Behind the Scenes: Santiago Schapira of Yerra Rugs

We just met with Santiago Schapira of Yerra Rugs and got a sneak peek at some of the rugs he is currently working on creating and also a new category to his lineup - a beautiful line of pillows!I’ve included a pillow design below, so you can get an idea of what might soon be available. It’s always so interesting to meet with the designers we work with—and, perhaps most importantly, it is wonderful to gain that insight into their current design work and future product plans. Even though we don’t have a physical storefront, we really strive to personalize our customers’ shopping experience and meeting with designers help us gain an understanding of their brainstorming process. It allows us to see what new ideas and products might be on the way and what their current source of inspiration may be. This is awesome for us, because it means we can then pass that firsthand information along to our lovely customers in the form of exciting new products.

If you aren’t already familiar with Yerra Rugs, it is an Argentine company based in Buenos Aires.Yerra specializes in customized cowhide rugs, made from the highest quality Argentine hides available. The Spanish word yerra refers to a farming event in which cattle are branded with a hot iron, and so the Yerra brand has a clever double meaning. All of the selected hides are carefully categorized according to color and thickness, then shaved to the exact same length.None of the hair is dyed or removed, and the hides are tanned with environmentally-friendly products. So the final product has a funky, modern look in terms of shape and pattern, but the materials are about as natural as you can get.

The Perfect Setting - Frederico de Vera

I just read “The Perfect Setting” from the March issue of Elle Décor. The article focuses on Frederico de Vera’s collections of rare, beautiful, and antique objects—and, perhaps most importantly—the surprising ways in which he allows them to work together. His Manhattan apartment is basically a big, incredible collage of awesomeness. Professionally, De Vera owns two retails stores in New York City, has published two books, and designs exhibition spaces. In both his own home and his business, de Vera seems to understand the value of story and craft behind the objects he purchases. Most people assume art and utility exist in totally separate realms, but they don't. I think it's really interesting the way everyday objects in our homes can be both functional and beautiful.
As a huge fan of his work, I was stoked to get a glimpse of his personal space. Ryan and I were lucky enough to meet de Vera a few years ago, and both agree that it is his passion and exact attention to detail that we find most inspiring. When I was growing up in Texas, I never thought doing what you love and making a living could be intertwined—I thought ‘job’ and ‘passion’ existed in separate realities. De Vera is proof that doesn’t have to be the case. Just like beauty and utility, the two can coexist, and often one strengthens the other. We think these principles and dreams are similar to what inspired us to found HORNE, and what keeps us passionate about the work we do.