Vintage Scandinavian rya rugs—sometimes called ryijys or ryamatta—are versatile home decor textiles used interchangeably as carpets, wall hangings or tapestries, and coverings for chairs, benches, or beds. These dense and luxurious artistic wool carpets are the embodiment of a cozy interior space and they have a fascinating history.

At Q Antiques and Design, we believe home decor should reflect the taste of its inhabitants and obviously, this extends to the dinner table. What better way to show your sense of style and provoke conversation (all while being good to the planet) than allowing us to help you design a mix-and-match collection of monogrammed knives, hand-painted plates, and stylish glassware you can cherish with use?

Part of my long-term love of objects stems from curiosity about how and why things are designed, made, used, collected, and ultimately, why they survive. When I first look over an object, I hunt for clues that may include an artist or designer's signature, a company or retailer's mark, a registration number and/or a patent number.

Museums continue the daunting task of digitizing their collections and making them freely available online. The following museums offer wide ranging online research tools; their impressive online databases are free to consult and expanding every day.

Imitation is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery

I've always liked these vintage silver plated baskets. In my opinion, they epitomize the golden rule of William Morris:

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

What can you do with stylish and inexpensive pieces of Mid-Century Modern pottery? What if an orphaned piece at a thrift shop or estate sale is chipped or cracked? Get creative; reuse and reanimate!