Mina Abouzahra: The Soul of a Rug

The article explores the cultural significance and journey of Beni Ourain rugs, originating from the semi-nomadic Berber peoples of North Africa, into modern home interiors. Weaving has been a centuries-old tradition for the Berber community, with women traditionally crafting rugs and tapestries from wool or recycled textiles. These handmade items are characterized by their deliberate imperfections, including crooked lines and asymmetrical compositions, which impart a unique blend of geometric and soulful, minimalist yet lively aesthetics. Historically, these rugs served practical purposes, such as blankets and shawls in the High Atlas Mountains, where the Beni Ourain tribes have resided since the ninth century AD. The global appeal of these traditional weaves began to shift around the 1920s when European modernists recognized their aesthetic value. Influential architects like Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, and Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated Beni Ourain carpets into their iconic designs, such as Villa La Roche, Villa Mairea, and Fallingwater, respectively. This recognition by leading figures in modern architecture helped propel Berber rugs into the mainstream design world, making them symbols of understated elegance and warmth in austere, modernist spaces. Beni Ourain rugs are distinguished by their thick, pilewoven, cream-colored wool, typically sourced from the ancient breed of Beni Ourain sheep. They often feature thin black lines arranged in a diamond pattern, which Amy Elad-Echariti, founder of Laith & Leila, explains symbolizes peace and harmony. Elad-Echariti, who is married into a Berber weaving family, actively collaborates with Moroccan craftspeople to preserve and promote their ancestral techniques. The article also highlights Azilal rugs from the Atlas Mountains, which use similar creamy wool but are more expressive, featuring free-moving abstractions and crawling patterns rich with symbolism, including protective motifs like the Hand of Fatima or the evil eye. The dyes for these rugs are derived from local plants and berries. Another significant type discussed is the Boucherouite rug, which stands apart as it does not exclusively use wool but incorporates recycled textiles. These rugs are produced across Morocco, particularly in areas where wool is less accessible, and are described as a more universal weave not attributed to a single Berber group. Ella Jones, founder of A New Tribe and The Rug Trade, emphasizes her direct collaboration with Berber weavers, traveling to Morocco biannually to source and purchase these unique textiles. The article underscores the handmade nature of these rugs, noting that they are traditionally woven by women without formal training, often from memory, resulting in improvised and asymmetrical designs. This inherent individuality is precisely what makes them cherished additions to contemporary interiors, injecting a much-needed sense of tactility and history into modern homes. #BeniOurainRugs #BerberWeaving #MoroccanRugs #HomeInteriors #TextileArt #ArchitecturalInfluence #HandmadeDecor #CulturalCraftsmanship #DesignHistory

Designer Suzanne Miller Farrell, founder of The Storied House, drew inspiration from her 2004 honeymoon in South Africa to create her new fabric collection, "Cape Town," and to decorate her family room. Farrell and her husband initially planned a brief stay in Franschhoek, about 50 miles from Cape Town, but extended their visit to four days due to the area's charm and European feel. She noted that South Africa, contrary to stereotypical perceptions, possesses a multiethnic quality with various cultural influences, particularly in regions like Franschhoek, which reminded her of the South of France with its antique stores, wine, and French restaurants, even featuring elements like buffalo check and toile in their B&B. This blend of cultures and aesthetics significantly impacted her design philosophy. Farrell’s living room at home embodies the "light and bright" South African style, featuring neutral walls accented with vibrant pops of color. While a zebra print rug in her living room is not an authentic African piece, her experiences in South Africa, especially the safari, profoundly influenced her. She highlighted the unexpected joy of observing animals in their natural habitat, such as a mother elephant with her calves and a giraffe feeding half a mile away, which left a lasting impression on her understanding of animal behaviors and the natural world. Her "Cape Town" fabric collection is directly inspired by the vistas and hues of South Africa. She incorporated colors from a watercolor painting by her late aunt, reflecting the autumn landscape she witnessed during her June visit to the country. Farrell described the South African autumn as featuring deep greens, oranges, and fall foliage set against vivid blue skies. The orange-clay land, when hit by the sun, produces brilliant and dynamic colors. She emphasized the pervasive beauty of the landscape, noting how Table Mountain rises even within the city, and the sky mirrors the sea, creating wide-open blue expanses and uniquely brilliant sunsets. Beyond the natural beauty, Miller Farrell also gathered tangible elements from her trip. Her family room displays items like coffee-table books on South African themes and photo albums, aligning with designer Nate Berkus’s philosophy that a home should tell a personal story. She acquired hand-carved trinkets, including bowls and a rhino, as well as a wooden giraffe, from artisans in a street market in Senegal, a country recommended by local artist Sofi Seck. Farrell observed that while such unique pieces were once difficult to find outside their origin, globalization has since made them more accessible. These collected items and memories serve as constant reminders of her journey and its deep influence on her design work and personal space. #SuzanneMillerFarrell #SouthAfrica #InteriorDesign #FabricCollection #CapeTown #TravelInspiration #HomeDecor #TextileDesign #AfricanCulture

