Straight to the Source: Visiting Beni Rugs in Morocco
I love seeing where — and how — the things in my home are made. Understanding the process of creation always gives me new design ideas and inspiration.
When I booked a trip to Marrakech for a friend’s wedding, I knew it was a fantastic opportunity to see some artisans at work.
A rug company that I love, Beni Rugs, recently opened an 8,000 square-foot facility near Marrakech called ‘The Studio.’ I am currently designing the living room in my family home and I was so excited to use this trip as an opportunity to find a rug straight from the source.
Beni Rugs was founded by Robert Wright, an e-commerce veteran, and Tiberio Lobo-Navia, an artist and former hotel executive. Founded in 2018, their mission was to make modern, hand-made Moroccan rugs, using ancient techniques and the highest quality materials.
My visit to The Studio was inspiring to say the least. As I stepped into their facility, I entered a front courtyard that was a wild garden oasis. I was greeted by Cristina, who manages the facility, and by the sound of Berber women weavers chatting and working at their looms.
As we were led into the lounge area, we passed through a central courtyard, adorned with a Zellige-tiled fountain and shimmering olive trees. A light sun cover gently fluttered in the breeze.
The lounge area was as chic as it was practical. Layered with shag and flatweave Beni Rugs, the colors were saturated and earthy, an extension of the red sand of the desert around us. Despite the construction of their upcoming new wing of the facility, it was a cool, comfortable and welcoming place that made you want to sit and stay a while.
After an espresso in gorgeous custom cups and saucers made by local artisans, we started our tour.
First stop, a colorful art installation by Amine El Gotaibi. A burst of dyed wool cascading from the ceiling framed the warehouse space.
Next, we went into the weaving room, where the weavers sat, hand-knotting rugs on their respective looms. Every loom had a detailed template — a guide for the weavers to follow as they knotted each custom rug. The designs are assigned specifically to each weaver. The more complicated designs are assigned to the more experienced weavers to ensure an output of quality rugs.
Cristina guided us to the raw materials storage area where a fresh shipment of dyed wool yarns had recently arrived. The space was a vibrant burst of color and texture, truly a visual delight.
We stepped out into the heat of the afternoon to see the washing area where the rugs are brushed and shampooed after the weavers have completed their work. This washing process ensures the earthy animal smell of the wool has been completely washed out, and most importantly, makes the fibers of the rugs soft and comfortable. The rugs are then laid out in the powerful Moroccan sun to dry.
Like a kid in a candy shop, I looked through some of their stocked inventory and selected yarn color samples to bring home with me to get an idea of what designs were possible.
I even got a sneak peek of their now live collaboration with Flamingo Estate. The colorway, designed with Beni Rugs’ master dyer, is SO fun, and the designs are incredible.
The best part of working with Beni Rugs is that they are Fair Trade Certified, pay top dollar to their artisan weavers, and even provide transportation for the weavers to and from The Studio. During my visit, I met some of the women, who are as lovely as they are talented. I appreciate that I will be supporting their living wage through purchasing a rug from Beni Rugs.
As I decide on the colors and design for my own rug, I will work with the Beni Rugs team on a custom design in a custom size to complete our living room.
I can’t wait to share the final product! Stay tuned.
xx
Emily
