I've been trying to make a connection with these ladies for weeks so I was overjoyed today when I heard back from them. There's this company based in Beirut, Lebanon that I've very fond of owned by Maria Hibri and Hoda Baroudi called Bokja. I have to show you what they do since words do this work no justice -- it has to be seen.

Bokja describes their collection as Haute Bohemian which I think nails this design style. Their furniture collection merges age-old traditional patterns and colors from the east (a vintage suzani for example) with contemporary western design that really delivers. Just look at it, jolting stuff -- certainly not beige!

my favorite piece - a gorgeous fainting sofa.

and how imaginative is this?

I love what these designers are doing and find Bokja extremely inspirational -- the unexpected combination of pattern and color, the whole marriage of east and west here really combines the best of both worlds. Makes me look at some of my vintage suzanis and fabrics in a whole new way. I've often thought of using them to cover an ottoman, but I'm almost scared to cut into my precious pieces. The more I see the work of Bokja the closer I am to sharpening my scissors and pulling my blankets out of the closest and just going for it. Isn't it fun to see ethnic textiles being used so creatively instead of displayed in typical fashion on a bed or wall?

If you're looking for Bokja in the states, you can find their collection at ABC Carpet and Home in New York. For more information, you can email these ladies at bokjatd {at} yahoo.com. Thank you so much Maria and Hodi for sharing these images with us!

(images from bokja)