If you’ve never dug your toes into an authentic Moroccan Berber rug or Beni Ourain rug, you don’t know what you’re missing. Soft, plush and beautiful to the eye, these handcrafted wool rugs have been a tradition of the nomadic Berber tribes of North Africa since as far back as the Paleolithic age.

The Beni Ourain term and the Berber rug synonym refers to the seventeen tribes of Berber people who have thrived in the high-altitude Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia for centuries. It was there in that harsh mountain climate that these simple but luxurious rugs had their beginnings. Woven as a necessity from the rich, cream-colored wool of local sheep, they served as ground coverings, blankets and as shawls to throw over one’s back and shoulders to protect against the cold. And while their original purpose was for practicality, the Berber women that hand wove these rugs individually added their own personal touches with colors, symbols and designs that told the unique stories of their lives. These stories included tales of births and deaths, fertility, rural life and spirituality, and it was not uncommon for talismans to make an appearance in a design as a means to ward off evil spirits. Today’s Berber artisans continue that practice to this day.

Centuries later, these knotted pile rugs have reached a far wider audience becoming particularly popular in the home decor of western society. And because no two rugs are exactly alike, these typically asymmetrical rugs are all the more valuable. Traditional Beni Ourain rugs are notable for their generally cream-colored background and minimalist designs made up of fine black or brown lines or geometric shapes. The darker-colored yarns typically came from local dark sheep and goats, but natural ingredients such as spices, herbs and flowers were also used to make colorful dyes. As a result, Berber rugs as a whole may contain surprisingly bright splashes of color that can make quite a conversation starter as a floor covering in today’s modern homes or displayed on walls as works of art.

While modern society has since created commercialized “knock-offs” that may not even be made in Morocco, true believers can still haggle for an authentic Moroccan Berber Rug or Beni Ourain rug in a Marrakech carpet shop or seek out local sellers who take on that role for them. As the rugs have gained in popularity, artisan villages have sprung to life in the Atlas Mountain regions of Morocco. These talented women use their looms to weave beautiful, unique rugs, often customized to their buyers’ requests. In some cases, they will use synthetic colors to meet specific color requests, but on the whole, the process for making them has changed little over the centuries.

With so much history and culture interwoven in these unique rugs, it is no wonder they are so popular with historians, collectors and designers. The beauty of it is that they also have gained great appeal with those who simply enjoy the nicer things in life.

Are you thinking about redecorating your living room? You can spruce up your living room with some animal hide cushions. It is amazing how cowhide functions in various settings. It has become a symbol of refinement in the modern home. Specifically, the bold style can highlight any decor theme. Animal hides are rustic and elegant. Cowhide cushions look great in any living room. They are soft and silky. Your animal hide cushions can blend well with any decor scheme. The unique print is a visual anchor, and it can make any room look cozier. You can make several cushions the focal point of your living room, or you can accent your sofa with one cushion

They Are Durable
Your pets and kids will relax on your sofa. The cushions will need to withstand wear and tear. Most synthetic cushions will wear down after a few months of regular use. Animal hide cushions are difficult to puncture or tear. Cowhide is a natural shield, and it is an exceptionally resilient material. You do not have to worry about your children or pets damaging your cushions. Your cushions can be a family heirloom. A few shakes will remove dust and debris. The natural oils repel dirt, and the material will not unravel at the seams. You can remove pet fur with a brush or a towel. Most stains can be removed with a moist towel. If a glass of juice is spilled on the cushion, you can remove the stain with mild soap and water. Cowhide cushions should never be laundered in a washing machine. When the cushions need to dry, they can sit outside in the sun for a few hours.

They Are Natural and Unique
Cowhide cushions do not have a complicated manufacturing process. Real animal hide cushions are not dramatically enhanced. A real animal hide cushion will have a unique pattern. The colors can be brown, black or white. Some animal hides have a solid color. The pattern can also be sparingly broken. The earthy colors are soothing, and they can create tranquility in any living space. Animal hide cushions can be used in bedrooms. You can look forward to many restful nights in your bedroom when you lay your head on an animal hide cushion.

They Are Hypoallergenic
If you have allergies, you need to think about fabrics when you are purchasing decor cushions. Synthetic fabrics can cause rashes and respiratory irritation. Natural animal hide cushions are not manufactured with any synthetic fibers. Cowhide is hypoallergenic. The fabric will not aggravate your allergies or irritate your skin.

Add some uniqueness and rustic glamour to your home with these timeless cushions. These classic cushions look great in suburban homes, country homes and upscale condominiums. Your guests will compliment your style. Your cowhide cushions will be a great conversation starter when you have parties. They may want to redecorate after seeing your beautiful cushions. You can let them know that every animal hide cushion is soft and unique.

Not every type of garage flooring is great for areas that are hit with wide temperature fluctuations and heavy snow or ice during the winter. Epoxy is a material that forms a solid bond with the concrete and can withstand the temperature variances and moisture levels of a Chicago winter.

Cold Climates and Snow or Ice

Cold climates like that experienced by Chicago residents bring winters that are filled with falling temperatures, snow, and ice. This moisture ends up being brought in onto your garage floor. Many garages are unheated. The ice and snow initially melting can refreeze and make it a dangerous surface to walk on.

The Beating Concrete Takes In Cold, Wet Weather

Any crack that develops in your garage floor is an area of weakness that will lead to larger areas of damage. As moisture enters the cracks and the temperatures fluctuate the water will freeze and thaw in a daily cycle. Each time it freezes it forces the crack to become wider. Water soaking into the concrete will begin to degrade the material.

How Epoxy Seals Moisture Out

Epoxy is installed a floor-wide layer of material that hardens into a surface that is both durable and waterproof. You will feel more confident that the bonding between the epoxy and concrete is tough enough to withstand years of service in the coldest and snowiest winter conditions. Add the garage floor coating Chicago homeowners need for a longer-lasting surface.

Enjoy a Cleaner, Beautiful Looking Garage Floor for All Seasons

The epoxy surface you have installed is a breeze to keep clean. It will always look and feel cleaner and retain the original beauty of the design and colors of your choice. It’s a comfortable garage floor surface to use any time and season of the year.

You have a surface material available that is quick to install, affordable and is designed to provide better than average protection from cold and wet climates. It’s the perfect choice for areas like Chicago.