Journal

What Is the Evil Eye (Nazar)? Meaning, History, and Its Place in Turkish Culture

What is the evil eye? The meaning, history, and place of the nazar amulet in Turkish culture, and how this 5,000-year-old symbol of protection lives on today at House of Motifs.

Featured in VoyageDallas: The Story Behind House of Motifs

House of Motifs founders Mustafa and Zeren Kadıoğlu share their story in VoyageDallas, discussing artisan textiles, Turkish craftsmanship, and their boutique in Downtown McKinney.

Turkish Delight: From Istanbul Tradition to McKinney TX

Turkish delight, known as lokum, has been part of Ottoman culinary culture for centuries. In this article originally published in McKinneyToday, we explore its history and how this iconic sweet con...

Turkish Towels: Lightweight Comfort for Texas Living

Turkish towels, also known as peshtemal, are lightweight, versatile textiles with centuries of history. In this article originally published in McKinneyToday, we explore why these traditional towel...

Suzani Embroidery: The Ancient Textile Transforming Modern Homes

Suzani embroidery is one of the most iconic textile traditions of Central Asia and Anatolia. In this article originally published in McKinneyToday, we explore its history, symbolism, and why it con...

Turkish Carpet Motifs: Meanings and Symbols Explained

Traditional Turkish carpets carry centuries of symbolism woven into their motifs. In this article originally published in McKinneyToday, we explore the meaning behind Anatolian carpet symbols and h...

The Story Behind House of Motifs: One Year in McKinney

In this article originally published in McKinneyToday, we share the story behind House of Motifs — from our journey from Türkiye to opening a boutique in Historic Downtown McKinney and building a b...

How to Set a Turkish-Inspired Table

How to set a Turkish-inspired table: layering patterned porcelain, a hand-painted İznik bowl, textiles, and evil eye coffee cups for a warm, meaningful tablescape.

How to Care for Turkish Textiles: Towels, Silk Velvet, Ikat & More

How to care for Turkish textiles: washing and storing peshtemal towels, silk velvet, ikat, and hand-crochet pieces so your handmade textiles last for years.

The Turkish Gift Guide: Meaningful Handmade Gifts for Every Occasion

A guide to meaningful Turkish gifts from House of Motifs: evil eye ceramics, silk velvet, Turkish towels, and hand-painted bowls for housewarmings, weddings, and new beginnings.