Peruvian Rugs Land in Fort Greene

One Fort Greene couple aims to bring hand-woven rugs from the highlands of Peru north to the brownstones of Brooklyn.

Amy and Brett Morris held a trunk show in Fort Greene last weekend to kick off Morris Etc., a new local business that will be selling heirloom rugs imported from the Peruvian Highlands.

The couple, who met as a bridesmaid and best man at a wedding in Boston, say they have finally found the perfect product to start their dream business together.

"The rugs are durable and timeless in style," Amy Morris said, adding that the thick, hand-woven, woolen rugs with rich, brilliant colors immediately enchanted her while working as an interior designer for a Peruvian retreat.

While Peruvian rugs are a popular commodity, the quality of this product is far superior to what most tourists can find in the street markets of Lima and Cuzco.

Local weavers tend to make rugs with cheaper materials and a faster turnaround time. Amy Morris said that only after scouring the towns and talking to locals has she been able to find these rugs, many of them several years old and gathering dust in a home.

Since tourists are opting for the cheaper stuff — and many younger Peruvians are straying from old traditions — the industry for rugs like these is dying, and Amy and Brett Morris say they’re keen to help revitalize it.

Already, the orders are rolling in. One customer even sent an email to Amy Morris with photos of every room in her California home, asking where the rugs would look best.

"I'm surprised how much help people need," Brett Morris said.

Throngs of visitors showed up and started buying at the trunk show at their home on S. Portland Avenue between Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue, although they only sent out around 150 invites to friends and family. It looked like the Morris' might be onto something.

Most rugs, at approximately five feet long and five feet wide, cost $375, while more complex patterns are more pricey. Custom-made rugs are also available, but since weavers in Peru will be making them specially, they cost about twice the price and have a three-week turnaround time.

Many young Peruvians might turn up their noses, but chic Brooklynites are sure to be dazzled.

Morris Etc. will begin selling rugs online beginning mid-April. Visit www.morrisetc.com for more info.