Lara Bohinc, a Slovenian-born, London-based designer, has introduced a new rug collection for Swedish textile company Kasthall, featuring two rugs named ‘East of the Moon’ and ‘West of the Sun’. These designs were unveiled at Salone del Mobile and are available in two sizes and four distinct color combinations. Additionally, the collection includes two wall hangings that allow for more artistic expression. The primary inspiration for these creations stems from Japanese Zen gardens, specifically their raked gravel patterns that symbolize water ripples. This influence is evident in the rugs' bold lines, which mimic these circular formations. Bohinc aimed for elegant color palettes for the rugs, choosing rose, dove, earth, and rust, drawing direct inspiration from nature, aligning with Kasthall's traditional color schemes. The wall hangings, while maintaining these palettes, offered an opportunity for Bohinc to explore a more experimental, art-like approach. Each piece in the collection is meticulously handmade in Sweden from organic wool, utilizing a rigorous tufting process. The rugs involve both robotic and hand tufting, ensuring precision and quality. The wall hangings incorporate completely handmade fringes and brass wall holders, which provide their structural integrity and contribute to their artistic appeal. During an interview, Bohinc elaborated on her inspirations and techniques. She cited the Zen garden at Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto as a particular influence, noting how its raked gravel, representing water, directly informed the parallel circular lines in her designs. She confirmed that only the tufting technique was employed for the collection, with no weaving involved. The collaboration allowed her to merge her design philosophy with Kasthall's craftsmanship. The design process for the rugs primarily focused on these four nature-inspired colors, whereas the wall hangings offered greater creative freedom within the established color themes. Bohinc emphasized that this collection is a reflection of her broader design practice, which involves the deconstruction and reconfiguration of pure graphic forms, especially circles and arches. She describes her work as a blend of contradictions: graphic yet fluid, bold yet light, and geometric yet feminine. This approach creates a unique aesthetic that is both modern and deeply rooted in natural and traditional inspirations. The collection highlights her ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible, aesthetically pleasing textile art that is both functional and decorative. The pieces serve as a testament to her consistent design ethos and her collaborative spirit with Kasthall, bringing together celestial themes and earthly inspirations into a cohesive and striking collection. #LaraBohinc #Kasthall #RugDesign #TextileArt #SaloneDelMobile #JapaneseZenGardens #HandmadeInSweden #OrganicWool #InteriorDesign #WallHangings

The article showcases a solo installation titled 'If Chairs Could Talk' by London-based artist and designer Yinka Ilori, presented in collaboration with The Shop at Bluebird. Ilori is known for his work with upcycled furniture, and this particular collection draws inspiration from his Nigerian heritage, specifically traditional Nigerian parables and African fabrics. The chairs are characterized by their vibrant colors and narrative elements, aiming to tell stories through their design. This installation is part of the London Design Festival and will be on display until November 27th, 2015. The collaboration highlights a fusion of cultural storytelling with contemporary design practices, where discarded furniture is transformed into unique, culturally rich pieces. Ilori's creative process involves selecting chairs, often found or discarded, and then reimagining them with new upholstery and paint, integrating patterns and themes derived from Nigerian culture. Each chair in the 'If Chairs Could Talk' collection is intended to represent a specific parable or aspect of Nigerian tradition, effectively giving a voice to inanimate objects. This approach not only provides an aesthetic transformation but also imbues the furniture with deeper cultural meaning and narrative. The use of traditional African fabrics, known for their bold colors and intricate patterns, plays a crucial role in conveying these cultural narratives. Through his work, Ilori bridges the gap between art, design, and cultural heritage, offering a unique perspective on sustainability and storytelling through repurposed objects. The exhibition at The Shop at Bluebird provides a platform for these discussions, inviting viewers to engage with the chairs not just as functional items but as pieces of art that carry historical and cultural weight. The installation underscores the potential of upcycling to create new value and foster cultural appreciation. The project demonstrates how design can serve as a medium for preserving and reinterpreting cultural narratives, making them accessible to a wider audience. The chairs, once ordinary, become extraordinary artifacts, each speaking to a rich tapestry of Nigerian wisdom and artistry. This initiative reflects a growing trend in design towards sustainability, cultural authenticity, and storytelling, presenting furniture as more than just utilitarian objects but as carriers of memory and meaning. #UpcycledFurniture #NigerianDesign #AfricanFabrics #YinkaIlori #LondonDesignFestival #CulturalHeritage #SustainableDesign #ArtisticFurniture #InteriorDecoration

The latest trend in rug design emphasizes the importance of borders, transforming these floor coverings into pieces of art. This spring, several prominent designers and brands have released new rug collections that draw inspiration from diverse sources, including Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, Viennese Art Deco, and children's books. The common thread among these collections is the focus on the rug's edges, utilizing graphic motifs, architectural elements, cinematic references, and two-tone color palettes to create distinct and impactful designs. Athena Calderone's "Salon" collection for Beni Rugs, inspired by her Tribeca home and European travels, showcases unique shapes, grids, and lines with a strong emphasis on intriguing borders. Calderone values the edge as much as the center of the rug, and the collection introduces a new low-pile style for Beni. Notable designs within this collection, such as "Fassade" and "Deco," directly reference specific architectural facades and museum walls, giving each rug a rich backstory and visual depth. Cold Picnic's "Audience/Embrace" line offers rugs and runners with two distinct conceptual approaches: being watched and being held. These designs, made from 100 percent TEX New Zealand wool with cotton backing, feature recurring eye patterns for "Audience" and outstretched arm motifs for "Embrace," drawing inspiration from folklore, children's books, and cinema. The hand-sheared finish adds a sculptural quality. Cold Picnic also launched a washable line inspired by MFK Fisher's book, "How to Cook a Wolf," designed for high-traffic areas, and a collaboration with the Brooklyn Museum featuring a random sheared interpretation of Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige's cherry blossom prints. Josh Greene's "Arcadia" collection, in partnership with Marc Phillips Rugs, pays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian homes, characterized by low-slung architecture, local materials, natural light, and integration with nature. The six hand-knotted, sun-washed wool designs incorporate elements reminiscent of carved stone found in Wright's houses, with the "Gordon" and "Kinney" rugs particularly highlighting strong borders. The collection maintains a geometric focus, with the "Duncan" rug featuring a multihued grid. Block Shop, a well-established name in rug design, has expanded its offerings with the "Trellis" and "Ripple" rugs. The "Trellis" rug, a 100 percent jute flat-weave with a textured pattern, became highly requested after its initial creation for their Los Angeles shop. The "Ripple" rug, a jute-wool blend, continues the border trend with a playful, wiggly edge available in neutral and ochre color options. Both styles are ethically produced by V-Weave, a family-run weaving cooperative in India using traditional materials. Arvin Olano's collaboration with Rugs USA, featuring 22 designs, includes standout rugs that emphasize borders. Olano, a content creator known for approachable design, presents the two-tone "Gino" (100 percent wool) and the "Petra," which features a stamped-like quality. Both are handmade flat-weaves from India. Finally, Brigette Romanek's spring collection for Loloi features the "Orly" rug, the only design with a border, inspired by the veining in stone. The "Orly" rug, available in heathered colorways like natural and ink, with clay being a favored option, offers a subtly depressed detail around its edge, providing visual definition. These hand-loomed wool and viscose rugs are GoodWeave certified, underscoring a commitment to ethical production. #RugDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #BorderedRugs #DesignerCollaborations #HandmadeRugs #TextileArt #SpringCollection #EthicalProduction

