Nomadic Trading Company

Nomadic Trading Company has always been one of my favorite stops when I’m around the DIY (warehouse) district. With an eclectic collection of household furniture and decorations from Europe (primarily Hungry and Turkey), Mexico and even Africa (Morocco), they are an incredibly authentic and unique spot in downtown Durham. The hours vary, as the owners travel to multiple trade shows all over the US, but you can find them open on most weekends. The shop reminds me of a less manicured West Elm, with incredible benches, pillows, runs, hanging lights and an assortment of jugs, bottles and baskets. You’ll feel like you’re entering the Turkish bazaar and I highly recommend trying your hand at negotiations here. Steep prices are really the only downside, but they DO negotiate on items and constantly have sales as they’re always trying to move inventory. The space has expanded in the past year into the warehouse parallel to their original space, but the actualy space needs some work, don’t be surprised if you can some water droplets leaking on you from (hopefully) the ceiling. Definitely worth a stop if you appreciate beautifully crafted pieces or want a truly original piece in your home.

I purchased 2 trunks from the owner at the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachussetts, and the pieces are just so gorgeous and amazing. The owners two boys were assisting their Father, and they were some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. His stuff is so unique, and affordable as well. I hope they come back to Brimfield next May 2014 for the next show.

My son and I stumbled upon this gem in downtown Durham on Saturday after walking through the Farmers Market. Talk about a fun place to get lost & just browse around! We had so much fun looking at the endless amounts of trinkets, furniture, beautiful rugs … lighting, etc. You name it, and it seems like they would probably have it. The ambiance was relaxed and we thoroughly enjoyed checking this place out!

Folk art in multiple forms, but more so in seriously gorgeous rugs. I have no idea what Nomadic Trading Company was like when it was located elsewhere, but if it was anything like what it is now in Durham, the other locations lost out.
There’s a huge selection of Oriental/​Turkish/​Persian rugs in all colors and sizes in the back. It’s art for your floor and just as hard to pick only one to take home.
But getting to the back of the store to see those amazing rugs is only one piece of the adventure Nomadic Trading offers. You first have to walk through a collection of Oriental, Indian, Turkish art history of assorted items. All of them, the furniture, water jars, lamps, beads, etc. are striking — simple, yet complex at the same time. The natural materials are a refreshing change from modern-​day chemical-​based creations.
When you get to the back of the store, you’ll see rugs in colors and patterns unlike any others. The blues and reds attracted my attention, but each of them is intriguing in its own way. The patterns and colors all had a story to tell. It’s folk-​art.
If you’re truly fortunate, you’ll be able to listen to the owner play his drums — I think they’re Dybbuk (I forgot to ask) — to add to the ambience.