The graphic appeal of Navajo rugs is unquestionable: one of our favorite sources is Ruby + George, an online store inspired by a longtime family business.
Proprietor Ian Kennedy used to haunt the Hudson, Colorado antiques store of his grandparents, Ruby and George Kennedy, which carried vintage items from tribal nations of the Southwest. The Kennedys built a Mission-style white stucco building for their shop, Snow Owl Traders, and were there for decades. After they passed away, the town library moved into the space, and Ian Kennedy was inspired to set up shop couple of years ago, naming his online store after his grandparents. "My love for these pieces is that they are such a part of our American heritage," says Kennedy. "Their colors and textures mix so well with contemporary pieces—you don't have to be living in an Aspen lodge," he says. Ruby + George specializes in Native American art and objects from the 1920s to the 50s, including a choice selection of Navajo blankets, which can double as rugs.
Above: The Two Grey Hills Navajo Blanket is from the 1930s and is woven with hand-carded wool on cotton warp threads, as most Navajo blankets are. The 5-by-6-foot rug is $795.
Above: Perhaps intended to wrap a baby, the 20-inch-square Navajo Rug with Bright Orange Diamond Pattern can be hung on the wall as a decorative piece. It is woven from wool from Navajo-Churro sheep (a heritage breed of the region); $135.
Above: The Antique Third Phase Navajo Blanket has the imperfections found in older pieces, making it more desirable. The narrow blanket (it's 20 inches wide) can be used as a table runner; $735.
Above: The red wool was probably dyed with cochineal, while the naturally black wool is from a breed of black sheep.