The article profiles Martha Magane, a retired librarian who discovered a new creative career in rug making after retiring in 2011. Her journey began with a book that rekindled a childhood interest in sewing, stemming from disassembling and repairing her grandmother's 1930s-era sewing machine at a young age. Initially, Magane aspired to create her own clothing, but a sewing project in a book—making “chenille” from denim remnants—captured her attention, leading her to explore the technique of layering stacks of fabric, sewing diagonal channels, and then cutting them open to reveal the inner layers. Magane sourced her initial fabrics from the Truro Swap Shack, where she found upholstery fabric samples, providing a wider range of colors than denim. Her process involves stacking, sewing, and then vigorously brushing the cut edges by hand to fray and soften the chenille. These fuzzy, colorful panels are then backed with denim and assembled into rugs, typically around three by five feet. She washes and scrubs the finished rugs to further loosen fibers and shed lint, followed by trimming the surface to even out the pile. This meticulous process ensures a high-quality, durable product. In the early stages of her rug-making, Magane produced numerous pieces, prompting her to consider selling them at craft fairs. However, she soon realized her passion lay more in the creation process than in selling. Her rugs, branded as Slash Products, are now available at Repurfect in Provincetown and Adorn in East Orleans. Over the past decade, her designs have evolved from simple pieced squares to wider, longer strips featuring intricate, Klimt-esque patterns. She finds inspiration in nature, observing how colors and shapes naturally behave in the environment, and integrates these observations into her designs, often using blues with bright contrasting elements. Magane primarily uses thick fabrics like winter scarves and woven blankets, which she finds at thrift shops, as they produce the best chenille effect. Each rug is unique because she works with found and donated materials, making replication impossible. Her tools include a heavy-duty serger, electric scissors, and a sturdy “walking foot” sewing machine capable of handling thick fabric stacks and heavier threads. The work demands solitude and patience, qualities Magane embraces. Additionally, her creative endeavors extend beyond rug making; she memorizes songs for performances with the Outer Cape Chorale while engaged in the repetitive, meditative tasks of stitching, cutting, and brushing the fabric. #MarthaMagane #RugMaking #TextileArt #Upcycling #HandmadeRugs #CreativeProcess #HomeDecor #FabricCrafts #OuterCape

Olivia Smith, founder of Nodi Rugs, shares her journey in textile design, deeply influenced by her travels and connection to nature. Her initial steps into the world of textiles began in Milan, where she studied textiles and interned with a designer specializing in block-printed textiles from India. This experience introduced her to the beauty of handmade and traditional Indian textiles, and it was during this time that she learned the word "nodi," meaning 'knots' in Italian, which later became the inspiration for her brand name. After three years in Milan, facing the economic downturn of 2008, Smith moved to Sydney. There, she worked for a furniture company, gaining insight into the interiors market, trade accounts, and project specifications by working with interior designers and architects. Despite this, her passion for textiles persisted in the background. A trip to Japan served as a pivotal moment, inspiring her to move to India with the intention of learning and honing her textile skills rather than immediately starting a business. In India, she connected with an agent and various rug factories, ultimately choosing one to weave her initial designs. Smith's early designs were heavily influenced by her surroundings and travels, emphasizing the transformative power of new environments on creativity. Her first collection, consisting of five full rug designs and swatches, presented a logistical challenge upon their arrival in Sydney due to their weight. Undeterred, she created a catalogue, photographed the rugs, and began selling them to her contacts in the interior design community. Recognizing the need for a stronger support system to grow her business, she relocated to Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, where she established the foundational elements of Nodi Rugs. She secured retailers and gradually expanded her sales, leading to the release of a second collection. Over time, Smith adapted her design philosophy to cater to the New Zealand market, which she observed to be more conservative in its aesthetic preferences. This led her to introduce a new range that balanced her bold initial designs with more subdued, versatile options. Her "Staples" range was born from observing natural light and shadows in her Mount Maunganui office, directly inspiring the organic forms within the collection. She consciously chose natural materials like jute, banana silk, and cotton, aligning with the coastal environment she was then inhabiting. The commercial sector has become a growing segment for Nodi Rugs, with custom-made rugs for specific spaces being a favored aspect of her work. For her latest collection, Smith faced the challenge of balancing creativity with commercial viability. This collection, which required numerous redesigns, introduces a wool component to the Staples range and explores different spinning techniques for jute, creating a comprehensive array of staple rugs. Additionally, a new designer range called "Luna," meaning moon in Italian, emphasizes texture and yarn, further showcasing her commitment to natural inspiration and materials. Nodi Rugs exclusively uses natural fibers like wool and jute, avoiding synthetics, underscoring their inherent durability and resilience. Looking ahead, Smith envisions Nodi Rugs evolving into a global brand, exhibiting at major international trade fairs like Salone in Milan and Maison&Objet, while maintaining its core operations in New Zealand. #OliviaSmith #NodiRugs #TextileDesign #InteriorDesign #RugDesign #NaturalMaterials #HandmadeTextiles #TravelInspiration #NewZealandDesign

