Modern Tradition

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

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

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

Orange you glad

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 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



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