Persian carpets centuries old designs seem ripe for a 21st century update an idea not lost on France’s prodigiously talented awarding winning design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Making a debut last weekend at the 2011 Maison & Objet in Paris, the Losanges for the Medina Collection by Nani Marquina, represents the Bouroullec brothers’ reinterpretation of the traditional Persian carpet using the ancient kilim technique.

Intrigued by old rugs and what they consider “kilim savoir faire,” the Bouroullecs recreated the kilim’s geometric patterns using a complex technology of rhombus that creates the four-sided diamond shapes that look deceptively simple.

The collaboration with Pakistani craftsmen who hand spun Afghan wool in 13 different colors in similar tones found in kilims, produced varying shades of intensity in each diamond making every piece one-of-a-kind. Although imbued with color, a predominance of pale beige down plays the rug’s presence in a room to complement most décor styles.

The Losanges Collection offers a new aesthetic to an age-old, well-known collector’s item best seen in the weave, color, and patterns of two classical antique rugs shown below from VandM.com dealers Nazmiyal Collections and Hagopian World of Rugs.

From one of the largest craft centers in the Caucasus region of Eurasia where weaving dates back to the second millennium BC, Azerbaijan’s antique rugs remain one of the most popular on the market. This busy, colorful Shirvan Kilim displays large and clearly defined geometric shapes within a rich palette of blues, brick, red, black and ivory, adjacent to yellow, brown, green -all woven in perfect symmetry. VandM.com dealer Hagopian World of Rugs through http://vandm.com/suzanne-Hagopian/0_222_dealer=176992.aspx, (248)646-7847;

The large-scale mellow sage green and salmon Medallion rug’s beauty lies in its fine weave, minimal design and curvilinear drawing. “ A collector’s item,” noted dealer Omri Schwartz, “for a finer weave and delicate design common among Serapi carpets.” Far quieter than the Shirvan Kilim. VandM.com dealer Nazmiyal Collections through http://vandm.com/NazmiyalCollection, (212) 545-8029;

For information on Nani Marquina dealers worldwide go to http://www.naninarquina/, 34-932-175-774.