Merida Studio

Reviving the Art of the Loom with Merida

 

When you think of beautiful, durable rugs, you think of heritage brand Merida, manufacturing from the historic textile center of Fall River, MA for 30 years. Merida is reimagining traditional weaving methods at the source, using inventive techniques and efficient technologies, providing exceptional service and value to interior designers along the way.

As Merida continues to expand on their portfolio producing products with outstanding craftsmanship and material integrity, they hope to grow awareness around the importance of purchasing products of quality that honor the real makers and materials. In doing so, as supporters of American Made products, we can continue to make a positive impact in communities where we do business.


Why did Merida make the decision to manufacture in Fall River, Massachusetts? 

We knew it would be challenging to manufacture in the US, but we believed the market was ready for beautiful, high-quality products made by expert craftspeople. Fall River had the people and skills to deliver on that. Today, our 40,000 square-foot workshop hums to the rhythms of heritage and modern looms at work.

Additionally, we have studios in LA and Boston, an office in New York, and team members available from coast to coast. We need to be able to collaborate with clients in person, so we can’t just operate in one state.

Merida Studio

Merida Studio

Merida continues to source and test new materials, techniques and construction to create beautiful, durable and timeless collections. What materials and techniques is Merida currently using?

We’re constantly exploring new fibers and different textures of yarn, natural plant fibers, weaving techniques and design constructions. As a design manufacturing company that believes in utilizing the best parts of hand and machine, we are constantly finding ways to innovate the opportunities of the loom with the intimacy of hand weaving, seaming, and finishing. As we build our yarn library, there’s a lot of tactility to be explored. Right now, we may explore bringing the more textural mohair yarn further in future collections.

Merida Studio

Merida Studio

How do you typically work with interior designers?

At Merida, we look forward to collaborating with designers from the very beginning of their projects all the way through installation. Because all of our rugs are made to order, we encourage designers to come to us at the very start of their project so we can guide them to finding the essential elements that will enhance their design presentations to clients. We invite interior designers to visit us at our studios, located in LA, NY, or Boston or to connect with our Merida team all over the country to tap our textile expertise and help us bring your vision to life.

Merida Studio

Janet Mesic Mackie

Can you offer interior designers 3 tips of best practices for choosing the right rug for a client’s space?

1. Focus On Durability For Areas With Heavy Foot Traffic – When it comes to stairs, highly trafficked residential and commercial areas, or family rooms, we know what rugs will not only endure but look even better with time.

2. Consider Style & Maintenance For Rooms Where Family And Friends Congregate – When it comes to areas that you spend the most time entertaining in—living rooms, family rooms and dens—rugs that are comfy yet easier to clean are the best bet.  

3. Focus On Luxury In The Bedroom – Bedrooms require a softer touch, and our tufted rugs for example hybridize a cushy feel with a look of luxury. There are a lot of style options with wool tufted rugs, and they are a bit more welcoming to the feet than other natural fiber options.

Merida Studio

Shawn Litchfield

How do Merida’s trade customization tools, look books and textile expertise enhance interior designers’ design practice?

Combined with Merida’s knowledgeable employees and craftsmen, the value we can add to a project is measured not only in quality but in the time we save our clients. From handling measurements, interpreting drawings, creating a product layout that will utilize the least amount of material, and working with your design firm to sync the installation with your project schedule, we take care of all the details. When sourcing materials, we choose only the most durable fibers and we test all our products for wear, both for traffic and for stairs. We will never recommend a product that won’t last for years. In fact, our products are designed to get better with time.

Merida Studio

Janet Mesic Mackie

Merida Studio

Merida Studio

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