Slide Show: The Kush Life Underfoot
May 29, 2013
Travis is the shop dog at Kush Handmade Rugs, here relaxing nonchalantly on a pile of imported rugs worth many thousands of dollars.
Co-owners Brian Robins and Rebecca Lurie are expert rug flippers; it's quite a good workout for the arms. Brian started his career in the rug industry as a rug washer here in Portland some 16 years ago; the job gave him an intimate understanding of the c
Kush also sells smaller items, some local, some from India, Turkey and other rug-weaving countries – at price points lower than even the smallest Oriental rug. (A $6 wool felt mouse is a favorite.)
Kush has been in its Pearl District space for about two years now, adding to what has clearly become a home furnishings hub of the Portland metro area.
Each handmade rug has its own story – including literally the front and backstory. Both front and back are beautiful to behold, but front trumps back as far as comfort and softness are concerned.
An all silk, handwoven rug is a luxurious, splendid creation. The rich, saturated colors seem to change as the light changes and as one moves around a room.
Kush specializes in having a wide range of rug styles including a variety of non-traditional patterns, weaves and textures. Here, a long-and-lush-piled banana silk and a street-smart graffiti pattern face off.
Co-owner Rebecca Lurie with a rug made of banana silk fibers; the silvery sheen and ultra soft feel of the silk are remarkable.
The rugs are piled one atop another; each pile is a wealth of color, craft and human effort and creativity. When Kush first moved into the Pearl District space two years ago, the piles were much lower – their inventory and selection have grown over time.
Travis is a friendly and low-key dog, keeping watch over the inventory at Kush and proving that the rugs are dog-friendly.
Even rolled up by the window, the rugs present a beautiful display.
