Douglas and Nelda Lay, the founders of The Persian Carpet, launched their handmade rug business in 1976, after multiple research trips Doug had made to Iran in the 1960s and early 70s. He was conducting zoological studies back then...and collecting beautiful, one-of-a-kind rugs. As the years went by, they became respected experts on hand-woven carpets, with Doug even lecturing nationwide on the subject.

Their interest in the art of weaving and keen eye for color and design were applied to developing several lines of carpets, including Pendleton Reserve, Arts & Crafts, Pendleton Classic, Dreamcatcher, Naturals, Indigo, and Santa Fe. As a professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Doug spent several years studying kangaroo rats in Nevada, where his love for the textiles of the American Southwest was born.

The Persian Carpet Curated is a realization of their dream.