The rug industry is experiencing a renaissance, marked by an explosion of color, innovative designs, and diverse materials that elevate rugs beyond mere floor coverings to significant elements of interior design. This evolution is driven by various designers and brands introducing collections that showcase artistic expression, functionality, and sustainability. Julia Buckingham's "Raindrop" rug for Global Views exemplifies this trend with its vibrant gem colors, injecting energy into dramatic spaces characterized by white walls and high ceilings. The rug's whimsical design is complemented by a tea light chandelier, also from Buckingham's collection, creating a cohesive and lively aesthetic. Cedric Ragot's "Focus" rug for Roche Bobois presents a strong, geometric design with a sculpted appearance, mimicking tile inlays. Hand-tufted from pure New Zealand wool, this circular rug highlights the incorporation of architectural and textural elements into rug design. Hair-on-hide rugs have gained popularity, particularly those with sophisticated patchwork effects. Restoration Hardware's "Hexa" hide rug, part of the Ben Soleimani collection, uses premium hair-on cowhide tiles, hand-cut and pieced together to form a richly textured mosaic. These tiles, dyed while retaining natural tonal variations, offer a silky feel underfoot, combining luxury with a unique visual appeal. Golran's Lake collection, designed by Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay of Raw Edges, draws inspiration from optical art, featuring an iridescent quality that changes with the light, akin to a lake's surface. Based on traditional kilim techniques but incorporating varying pile heights, these rugs have received multiple design awards, underscoring their innovative blend of tradition and modernity. SHIIR rugs, designed by Shea Soucie and Martin Horner, emphasize embellishment and embroidery on flat-woven backgrounds. One notable silk flat-weave features a classic Moorish tile motif with delicate silk embroidery, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and elegant patterns. Doris Leslie Blau offers a Nepalese hand-knotted rug that resembles a modern painting, with an ivory wool background and blue silk pile, providing a strong artistic statement in a room. Another design from Doris Leslie Blau is a striking Turkish modernist kilim called Elmer, which creates an almost three-dimensional effect with black weaves appearing to pop from a colored ground. Handwoven from 100 percent wool, this flat-weave design honors centuries-old techniques while achieving a contemporary look. Roche Bobois's "Himal" rug, hand-knotted in Nepal from 100 percent Himalayan wool, stands out with bold colors and a distinctive high-low pile weaving technique. Feizy's hand-tufted "St. Germaine" rug from the John F collection, made of viscose in India, offers versatility with its mixed color palette, allowing for diverse decor integrations. NIBA's new flat-weave collection, including the "Treillage plaids," is characterized by its thin profile due to the absence of knots, making it ideal for stair runners and high-traffic areas. These rugs are customizable in fiber, color, and size, reflecting a demand for personalized home furnishings. Another NIBA design, a large-scale organic rug named "Jasmine," features plant fronds in bold colors, made from allo and wool, serving as a grounding element for room decor. Fashion designer Sybilla's contributions to Nanimarquina's "Melange" collection include contemporary kilims made from spun Afghan wool, featuring signature elements like red borders and diamonds that add a unique flair to classic designs. GAN's "Silai" collection by Charlotte Lancelot showcases hand-loomed rugs that mimic upscale knitting and embroidery, reflecting a focus on tactile qualities and craftwork. Artist Madeline Weinrib's atelier features a coexistence of new and old cotton flat-weaves, handwoven in India, renowned for their graphic impact and effortless chic, with designs such as "Blue Lulu," "Indigo Samosa," "Indigo Wesley," and "Indigo Darlington." Safavieh presents a geometric rug with a faded, worn look achieved through a dip-dyeing process. Made of 100 percent premium hand-tufted wool with traditional Moroccan motifs, it is dyed twice to create color gradations. Thomas O'Brien's "Guru" rug for Safavieh, made of knotted wool, showcases subtlety through an abstracted tonal pattern. ABC Carpet and Home offers a unique hand-knotted rug from India, made of hand-spun silk and overdyed in fiery hues, resembling a watercolor painting inspired by the ocean. This piece creates an enchanting composition of iridescent patterns. Nikki Chu's collection for Jaipur combines metallic fibers with black jute yarn to achieve subtle sheen and depth, with a focus on neutral palettes like gray and black that revitalize natural fibers and simplify global tribal patterns. Overall, the contemporary rug market is characterized by a blend of artistic innovation, diverse material use, and customizability, offering a broad spectrum of choices for enhancing interior spaces with unique textures, colors, and patterns. #RugDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #TextileArt #HandmadeRugs #ModernRugs #ContemporaryDesign #MaterialInnovation #ArtisticRugs

