with texture and pattern, blue can really bring your room alive and give you that bold, fresh pop or calm, soothing effect you need. In fact, it can often do both in one space.

1. chandelier - anthropologie 2. print - Tina Mammoser via design*sponge 3. dress - j.crew
4. notebook - Les Toiles Du Soleil via elledecor 5. shoes - anthropologie 6. pillows - Tamara Magel via elledecor
7. ottoman - serena&lily

These interior spaces make use of various shades of blue to create an overall look that is stunning, clean and comfortable.
(take a look here to see what top designers have to say about decorating with blue)

Room design - Michele Bonan via Lonny Mag
Portico rug in nautica - cmi. Parkview rug in night sky- cmi

Room design - Victoria Hagan Interiors
Westminster rug in federal blue - cmi. Allure rug in polo blue - cmi.

Room design - Ghislaine Vinas Interior Design
Montego rug in blue burst - cmi. Ridgvale rug in whipple blue - cmi.

Room design - Michael Smith
Parkview rug in puddle blue - cmi.
Jefferson rug in blue ribbon - cmi.

I hope these images provide some inspiration for you to get decorating with all the hues of blue out there today. Enjoy!
For more blue rugs and accessories from cmi and where to buy click here.

The Hour of the Flower

2011-05-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

Flowers are everywhere it seems. Just budding across the spreads of fashion magazines and right into our clothes and accessories . . .

photo via Elle - Spring 2011 Fashion Essentials

It is spring afterall, and it's time for gardens, weddings, sun dresses and even flowy flowery hair (see coco+kelley)

Feminine, flirty and fun. These flowers are adding just the right pop of color in a very sweet way.
And guess what. . .

photo via free people

I've got some fun little flower treats for you. We took some floral fabric and mixed them together to create some baskets and rugs to bring some flirty fun to your life. Because who doesn't need a little of that to remind us that those warmer, sunny days are just around the corner. . . right?

spring mix floral rug - cmi

spring mix floral basket - cmi

Contact cmi for more info and where to get some. thanks! or email here

Porch Punch

2011-05-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and the sun is shining. . . finally!

Busy week and I am so grateful to be sitting here on my front porch with my daughter (upstairs having "quiet time.") singing to herself about flowers and coloring.

Been a bit since I posted so I figured why not just jump right in.

The truth is I've been wanting to post about my porch makeover that was focused around my new rug, but I've been waiting until I get all things in place. Well. . . sneak peek into my daily life. . . it's not all in place.

At least the RUG is in place.

Here's where we're at so far. . .

I chose a color palette that had various neutral tones with just small pops of color to liven it up a bit and be a nice contrast to the wood floors and slatted ceiling, but compliment the white trim as well. I'm thinking of even painting the shingles white.
The yarn itself is a mix of both Sunbrella acrylic and polypropylene. They are both stain-mildew resistant and extremely easy to take care of. First color and then content were my priorities and I actually like how the softness of the acrylic and the slight sheen of the polypropylene work together.

Also, I chose for the braids to run the length of the rug so as to really expand the space and tie the two ends of the porch together. They've always seemed to function so separately and now the space is far more cohesive, and even feels larger. The rug brings you from one end to another.

The size is a bit narrower so that it functions somewhat like a runner and allows for the floor to show.

Enjoy the weekend! Off to get ready for my porch cocktails. . .

ESKAYEL Fabric Baskets

2011-05-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Eskayel Dynasty fabric

Eskayel Dynasty-Galileo basket

Very excited to be writing about these new baskets created for NY based design studio, Eskayel.
I first came across founder, Shanan Campanaro's designs when her new Era Collection was featured on design*sponge.
Immediately I was drawn to the intricate and detailed patterns and thoughtful use of color. Her collections are modern and elegant, yet calming and artistic. Beautifully done.
So you can imagine my delight when we got together to create these one of a kind baskets using her fabrics.
Shanan hand selected some of her fabrics and grouped them together according to pattern and color to create the overall look of each basket.

Eskayel Aquarius - Sapphire fabric

Fabric sliced and in cord form ready to be sewn into basket

Fatima sewing the base of the basket

Finished - Eskayel Aquarius Feudal Facet basket

The fabric itself is pretty amazing so it was cool to see how it would translate into this form. I'm loving it.

You can view and shop Eskayel's entire collection of fabric, wallpaper, wall hangings, artwork, pillows and baskets here.

A huge thanks to Shanan for being so great. . . and talented!

Check Eskayel out at the ICFF May 14-17. more info here

For more photos follow after the jump. . .

Eskayel Splatter Spell fabric

Fabric in cord form

Finished - Eskayel Splatter Spell fabric basket

Graham & Brown

2011-05-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Super stylish and easy to use wallpaper from Graham & Brown can be seen here in the displays and vingettes of our updated showrooms which debuted in Atlanta and Las Vegas this year.

cmi's Atlanta showroom using Graham & Brown's Nottingham Cream wallpaper

Graham & Brown - Nottingham Cream wallpaper

I loved this wallpaper for many reasons. At $60 a roll I was able to find something that was both stylish and incredibly easy to use. We had a fairly tight budget for the redo of our showroom interiors and were doing all of the work ourselves. Therefore, we need something that was going to be quick and easy. And of course. . . it had to look good!

