One of the hidden gems one can expect to find in Soho is the store Carpet Culture. Housed in a former garage, Carpet Culture offers an interesting array of rugs and kilims whose origins span from Western Europe to Northern Africa to Asia Minor. The prorietor, Javaid Bhat is extremely knowledgeable and offers first rate service. I first me Mr. Bhat when I had returned from a Middle Eastern odyssey with some handmade Egyptian Kilims and was in desperate need of a place that could clean and store them for me. Unlike traditional Persian rugs, which any vendor on 5th avenue would gladly charge several thousand dollars to clean, Kilims pose a greater risk of ruin because of the looseness of their weaves. Mr. Bhat explained the process by which he cleans and stores the rugs and gave me every assurance that my prized possessions would be well looked after. He did not disappoint. My rugs were completely re-vitalized. Through the careful cleaning, the original colors were restoored beautifully and the fibers received no wear and tear from harsh chemicals. I was extremely pleased with the experience and have since returned to have all my rugs cared for by Mr. Bhat. I can wholeheartedly recommend this business to anyone who wishes to restore their old and valued floor coverings or is perhaps in the market for something new and unusual
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