Private Rug Collection Available for Purchase in Guilford

For over 60 years, Connecticut rug retailer Randy Kaoud has amassed a wide variety of antique Oriental and Persian rugs which he has just recently decided to make available to the public at Kaoud Antique Rugs.

The collection, consisting of antique rugs from China, Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran, represents tribal and traditional rug styles including Bidjar, Heriz, Kazak, Sarouk, Serapi and Shirvan, some of which date back to the mid-nineteenth century.

“The artisans who created these rugs all those years ago took inspiration from their local environments, their culture and their spirit,” Randy Kaoud, owner of Kaoud Antique Rugs, said. “Their magic comes from the human effect — a mix of engineering, poetry, color and design and a big part of the weaver’s heart and soul. The result? Sophisticated and exquisite art that you just happen to be able to walk upon.”

Randy Kaoud first gained an appreciation for antique oriental rugs during his teenage years while working in his father’s Connecticut rug company. The exposure to these rugs created within Kaoud a life-long affinity for the innate beauty and enduring craftsmanship possessed within these rugs.

This collection represents the fruit of over sixty years of effort in identifying and obtaining some of the finest antique rugs from across the northeastern United States.

“An exquisite oriental or persian rug can be the foundation upon which the artful home is built, Kaoud said. “For generations, these antique rugs have been in the foyers, drawing rooms and libraries of families who value them as much for the comfort and warmth they provide underfoot as for their artistic inspiration and creativity.”

Guilford First Selectman Joseph S. Mazza, who recently previewed the extensive collection of hand-made rugs available at the Guilford location, was as impressed with the aesthetic quality of the rugs as he was with the professionalism Kaoud brings to his operation.

“Randy Kaoud’s establishment is a perfect fit for Guilford,” Mazza said. “Their impressive collection of antique rugs brings these works of art from across the globe to our New England town. The Town of Guilford appreciates and values businesses such as Kaoud Antique Rugs, and the unique and beautiful items they sell.”

The collection can be seen in person at Kaoud’s 594 Boston Post Road, Guilford location or viewed online at their website.

“I never thought of area rugs as a work of art. That is, until I visited with Randy Kaoud,” Guilford town Economic Development Coordinator Brian McGlone, said. “His broad selection of antique rugs demonstrates fine artwork, which would enhance any home, office or workplace. Kaoud Antique Rugs is a unique store that supports Guilford’s historic character with a rug selection from around the world”.

In addition to selling these antique rugs, Kaoud Antique Rugs also provides cleaning, repair and restoration services using traditional methods. Kaoud Antique Rugs also has a rug appraisal service.

Photo credit: EJ Vongher
Photo Caption: Randy Kaoud shows antique rug to Brian McGlone and First Selectman Joseph Mazza