The interior space was to introduce our 7 new collections, our stunning photography (Adam Schneider) and reflect cmi's fresh new image.

I wanted the space to act a bit like a home. So when you walked into the showroom you really felt you were experiencing a space you could live in. The wallpaper worked to tie all of this together and give it an additional dimension. And with Graham & Brown's paste the wall technique, you just had to stick it on. Granted . . . I was not the one that did the actual pasting of the wallpaper. But, my "workerbee" (boss) did say he was impressed with how easy and quick it was. Wish I could say the same for all the painting we did.

The first vingette, shown above, highlights rugs from our Perspective Collection, offering a more modern look through construction and content.

Shear Natural, a 100% un-dyed all natural wool adds a wonderful element of texture while being eco-conscious, a very current trend in design. (see Nature + Texture = Responsibile Style) The modern contoured rectangle shape with small accent stripe keeps the form simple, yet updated.

The Allure collection offers a striped, rectangle design in a sophisticated color palette of grays and neutrals with gentle pops of muted green, teal and mauve. All wool blend adds to the softness and warmth of this collection.

The organic and natural feeling of it all made the Nottingham Cream wallpaper a perfect fit with it's forest-like design, neutral tones and soft metallic highlights for a bit of contemporary flare.

cmi's Atlanta showroom using Graham & Brown's Frames wallpaper

Graham & Brown - Frames wallpaper

The first time I saw this wallpaper was quite a while ago, but I couldn't wait to use it somewhere. So I just bought a roll thinking I would put it on a wall in my daughter's playroom at some point. At $45 a roll. . . why not?!

As I began developing our product line and concept for the showrooms, I realized this would be the perfect fit for our Generation Collection display. It's funky, fun and creative.

The softness of the chenilles and gentle ticking colors in our juvenille rugs offer a nice balance next to the black and white of the wallpaper. And with the uneven edges of the frames, the playfulness really comes through.

It also creates a space for visitors and customers to leave their mark! I can't wait to see how the wall develops over the next markets.

In Las Vegas, our 2 national sales managers (who I will leave nameless) chose to get a little creative with the wall as we will be moving spaces for the August 2011 market. Quite entertaining. But, don't look too close. . . they were in Vegas after all.

vegas

For a full peak at our showroom makeover with before and after photos follow after the jump

Let me know what you think!

break down

why isn't she working?

Graham & Brown - paste the wall

Graham & Brown Frames wallpaper

Graham & Brown Nottingham Cream wallpaper

painting

later purple. . .

still painting . . .

back wall

is it straight?

cmi Atlanta showroom - BEFORE

cmi Atlanta showroom - AFTER

cmi Atlanta showroom - BEFORE

cmi Atlanta showroom - AFTER

cmi Atlanta showroom - BEFORE

cmi Atlanta showroom - AFTER

cmi Atlanta showroom - BEFORE

cmi Atlanta showroom - AFTER

Modern Tradition

2011-04-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

just a quick post today. 2 pictures I love and had to share to show you how traditional can be oh so stylish when used the right way.
Becuase this could totally be my bedroom.(minus the guitar - if it were in my room it would only be so I look cool, not because I can actually play) Or even someone youngish and super hip.
Regardless. . . it all works and doesn't take a huge amount of effort.
Understated, somewhat modern, but also a bit traditional to keep it simple yet comfortable.
The braid here is a very traditional use of color, where the yarn itself is dyed incrementally creating what we call a "space-dye." When braided together the colors fall somewhat randomly throughout the rug. It is 100% wool.
The shape, however, is a contoured rectangle, adding a bit of updated flare, rather than the traditional oval.
Loving the color and the vibe this room is giving off.

ridgevale classic medley - cmi.

Here is a very traditional, wool blend rug. Both pattern, shape and content are traditional. However, the color palette incorporates grays and purples and used in this kind of setting it takes on a completely different style than one may expect from this kind of rug.
Exposed brick and the vanity with vintage looking stool. . . all comes together so nicely.

boston common purple haze - cmi.

photos - Adam Schneider

Nature + Texture = Responsible Style

2011-04-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

There is no question that today we are becoming more aware of the products we use in our homes, put in our bodies, and lay our children to sleep on. Sustainable, local, natural, organic, eco-friendly are all words that over the past few years have become a regular part of our vocabulary and increasingly large factors for how and what we buy.

