The northshore offers a plethora of interior design talent and a variety of stores offering an excellent selection of furniture and accessories. Undoubtedly, one of the most distinctive sources is Rug Chic in Mandeville.

Owner Beth Assaf offers a highly exclusive selection of the finest rugs imported from all over the world. The exquisite workmanship of the weavers represented by countries such as Egypt is evident upon entering the store.

With many investment quality rugs available, Assaf explains that the value is determined by a number of factors, such as the quality of the wool and whether it is hand-carded or separated, and also whether the wool is hand-spun and hand-selected. As many as four people sit at a loom and weave, creating a masterpiece that can easily take two years to complete. “Many families even weave their unique seal into the rug, which offers identifying information for the collector,” says Assaf.

Assaf is happy to educate her clients about the weaving process. “Every single knot is hand-tied, knotted off and then sheared down. The smaller the knot on a Persian rug, the finer the rug. A Turkish rug incorporates a double-knot–it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a lower quality, just a different weaving process.”

Assaf is quick to point out that in the Middle East, weaving is an art form. “Rather than painting, they weave; there are many one-of-a-kind, contemporary pieces coming out of countries like Iran now, and there are a lot of American collectors.”

Because Rug Chic caters to every client’s individual needs, it offers merchandise to fit every budget. “The Sumac is an inexpensive, flat-weave rug that’s also handmade. It’s reversible, very durable, and easy for people with children and pets.”

In addition to the exquisite line of handmade rugs, Rug Chic also carries a beautiful selection of pillows and needlepoint-covered chairs and benches. Based in Mandeville since 1991, Rug Chic recently expanded with the addition of another store at 3500 Magazine Street in New Orleans.

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