Its not every day you get to meet with a successful, intelligent, genuine and creative individual, but Alissa and I had just that opportunity when we got a private tour of George Jevremovic’s two businesses – Material Culture and Woven Legends. Back in the early 80’s, George noticed that antique Oriental rugs were in better condition than rugs that were made only 15 or 20 years earlier. He attributed this to the loss of time-tested techniques like the use of naturally dyed wools and hand weaving. Being so displeased with the quality of these “modern” Oriental rugs, he took matters in to his own hands and launched Woven Legends.

Now, with thousands of employees worldwide, Woven Legends produces some of the best modern-day Oriental rugs available. Each piece is made with 100% naturally dyed wool and is never put into, onto, around, through, above or even close to a machine. The end results are pieces that will be bought and sold for decades and become the heirlooms and antiques of tomorrow. His rugs are available at stores such as ABC Carpet and Home in New York City and Woven Accents in LA.

In 1994 George also opened what is now a 90,000 square foot store called Material Culture. Material Culture is dedicated to new, vintage and antique home furnishings (and décor) from the world round. You will find antique copper pots and pans from Turkey, elephant doors from India, hand-carved wood seats from Kenya, architectural structures from China, and for the hard-to-please there is even a 30’ wide building façade that is for sale. The prices you ask? Completely reasonable and there is a little something for everyone.

Furnishing your home? Decorating an office? Or just looking for one special piece to finish a room? This is one place you have to visit.

Photos by Alissa Parker-Walker