In a NYTimes article about the 2011 Milan Furniture Fair, sustainable design was sited as one of the strongest design trends.
Despite the recent recession, many companies have found a niche in offering sustainable and natural products due to the continued growth in demand in this area. Consumers are able tap into their need to be environmentally conscious, without sacrificing style or function.
Additionally, the emergence of the sustainable, natural product has had a significant impact on the developing trend of texture. The two often going hand in hand, merging together to create a pleasing aesthetic that lends itself to another popular trend of mixing styles.
As many of us adjust to the current economic situation, changes in technology and global influences, as do our tastes and style. Design is enormously affected by what goes on in our world. The sustainable trend along with the idea that we want to make our spaces more personal and reflect "us" versus one particular style has designers incorporating various products and elements. Take a look below for some natural things (cmi rugs, of course) and spaces that are "mixing" it up. enjoy!

clockwise from top left: driftwood hurricane - anthropologie, organic ruched throw - west elm, natural flooring - restoration hardware, eileen fisher organic linen cargo pants - garnet hill, valencia bowls - sundance, wool flat-weave herringbone rug made by cmi using 100% natural wool- restoration hardware

Interior spaces that beautifully combine natural textured elements with both traditional and modern pieces . . .

Interior space of the barn at the California home of designer, Patrick Printy and his partner Dan Holland. The space incorporates a reclaimed wood console, antique French chairs, vintage Eames chairs and other found items. Click here for the entire story and gallery from elleDECOR.

Living room as seen on design*sponge sneak peek featuring a reclaimed barn wood coffee table and other various finds. click here to see the post and images on design*sponge online.

Restoration Hardware bedroom featuring 100% all natural wool flat-weave herringbone rug made by cmi

Shear Natural collection from cmi's standard line, featuring 100% all natural un-dyed wool in a flat braid construction.

Shear Natural Collection - Rockport Gray - cmi

Texture shot of dark gray all natural wool

CMI article in HFN

2011-04-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.hfnmag.com/floor-coverings-rugs/cmi-debuts-redesigned-website

Orange you glad

2011-04-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is here!! The sun is starting to shine (not quite today but it did yesterday for a bit) and I'm starting to feel like I need some blasts of color in my life. Winter is thankfully over and all I keep thinking about is how much I am loving the signs of spring. Cheery days ahead!

My 3 year old has been freaking out at the site of any and every flower sprouting in our yard and I have to say I love and share her enthusiasm.

Orange has been a color that has certainly been showing its popularity over the last year. And as we enter the spring/summer months, its bright and inviting hues have us feeling good. So before this cheery color leaves us for other emerging trends, I want to share some products that add just the right punch of orange to carry us through these fun few months.

1. Climbing Vines Curtain-Anthropologie 2. Artistic Avian Vase-Anthropologie 3. Montego Tangerine Rug-CMI 4. Lorrie Vase-Crate&Barrel 5. Orange Bathroom-ElleDECOR 6. Positano Diamonds Pillow-Jonathan Adler 7. Silk Driving Scarf-J.Crew 8. Fabric from Ben Collection-Serena & Lily 9. Moroccan Pouf-Jonathan Adler

Fresh Face

2011-04-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

2011 is a new year for CMI. After a couple of tough years for the industry, we are proud to be coming out strong with a fresh new image. A new catalog, eye-catching photography and the introduction of 7 new collections offers our customers many options to obtain just the style they are looking for.
From indoor/outdoor, natural fibers, contemporary or traditional, bright pops of color to calming neutrals there is something for everyone.
As always, we do not compromise on quality of material or construction and proudly continue to manufacture in our factory in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA. 34 years strong!

check out our new website here

**Special thanks to Adam Schneider for his amazing photography. check out his website here for some super cool images.

Evolution of Grandma and Keeping with Tradition

2011-04-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

cmi braided rug from 1980s

cmi braided rug 2011 Montego collection

Evolution man.

Let's dive right in. I mean evolution is what it's all about, right?

People evolve, trends evolve, places and products evolve.

Humans evolve over time through various life experiences, lessons learned, choices made.

Economic climates, technology, war, to name a few, are factors that contribute to the evolution of trends, places and products.

Essentially, evolution is something transforming into another version of itself. The initial thing or person never completely left behind, but as an integral piece in what develops.

The braided rug is known for its deep roots in American tradition and history. First introduced back in the late 1700s-early 1800s as a way to keep floors warm and make use of left-over cloth, it evolved into a tradition for women of the time. As a way to pass the long New England winters, women came together to sew braided rugs and create useful, creative pieces for their families’ homes. Over time, these rugs were passed down through generations to become heirlooms with in many families.
It’s why many people today associate "braided rug" with something from grandma's house.
And then . . . evolution.
Braided rugs aren't all what they used to be.
They too have evolved.
Just as the foundation of a braided rug is still basic in it's form (3 strands to make a single braid), the process has evolved over time. From the Industrial Revolution and the introduction of machines, to new techniques, material and color, the braided rug has progressed to something far beyond "grandma's braid." We maintain the tradition of manufacturing in the

USA

in the birthplace of the textile industry.
But what we're creating may surprise you.
Hand-made braids will always maintain their vintage beauty and tradition of craft, but let us take you beyond that.
At cmi, we say that braiding is simply a construction, not a style.

Come see why and be a part of the evolution.

Winding machines in cmi factory 1980s

cmi's winding department 2011