PAO Thoughts

Day Tripping While in Marrakech we decided to take a day trip to the Ourika Valley, at the base of the Atlas Mountains, for more rug shopping & site seeing. Along the way we popped in to a women’s co-op that supports Moroccan women who have been widowed or divorced. At Afous Argan these women produce different types of Argan oil in the Berber traditional manner. Argan oil is produced from the pit of the Argan nut. Roasted nuts are used for edible oil & raw & natural nuts are used for cosmetic purposes ( the Moroccan fountain of youth)....

The rich culture of the Berber people ( also known as Amazaghs) is expressed through their use of symbols, music and art. The Berber people and culture dates back to the Paleolithic era, over 4,000 years ago. These abstract geometric shapes are influenced from nature and serve as a form of communication within these Nomadic tribes. You can find these traditional symbols on tattoos, pottery, jewelry and carpets. Each geometric shape serves a purpose such as a talisman (protection), identification of a tribe or family, expression of feelings or a sign of social status. “Femme Berbere” by Jaque Marjorelle, as...

Dreaming of Marrakech Architectural photos from our Riad, Marjorelle Gardens & El Fenn. The inspiration behind our latest rug finds from the Medina. Which is your favorite? #teampaotravels #rugsandarchitecture

Pretty in PINK: Belle of the Ball! Everything pink & floral! A nod to this years’ Ball of Roses, sponsored by the Birmingham Ballet Guild. BBG is an organization which helps fundraise for the Birmingham Ballet, a favorite of team PAO! #rugsandflowers #thinkpink

Baltimore Bound Paige visited one of our favorite vendors, Tamarian, for a week long Community & Creatives event: Present Company. This brought together clients, friends, artists & designers for a discussion on what Tamarian is today, from grass roots to global ties. Our good friend Michael Christie AKA The Ruggist spoke and presented his “The Nature of Weaving”. He began this project during COVID, exploring the perspective of a day in the life of a weaver. Aside from shopping for rugs, seeing new designs & touring Tamarian’s HQ the focus for the week was on the topic of, “ as...