The article presents an interview between Joy Moyler and Esha Ahmed, focusing on Ahmed’s journey into textile design and the philosophy behind her brand, Makrosha. Esha Ahmed, born in Bangladesh and raised in New York, recounts her early introduction to textiles through her mother’s extensive sari collection in Jackson Heights. These early experiences, including playfully repurposing saris into costumes, sparked her interest in fabrics and fashion. Ahmed's formal education at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied fashion design and later costume preservation and textiles for her master’s, further solidified her passion. Her initial career involved managing designer Peter Marino's extensive textile collection, an experience that broadened her understanding of textiles within interior design, covering commercial, residential, and hospitality projects. This role provided insight into both the creation and application of textiles, exposing her to numerous vendors and artisans. Following her tenure with Marino, Ahmed launched Makrosha, a business specializing in fabric, rugs, and throw pillows. A core mission for Makrosha is to preserve and support vanishing traditional weaving arts globally, ensuring the survival of high-quality, handcrafted textiles. Ahmed collaborates with weavers worldwide, each contributing unique methods and aesthetics to her designs. She also partners with designers for custom textiles and represents Aïssa Dione Tissus, a Senegalese master weaver known for handwoven fabrics. Ahmed draws inspiration from historical fashion design, particularly medieval styles, and shares an affinity for late 18th-century Europe and medieval Spain, periods known for their ornate, colorful, and detailed designs that resulted from cultural fusions. She acknowledges the historical influence of the fashion industry on luxury home textiles, observing how trends from designers like Dries Van Noten often translate into the home market. However, Ahmed expresses concerns about the modern culture of disposability and emphasizes the importance of sustainability and longevity in design. She advocates for investing in high-quality items, such as hand-knotted rugs that can take months to create, intending for them to last generations rather than being treated as disposable goods. Her design process involves starting with inspirations from her antique collection, developing renderings with mills, and collaborating closely with individual makers across different cultures, such as those in Laos, Nepal, and England, to ensure the essence of craftsmanship is maintained. Ahmed stresses that true quality and craftsmanship come from this collaborative, hands-on approach. The conversation highlights the critical need to protect traditional weaving practices from extinction due to increasing mechanization, underscoring Makrosha's role in keeping these artisanal skills alive. #TextileDesign #GlobalWeaving #EshaAhmed #Makrosha #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #ArtisanalCraftsmanship #FashionHistory #HomeDecor

Moniomi, the Miami-based design firm led by husband-and-wife team Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez, embraces a fashion-forward approach to interior design, blending avant-garde pieces with traditional motifs to craft spaces that are both artistic and elegant. Their current mood board, part of Business of Home's "What I Love" series, draws inspiration from the colors of sunset and dusk, utilizing a harmonious mix of eye-catching linework and soothing blush tones. The design aims to evoke the serenity, transient beauty, and peace associated with watching the sun set. The flat lay features a variety of luxurious finishes, including ceramic zellige tile and concrete terrazzo, alongside vibrant graphic prints and bold silhouettes. Santayana and Alvarez emphasize that geometry, playful pattern interaction, and saturated colors unify the design, creating a sense of modernity, sophistication, and artistic flair. They offer a detailed breakdown of the 18 elements that constitute their mood board, each contributing to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact. The selection begins with Portola Paints' Etcetera Limewash Paint, chosen for its soft blush tone that creates a serene and elegant atmosphere, and its unique texture that adds warmth and sophistication. Concrete Collaborative's Pacifica Slice Concrete Counter Slab in Pink is another key element, valued for its ability to introduce character with its blend of blushes and burgundies, suitable for both flooring and countertops. Zia Tile's Radian Inline 1 Mosaic Zellige Tile, with its geometric patterns, is incorporated to add a dynamic and modern statement. Accent pieces include Reinaldo Sanguino’s Metallic Sculptural Chair, a vibrant ceramic stool with a multicolored finish and gold accents, serving as a chic and functional design enhancer. Moniomi's own Umpire Locker Dry Bar Cabinet, available at 1stDibs, is highlighted for its seamless integration into any space, featuring mirror art, contrasted wood veneer, and hair hide inserts that make it a standout for entertaining. Prateek Jain & Gautam Seth's Goa House Chandelier from Studiotwentyseven is admired for its tropical foliage design, which infuses any room with glamorous and exotic elegance through intricate craftsmanship. Textiles and floor coverings play a significant role, with Mohebban's Tactile Rose Rug, a hand-carved piece, adding an artistic and luxurious touch with its gradient of purples, blushes, and neutrals. Métaphores' Nomade Fabric in Nymphe, featuring a subtle micropattern, is selected for its ability to introduce sophistication and refined texture without overwhelming the design. Custom Hide Rug Samples by Kyle Bunting, particularly in Mango, Mauve, Periwinkle, and Oink, are celebrated as masterpieces of saturated color, intricate design, and luxurious material, providing a lavish element to any space. Smaller decorative items include Moniomi’s 10 Anniversary Candle from Sensual Candle Co., valued for its delightful grapefruit fragrance that elevates a room's ambiance. Gaetano Pesce's Nugget Vase in Amber & Salmon by Fish Design, available at Corsi Design, is praised for its aesthetic appeal and practicality as a flexible resin vase, offering a modern, playful touch without the fragility of glass. Chris Wolston's Kimora Chair, a woven rattan piece from The Future Perfect, brings a whimsical yet refined vibe to any interior. Room dividers and wall treatments further enhance the curated space. Draga & Aurel's Red Violet Reverso Partition Screens from Artemest are described as functional art, saturating the room with vibrant colors while providing beautiful separation. Porter Teleo's Refracted Hand-Painted Wallcovering in Cadmium, with its graphic qualities and customization options, creates a dynamic and personalized backdrop. Finally, two fabrics from Toyine, Phinda Ré Vingt-Cinq in Ivory and Rose, and Phinda Ré Dix-Huit in Peach and Mauve, are chosen for their ability to add softness, depth, richness, and coziness to upholstery projects, enhancing both visual appeal and tactile experience. The collection also includes unique items like Moniomi's Lux Mini Basketball Hoops, crafted in Italy from onyx and marble with copper-plated rims and hemp nets, representing a blend of art and function. Their Small Ottoman in Raptor Onyx & Pink Mohair, with its four-tiered design, scalloped fringe, and swivel capability, is perfect for conversation areas, adding a luxurious and dynamic touch. Overall, Moniomi's flat lay is a testament to their philosophy of balancing avant-garde and traditional elements to create spaces that are both visually captivating and emotionally resonant. #InteriorDesign #Moniomi #MoodBoard #HomeDecor #LuxuryFinishes #DesignInspiration #TextileDesign #FurnitureDesign

