An ancient art steps into the future

O'Bannon Oriental Carpets in Lawrenceville just got a new shipment of rugs. Many are contemporary designs, some traditional. They'll make your eyes smile, your feet happy, and your wallet sigh with relief.

O'Bannon has a big deal for you on smaller rugs -- rugs 5 by 7 or smaller, like the ones at left. Ten to 50 percent off! Heck, for a lot of us in L'Ville, 5 by 7 is a room-size rug!

How small is smaller? O'Bannon even carries 1 by 1 foot rugs. 1 by 1! Aren't you dying to see what a 1 by 1 rug looks like?

As soon as you walk through O'Bannon's door (at 3803 Butler Street), you are greeted with a cheery hello! by owner Kristen Rockwell. If you were expecting a stuffy store staffed by overbearing sales people, well, fuhgeddaboudit!

You'll recognize Kristen by her trademark blue jeans, naturally curly hair and big smile. If you look up "laid back" or "easy-going" in the dictionary, I swear you'll find her picture. She's a weaver herself, with a wealth of knowledge about exotic locales and traditions.

A visit to O'Bannon's, you see, is a tour of ancient civilizations like Afghanistan, Persia and Tibet.

The Persian rug at left, woven by women with traditional methods in a modern motif, has so much movement in its design that the squares appear to be dancing. Reminiscent of Klimt. It's one of my favorites in the new shipment.

Another rug that I couldn't stop admiring was the "argyle" -- a rug that reminds me of Scotland, if Scotland had Kabul as its capital or Edinburgh overlooked the Persian Gulf. Argyle? Diamond? Diagonal stripes? Its colors and patterns have to be seen in person to really appreciate its vibrancy. Gray and other neutrals, uh, ground its design. The reds and blues make it soar. Oh, forgot to mention: This rug is about 4 by 6. Yes! That's right! It's on sale too!

Do you prefer solid colors? O'Bannon has a variety. Rugs of a single color but many moods. Colors as blue and restful as a Bishapur sky. Colors as earthy and watchful as the wine-dark sea.

Don't forget to wander downstairs where you'll find furniture and more contemporary designs.

The rustic Chinese bench, at left, is a piece so versatile it could be used in any room. A hall table. A side table. A skinny and snazzy coffee table in a narrow sitting room. A one-of-a-kind bedside table. You name it. Its rustic finish and simple lines make the perfect seasoning for modern decor.

At O'Bannon's, as you wander into the past, you'll take a leap into the future.

O'Bannon Oriental Carpets
3803 Butler Street
Pittsburgh PA 15201

Tue-Fri 11:00-6:00
Sat 11:00-5:00
or by appointment
412-621-0700
info@obannonrugs.com