INDIGO Rug: Giving New Life to Vintage Kilim Rugs

A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity

When we succeed in prolonging a rug's life for another generation, we have done a great thing. If we have to change its appearance to make it fashionable again, so be it. Each of these 90 to 100 years old rugs has such a fantastic story to tell. Think about how many generations of families have sat around them and how many important family moments these rugs have been a part of.

The INDIGO Rug project, designed by Matteo Mirko Cetinski, is a revolutionary concept that breathes new life into old, distressed, and damaged kilim rugs. By utilizing dip dyeing and screen printing techniques, these vintage rugs are transformed into unique pieces that blend the old with the new, the traditional with the modern. With no similar products currently on the market, INDIGO represents the new generation of rugs.

The realization of the INDIGO Rug involves a meticulous process. Starting with distressed antique kilim rugs, which are approximately 90 years old, they are then dip dyed in a rich blue hue. The next step is the intricate screen printing process, where motifs of skulls are hand-printed using a luxurious gold dye. The result is a stunning fusion of colors and patterns that breathe new life into these vintage rugs.

The INDIGO Rug measures 2800 mm in height and 1890 mm in width, making it a statement piece that can transform any space. Its unique properties and design make it a one-of-a-kind addition to any home or office.

Matteo Mirko Cetinski, the mastermind behind the INDIGO Rug, explains that the inspiration for this project came from the desire to give old rugs a second life cycle. By repurposing these rugs and incorporating modern design elements, the INDIGO Rug appeals to a new generation of buyers who appreciate the blend of tradition and contemporary aesthetics.

The INDIGO Rug is not just a design piece; it is a reflection of the modern world's philosophy of repurposing the old and preserving the traditional. By screen printing modern motifs on vintage kilim rugs, the INDIGO Rug reinvents the kilim aesthetic and makes it appealing to new generations of buyers.

The INDIGO Rug project is based in Croatia, where the kilim rugs are sourced from countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, Pakistan, and Morocco. The dip dyeing process takes place in Turkey, while the final stage of designing and screen printing is done in Croatia.

The INDIGO Rug project faced several challenges along the way. Croatia, unlike its neighboring countries, does not have a kilim weaving tradition, making the sourcing of the rugs a challenge. Additionally, the dip dyeing process required collaboration with artisans in Turkey. Despite these obstacles, the INDIGO Rug project successfully overcame these challenges to bring this unique concept to life.

The INDIGO Rug project has received recognition for its innovative design. In 2014, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

The INDIGO Rug project, with its blend of tradition and modernity, breathes new life into vintage kilim rugs. Its unique design and meticulous craftsmanship make it a standout piece that appeals to the modern, progressive buyer. With its rich history and contemporary aesthetics, the INDIGO Rug represents the new generation of rugs for the new generation consumer.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Matteo Mirko Cetinski
Image Credits: All images : Zelmo
Project Team Members: Matteo Mirko Cetinski
Project Name: Indigo
Project Client: Matteo Mirko Cetinski


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