Edgar and Kelly Podzemny have always loved Persian carpets. Sixteen years ago, when they decided to transform their passion for beautiful rugs into a business, they took to the road, hosting rug shows throughout Texas. Some 13 years later, those trunk shows have been transformed into a 6,000-square foot gallery uniquely laid out into separate areas for contemporary, antique and traditional rugs. The Podzemnys are proud of their collection of antique, contemporary and traditional rugs from around the world, and even prouder of their alliance with RugMark. According to Edgar Podzemny, Stephanie Odegard, of RugMark licensed importer Odegard Inc., was instrumental in the company's decision to sign on. "She presented the humanitarian option, one that involved no child labor. To us that was clearly the right idea."

Ninety percent of Edgar Kelly’s contemporary designs are handspun, hand knotted rugs from Nepal, woven by Tibetan refugees using traditional techniques to create a contemporary palette. The company also has an extensive collection of antique rugs. The Podzemnys are always on the hunt for unusual pieces, such as an Ushak they turned up that was signed and commissioned by Julio Franco, and actually made in his palace. Edgar Kelly’s manager, Damien Clark, adds, “Sometimes, a rug comes in that nobody wants to sell, like a Mamluk by Woven Legends, which is a 16th century Egyptian reproduction. We’d all just like to take it home!” As for the retail and trade customers who do get to take the rugs home, Clark adds that the RugMark affiliation is a highlight for customers in the purchase process. “We flip the rug over and when people see we are part of RugMark, they really appreciate it.”

Find out more about Edgar Kelly Rugs at www.edgarkellyrugs.com.  

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