Maharam, a prominent textile house, has released a new capsule collection of reissued fabrics, rugs, and wallpapers, celebrating the creative legacy of iconic American designer and architect Alexander Girard. This collection is part of Maharam’s ongoing ‘Textiles of the 20th Century’ series, which already features 30 of Girard's patterns. The newly reintroduced designs were originally conceived by Girard during his tenure as founding design director of Herman Miller’s textile division, a period spanning from 1952 to 1973, during which he developed over 300 designs. The current offering from Maharam comprises six designs, available across two upholsteries, three wall coverings, and one hand-woven rug. These selections highlight Girard’s distinctive ability to craft graphic patterns and incorporate unusual color and texture combinations. Maharam's approach involves faithfully reproducing these historic designs while integrating contemporary considerations, such as environmental impact and material innovation. To further illuminate Girard's work and influences, Maharam has commissioned a short film that delves into the significant role of Santa Fe and the New Mexico landscape in shaping his artistic vision. A notable example of this commitment to responsible reproduction is the 'Mexidot' (1963) upholstery pattern. Originally part of a series of handwoven stripes known as 'Mexicotton,' the Girard Studio, managed by Alexander Girard’s grandchildren, requested that the updated version prioritize environmental sustainability and accessibility. In response, Maharam Design Studio utilized recycled spun yarns to mimic the original appearance of natural cotton, ensuring the textile meets current demands for high-traffic commercial and residential settings. The collection also features three wallpaper designs: 'Alphabet' (1952), 'Roman Stripe' (1952), and 'Broken Stripe' (1952). These have been digitally printed on non-PVC substrates, preserving the original warmth, tactility, and vibrant colors of Girard’s initial creations. 'Pepitas' (1952), an upholstery design characterized by a pointed ellipsis formed by two intersecting discs, exemplifies Girard’s versatile aesthetic, suitable for various applications including drapery and wallpaper. The 'Millerstripe' rug, based on a 1972 upholstery textile previously reissued by Maharam in 2002, celebrates the enduring appeal of the stripe motif. This rug is crafted from a wool twill, depicting the original polychromatic layout at double its initial scale. Mary Murphy, Maharam’s vice-president of design, emphasizes the cohesive nature of Girard’s body of work, noting that many of his designs harmonize well together. She also highlights Girard’s belief in textiles as a fundamental building material for any space. The Girard Studio concludes that the collection aims to raise awareness about the breadth and diversity of Girard’s designs. They describe the upholsteries, wallcoverings, and rugs as offering an understated yet distinctly Girardian style, appealing to those who appreciate a classic yet unexpected aesthetic. The partnership between Maharam and Girard Studio reflects a dedication to preserving and recontextualizing historical design while embracing modern demands for sustainability and functionality. #AlexanderGirard #MaharamTextiles #TextileDesign #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #Wallpaper #Upholstery #Rugs

Beni Rugs has launched its latest collection, the Flamingo Estate series, drawing inspiration from a historic Los Angeles home. This property, built in the 1940s, was once a hub for psychedelic experimentation and sun worship, and more recently underwent a glamorous transformation by Studio KO. The collection is a collaborative effort between Beni Rugs' cofounders, Robert Wright and Tiberio Lobo-Navia, and Richard Christiansen, the owner of the Flamingo Estate and its eponymous home-goods brand. The 13 unique floor-covering designs in the series are direct interpretations of various decorative elements found throughout the Flamingo Estate. These motifs range from the property's distinct brickwork and lush garden flora to the vibrant patterns of its leopard-spot upholstery. Each rug design is crafted to evoke a specific feature or experience within the estate, creating a tangible connection to its character and history. For instance, the "Cactus Pool" rug channels the serene aesthetics of a lapis-lined water feature nestled in the estate's garden. "Breakfast Table" is a design that reinterprets a striped-wood dining area, capturing the essence of morning gatherings. The "Bathhouse Reflection" rug aims to evoke the play of light cast through the blue stained-glass windows of the bathhouse, creating a sense of ethereal beauty. Meanwhile, "Pavilion Tiles" is a direct homage to the graphic patterns found on the kitchen counters, translating architectural detail into a soft furnishing. These designs are offered in two or three distinct colorways, providing variety to suit different interior palettes. Each rug is handcrafted in Morocco using high-quality wool, reflecting Beni Rugs' commitment to traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. Furthermore, customers have the option to specify custom sizes, allowing for tailored integration into diverse spaces. The collection not only showcases innovative rug design but also tells a story of a unique property, blending historical charm with contemporary luxury. #BeniRugs #FlamingoEstate #RugDesign #InteriorDesign #LosAngelesHome #StudioKO #HandcraftedRugs #MoroccanCraftsmanship

The Carpet Design Awards 2017, an international competition celebrating the best in handmade carpets and rugs, recently announced its winners. A distinguished panel of judges, led by multi-award-winning carpet designer Stephanie Odegard, evaluated 386 entries from 21 countries to select the top designs across eight distinct categories. The judging criteria encompassed various aspects, including design and concept, materials used, structural integrity and quality, execution, texture, sustainability, and brand presence. In the 'Best Flatweave Design' category, 'Scandinavian Flatweave 2' by Rug & Kilim was recognized for its original design demonstrating the flatweave technique. Jaipur Rugs' 'Unstring by Kavi' claimed the 'Best Modern Collection' award, celebrated for its contemporary design collections unified by a common theme. For 'Best Modern Design Deluxe,' Wool and Silk Rugs' 'Summit' stood out due to its original contemporary design and optimal use of materials. Similarly, Sterling Rugs' 'Super Moon' secured the 'Best Modern Design Superior' award, also lauded for its innovative contemporary design and material utilization. The 'Best Studio Artist Design' honor went to Simone Post for 'Vlisco Recycled,' acknowledging its original small-scale production from an artist or designer. Ayka Design's 'Vase Green' was awarded 'Best Traditional Design' for its successful interpretation of a traditional rug design. Hossein Rezvani's 'Shiraz sabz' received the 'Best Transitional Design' award, recognizing a new rug that blends traditional designs with a contemporary style. The 'Best Transitional Collection' was awarded to Edelgrund for its 'Alasht Collection,' showcasing traditional and transitional collections with a shared theme. Beyond the expert judging panel, the DOMOTEX show also included a 'People's Favourite Vote,' allowing visitors to cast their ballots for their preferred carpet among the 24 finalists. The 'Rapture 4 – The Kundan Pure Silk Collection' by Zollanvari emerged as the people's choice, indicating its widespread appeal among attendees. These awards highlight the innovation, craftsmanship, and artistic expression present in the global carpet and rug industry, celebrating both established and emerging designers. #CarpetDesignAwards #HandmadeRugs #InteriorDesign #Flooring #ModernDesign #TraditionalDesign #TextileArt #HomeDecor #DesignExcellence

