L’Aviva Home Textiles: handmade bedspreads from around the world

I’ve never heard of an online trunk show until I read about L’Aviva Home. It’s a great idea. They spot beautiful textiles and objects and bring them to our online doorstep. As they say, “both collections reflect the belief that the things we surround ourselves with should possess a soul, a history, and a purpose beyond mere decoration: they should help us connect to the world.”

These are my favorites form their current stock of textiles.

I’m starting with my favorite – the Suzanis. Their selection is pretty nice. One of them I’ve seen everywhere. But it’s a lovely design, so I guess that doesn’t matter. The prices vary, but start at around $310. That’s a very good price by the way.

These hand embroidered bedspreads are from Mexico and sell for $325. They come in eight colors. Love these.

Their Argentine runners are made from local wool and are hand dyed. They do custom work, so contact them for prices and selection. This one sells for $465.

L’Aviva’s Indigo throws ($155) are made in Mali. They’re hand-stitched and hand-dyed. Again, prices vary depending on the size and condition.

What better way to create your own unique space than to buy a one of a kind, handmade bedspread? Or use one of the pieces as a throw. Mixing up new with old adds character to a room.

I found wonderful rugs in Chile. My son brought home beautiful blankets and kongas from his trip to Tanzania. Do you have a favorite throw or rug that you found on your travels? Why not share it with us. Send me a photo, or describe it for us.

Bolivian Aguayos’ ($225)

Suzani love times three

As many of you know, I adore suzani prints. I’m working on an art project using them and have been surfing around looking for unusual versions. My research revealed one particular style that’s especially popular. Here’s how three different magazines used the same suzani coverlet to style a room.

This bedroom, from Domino Magazine, features the suzani used as a coverlet, with another blanket folded at the end of the bed. A variety of pillowcases give the room a Bohemian look.

The same suzani is used as a tablecloth in this dining room from Elle Decor. I love the mix of color and pattern – green on the windows, Chinese wallpaper on the wall, leopard print on the chairs and suzani on the table. Would you have thought to add blue and pink to this room? I think the stylist brought it along.

I think this room is also from Elle Decor. It’s been in my image file for a while. This time, the suzani is a bedspread, teamed with Moroccan details.

After a little more searching, I found the resource for this particular suzani. Circa Trade offers it in various sizes, along with a wide variety of other vintage suzanis.

I think my favorite of these three is the first. Which one is yours?

image: Sam Simon Upton

Tuesday Inspiration

I hear that it’s Spring in some parts of the upper hemisphere. Here’s some sun-infused inspiration for those of us who are stuck in Frozen Tundraland.

I’ll be back in a couple of ticks with more great stuff. Meanwhile, I need some more design dilemmas. They take a while to do, which is why I haven’t done as many. I’ve got one up my sleeve. Send me more!