Handcrafted by nomads and simple folk steeped in age-old tradition and craftsmanship, rugs often reflect the great artistry of the makers, demonstrating their superb eye for colors, sophisticated taste and ingenuity of design. It is not thus farfetched to say that fine Oriental rugs are equal to any object of beauty or masterpiece of art.

It was only very recently that Americans and Europeans have begun to appreciate what rugs can do to their homes, hotels and offices. Then suddenly the demand for rugs soared as never before, and it was good for the rug weavers for it provided them more opportunities for income. But there was one drawback. The quality of rugs declined as quality was sacrificed for quantity. Many rug weavers were no longer producing the same excellent craftsmanship as before. The exquisite patterns and beautiful colors that were seen in traditional rugs had disappeared. It did not take long before the market saw these changes.

Different people have different tastes. Each person has his own particular likes and preferences. There are those who love old, faded, beat up rugs, with signs of wear and tear, such as holes, uneven fringes and the like.

Others like new, fresh, totally perfect rugs, without the smallest blemish, even though some handmade rugs are not so perfect.

There are also those who prefer smaller rugs to larger ones, while others chose the largest size rug that the room can take, no matter if it touches the walls.

The recommendations we make are based on the ideas of the majority of decorators and designers we have worked with for the last several decades. They could of course be wrong, but there is a bigger chance of them being right most of the time.

Still, regardless of what we recommend and demonstrate, it is your taste, interest and the dcor of your entire home that should prevail. Many people hire decorators and designers, which we think is a very good idea. However, the bottom line is what pleases you. After all, your rugs become part of your family's treasured collection.

Jennifer Vanderbilt, senior interior designer at The John Khalil Collection, has 23 years of experience in buying, selling, appraising, repairing, and teaching about area rugs and oriental rugs Submitted with Article Distributor.