The Raffles rug, a recent introduction to the Dezeen Showroom by rug company Azmas Rugs, represents a significant advancement in their exploration of mathematics and design. This rug is a product of designer David Mrugala's innovative vision, forming part of Azmas' Tessellations collection. The design features an intricate feather- or frond-like pattern. This pattern is strategically superimposed upon itself, generating a dynamic sense of movement and deliberately avoiding monotonous repetition, which is often a challenge in pattern design. The manufacturing process of the Raffles rug is notably complex, making it one of Azmas Rugs' most resource-intensive creations to date. It is meticulously hand-knotted using a combination of wool and silk, materials chosen for their quality and tactile properties. The rug boasts a high knot density of 100 knots per square inch. This dense construction contributes to the rug's durability, ensuring its longevity, and enhances comfort underfoot. Furthermore, the high knot count is crucial for achieving superior clarity and definition in the detailed pattern, akin to the resolution offered by a high-pixel image. David Mrugala, the designer behind the Raffles rug, is a German architect, designer, and educator. He is the founder of Thedotisblack, a research platform dedicated to advancing design through generative drawings created using computational code. Mrugala's professional interests are broad, encompassing visual narratives, in-depth studies of natural science, sound analysis, and data visualization. These diverse interests align closely with the philosophy of Azmas Rugs, a company known for its ability to bridge contemporary digital arts with traditional weaving techniques. Azmas Rugs operates in Rajasthan, India, where ancient weaving practices are upheld and integrated with modern design principles. The Raffles rug, measuring 1860 x 2780 millimeters, is available in multiple colors and finishes, offering versatility for various interior design schemes. Its material composition of wool and silk further emphasizes its premium quality. This product highlights a successful collaboration between a designer focused on computational creativity and a company rooted in artisanal craftsmanship, resulting in a piece that is both aesthetically sophisticated and technically complex. The rug exemplifies how modern design concepts, particularly those derived from generative art, can be effectively translated into physical, handcrafted objects, pushing the boundaries of traditional rug making. #RafflesRug #DavidMrugala #AzmasRugs #HandknottedRug #WoolAndSilk #TessellationsCollection #GenerativeDesign #InteriorDecoration #Homeware

The "Oscillation rug" is a featured product in the Dezeen Showroom, designed by German architect, educator, and artist David Mrugala in collaboration with Azmas Rugs. This rug is a distinctive piece that integrates algorithmic design principles, drawing inspiration from mathematical representations of waves. The design showcases an evolving pattern of rectangles, which dynamically change in height: growing taller as they approach the center of the rug and progressively shortening towards the edges. This structural evolution is mirrored in a symmetrically changing color palette, enhancing the visual flow and balance of the design. Part of Azmas Rugs' broader "Tessellations collection," the Oscillation rug reflects a core theme of the collection, which is to explore the intersection of art and mathematics through generative patterns. This collection highlights the contributions of influential artists who work within this conceptual framework, aiming to create textiles that are both aesthetically engaging and intellectually stimulating. Azmas Rugs describes its objective as developing textiles that evoke texture and movement, using simple lines to decorate spaces in a sophisticated manner. The rug, as illustrated, is presented in a blue color scheme, but it is available for order in a variety of other colors, offering customization options to suit different interior design needs. Crafted as a flatweave rug, it is handwoven in Rajasthan, India, a region renowned for its rich tradition of textile artistry and craftsmanship. The standard dimensions of the Oscillation rug are 1.5 by 2.1 meters, making it suitable for various living spaces. This product exemplifies a contemporary approach to rug design, where advanced conceptual frameworks like algorithmic design and mathematical principles are applied to traditional weaving techniques. The collaboration between David Mrugala, known for his architectural and artistic work, and Azmas Rugs underscores a commitment to innovative design that blends intellectual rigor with artisanal quality. The Oscillation rug is positioned as a piece that not only serves a functional purpose but also acts as a statement art piece, bringing a sense of dynamic movement and thoughtful design to any room. #OscillationRug #DavidMrugala #AzmasRugs #AlgorithmicDesign #TessellationsCollection #GenerativePatterns #TextileDesign #HandwovenRugs #HomewareDesign

