Cultiver

Mariella Ienna rug designs, available exclusively from Cultiver.  Photo - Cath Muscat, styling - Nicolle Sullivan.

Mariella Ienna rug designs, available exclusively from Cultiver.  Photo - Cath Muscat, styling - Nicolle Sullivan.

Mariella Ienna rug  from Cultiver.  Photo - Cath Muscat, styling - Nicolle Sullivan.

The universe seems to be telling me to buy a new rug.  Everywhere I look (ok, mainly in my email inbox) I keep seeing more amazing rugs!  I seem to fall in love with a new one every week.  I couldn't resist covering just one more find today - these stunning brand new kilims from Sydney based online store Cultiver. Cultiver is run by Nicolle Sullivan, who launched her online shop in September last year, after more than 10 years working in the financial sector.  After what she says was probably a lifetime of online shopping 'research', Cultiver has really hit the ground running, with a carefully considered edit of classic homewares, including bedlinen, table linen and now rugs! 'Rugs are a product I’ve found hard to source myself in Australia' says Nicolle of the decision to branch into floor coverings. 'The range seemed limited, either huge financial investment pieces, or inexpensive, but with limited choice - so you see the same thing everywhere' she says.  Enter Mariella Ienna! Nicolle first met Mariella in Sydney many years ago.  Mariella left a career in law to work as a florist, opening her own shop in Sydney's Glebe.  After five years running her floristry business, her next step was to move to Italy and fulfil her dream of perfecting her Italian (Mariella's grandparents emigrated from Sicily to Australia before her parents were born).  Now settled in Italy, Mariella's latest venture is this stunning range of handwoven Kilims. 'I suppose kilims were the next step in honing my skills in things organic, textural and colourful after leaving my floristry business' says Mariella.  'After spending three years between Italy and China with an ex-partner who was involved in the hand woven carpet business, I was inspired to apply my own ideas and creative vision in an organised and systematic manner to create a handwoven product of my own'. Mariella's rug range features 11 different designs, and is exclusive to Cultiver in Australia. There's a 100% NZ wool range, or a slightly more luxurious wool / silk weave.  Prices start at $1299 for a 2m x 3m rug, which seems astoundingly reasonable to me! OK I will attempt not to write another post about rugs again for, like, at least 6 weeks.  No promises!

Mariella Ienna rug from Cultiver.  Photo - Chris Warnes, styling - Nicolle Sullivan.