With special thanks to Annette Burnett of Sellers Advantage Home Staging in John's Creek, GA for making the connection, the Metro Atlanta chapter of ASHSR met on September 24 for it's monthly meeting at Liberty Oriental Rugs in Norcross, GA.

{l to r:  Kathy Lockwood, Jeanne Nolan, Jennifer Lybeer, Annette Burnett, Abby Reilly, Stacie Stamper;  Rowan in front}  We look tiny in front of that beautiful 9'x12' rug.

Our host, Stacie Stamper, gave us a guided tour of their warehouse, which is open only to the trade, not to the public.  While they sell to retailers, they specialize in assisting designers select the perfect rugs for the rooms being designed.  Their rugs can be purchased from many high end retailers around the Atlanta area however working with a professional that is obtaining their one on one guidance will ensure the homeowner is getting the perfect rug.  This is great for redesign work.

Liberty Oriental Rugs specializes in handmade rugs from Pakistan.  They operate their own manufacturing facility there ensuring high quality product, on trend with color and design, hiring the most talented weavers (with the best of the best coming from Afghanistan) and making sure there isn't any child labor.

As part of our tour we also met Rowan, the warehouse manager, designer, do-it-all man.  He gave us the most amazing product knowledge:

• from the difference in knots per inch and what it translates to regarding quality, details and price
• to the use of wool and/or silk as the yarns for their rugs
• the process of dying the yarns
• that it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to create one rug
• how to properly clean rugs
• proper room design begins with a rug, not ends with it
• straight down to proper furniture placement on the rugs

The topic of rental options came up because, for home staging, the pricepoints are high, unless someone was staging a luxury home.  The owner, Jim, said he'd be interested in pursuing rental options for Atlanta's home stagers!  Great news!!!! 

So, home stagers in Atlanta, contact Stacie {877.208.4970} to set up your account with Liberty Oriental Rugs.  She's also a GREAT resource for vendor referrals.