The Roots collection, designed by Inma Bermúdez for Gan, is a series of flat-woven rugs and accompanying stools that pay homage to Mediterranean heritage. The collection features four distinct styles of rugs, all crafted from a combination of jute and cotton. Jute fibers form the weft, contributing to the rug's earthy texture, while cotton is used for the warp, providing structural integrity. This blend of natural materials creates a visually rich and tactile experience. A key characteristic of the Roots rugs is their richly textured appearance, which subtly emphasizes the inherent differences in the materials and their natural color variations. The color palette primarily consists of warm, earthy tones, including beige, ochre, and various shades of brown. These colors further reinforce the collection's connection to its Mediterranean inspiration, evoking natural landscapes and traditional craftsmanship. Each of the four rug models within the Roots collection incorporates a unique variation of a square pattern. These square motifs are repeated at different scales and rhythms across the rug's surface, contributing to the individual character and visual interest of each design. The careful arrangement of these geometric elements adds a contemporary touch to the otherwise rustic aesthetic. Functionality and versatility are also considerations in the Roots collection. The rugs are offered in four different sizes, accommodating various spaces and design needs. These sizes range from a compact 96 by 144 centimeters, suitable for smaller areas or as accent pieces, to a more substantial 240 by 288 centimeters, ideal for larger living spaces. All items in the collection, including the rugs and the two complementary stools, are meticulously handmade in India, reflecting a commitment to traditional artisanal techniques and ensuring a high level of craftsmanship. The inclusion of two stools woven from the same jute and cotton materials extends the collection beyond floor coverings, offering cohesive furniture pieces that complement the rugs. This expansion into other home accessories provides a more holistic design solution for those looking to integrate the Roots aesthetic into their living environments. The entire collection celebrates natural materials, traditional techniques, and a deep appreciation for cultural roots, bringing a touch of Mediterranean warmth and artisanal quality to contemporary interiors. #Rugs #Jute #Cotton #Homeware #InteriorDesign #InmaBermúdez #Gan #Handmade #MediterraneanDesign

The Sonia and Sonya collection, developed by British brand Sonya Winner Rug Studio, draws inspiration from the colorful artwork of the late French artist Sonia Delaunay. This collection features two distinct rug designs: an expansive rug and a long, slender runner rug. Both pieces are characterized by their vibrant, kaleidoscopic colors and recurring circular motifs, which reflect the artistic influence of Delaunay's work. The rugs are primarily designed for floor placement, where their visual richness can enhance various interior settings. However, their artistic qualities also make them suitable for use as wall-mounted art pieces, offering a textural and impactful alternative to traditional wall decor. This dual functionality allows the rugs to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes within a space, contributing to the overall design scheme. According to Sonya Winner Rug Studio, the collection's design philosophy centers on moving beyond conventional rug shapes and patterns. This approach aims to provide modern interiors with a distinctive and eclectic charm, enabling the rugs to integrate seamlessly into diverse design styles and environments. The studio emphasizes that both the runner and the larger rug are capable of injecting energy and personality into any room, making them versatile elements for interior designers and homeowners. The Sonia and Sonya rugs are crafted from tufted New Zealand wool, a material known for its quality and durability. This natural fiber also imparts sound-dampening properties to the rugs, contributing to improved acoustics in the spaces where they are placed. The use of New Zealand wool highlights a commitment to natural materials and adds a tactile dimension to the collection. Sonya Winner Rug Studio offers these rugs in a variety of standard sizes, providing options to suit different room dimensions and design requirements. Additionally, the studio accommodates requests for bespoke dimensions, allowing for custom-fit solutions that cater to specific project needs. This flexibility ensures that the rugs can be tailored to individual preferences, offering personalized design choices for consumers. The collection is presented as part of Dezeen Showroom, a platform designed to facilitate the launch of new products and showcase designers and projects to a global audience. This inclusion suggests the rugs are positioned within the contemporary design market, aiming to reach a wide range of professionals and enthusiasts interested in innovative interior furnishings. The product details specify that the designer is Sonya Winner, and the brand is Sonya Winner Rug Studio, with contact information provided for inquiries. The primary material is 100 per cent New Zealand wool, reinforcing the product's natural composition and craftsmanship. #RugDesign #TextileArt #SoniaDelaunayInfluence #SonyaWinnerRugStudio #NewZealandWool #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ModernInteriors

The Shapeshifter rug, featured on Dezeen Showroom, is a collaborative creation between rug brand Azmas Rugs and computer scientist Michael Rowan. This innovative rug showcases an evolving pattern of interlocking tiles, drawing inspiration from various artistic and mathematical concepts. The design's genesis can be traced to Rowan's "math art," which he generated using code in PostScript software. This digital artwork forms the foundational pattern, characterized by two interlocking tiles that undergo continuous shape transformation. Further artistic influences include MC Escher's renowned Metamorphosis prints, where organic animal forms gracefully emerge from rigid geometric arrangements. This concept of transformation and the interplay between structured and fluid forms significantly informed the rug's dynamic aesthetic. Additionally, the work of architecture professor William Huff, particularly his "Parquet Deformations" – a drafting exercise focused on creating evolving tessellations – served as a partial inspiration. These diverse influences contribute to the Shapeshifter rug's unique visual complexity and its sense of perpetual change. Azmas Rugs founder Azmi Merican initiated the project by seeking permission from Michael Rowan to translate his digital artwork into a physical rug. Following approval, the rug was meticulously handcrafted by skilled weavers in Rajasthan, India, using traditional hand-loom techniques. This artisanal approach ensured the faithful reproduction of the intricate digital pattern into a tangible textile piece. To effectively highlight the sharp lines and evolving nature of the pattern, Merican specifically chose a flatweave structure for the rug. This technique allows for a clear and precise rendering of the geometric details. Furthermore, the application of a subtle colour gradient enhances the rug's sense of movement and visual flow, reinforcing the concept of an evolving design. The Shapeshifter rug is a prominent piece within Azmas Rugs' larger "Evolving Patterns" collection, which explores similar themes of dynamic and transformative design. While the showcased version of the Shapeshifter rug is woven from cotton, Azmas Rugs offers flexibility in material choices. Customers have the option to commission editions in various luxurious and sustainable materials, including bamboo silk, a cotton-bamboo blend, pure silk, or recycled PET. This range of material options caters to diverse aesthetic preferences and environmental considerations, offering a bespoke experience for the consumer. The rug represents a successful fusion of digital artistry, mathematical principles, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary design, resulting in a unique and captivating homeware product. #ShapeshifterRug #AzmasRugs #MichaelRowan #TextileDesign #GeometricPatterns #HandmadeRugs #HomewareDesign #EvolvingPatterns