Making of: Lara Bohinc weaves her passions into Kasthall rug collection

This article introduces Rashelle Campbell, a multidisciplinary designer and artist, who shares her journey from conceptualizing her rug tufting business during the pandemic to establishing a successful brand. The inspiration for her business originated from a personal search for unique, asymmetrical, colorful, and groovy rugs for her own home, which she found unavailable in the market. This led her to decide to create one herself, purchasing a tufting gun and beginning to design. After creating her first rug and sharing it online, she received significant positive feedback, leading to numerous custom rug requests within the first two months. Six months into her venture, she collaborated with her first retailer and launched her inaugural full rug collection, which sold out on the first day. This organic growth and demand prompted her to develop a website with an online store, solidifying her brand's professional presence and commitment. Rashelle Campbell identifies as Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree) and is based in Amiskwaciy-wâskahikan, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, residing on Treaty 6 territory. Her artistic philosophy centers on playfulness, embracing imperfections, and a vibrant use of colors. Before founding her brand, she gained experience as a publicist and freelance photographer, which she credits for enhancing her current skill set as a business owner and artist. Her brand, simply named "Rashelle," is conceived as a boundless creative space, unrestricted by conventional design rules or specific categories. Initially focusing on rugs for home interiors, her brand has expanded to include glassware, accessories, and clothing. She emphasizes that her creative work is not limited to a single medium, allowing her to continuously produce pieces that reflect her current interests and inspirations. The services she provides include custom rug orders, which she finds particularly fulfilling as it allows her to design and produce unique items tailored to clients' display preferences. She also releases small, distinct collections of rugs, accessories, and clothing. All items are either handmade by her or through collaboration, with a focus on limited production quantities to avoid overproduction. She differentiates herself by being among the pioneering tufters to establish a brand, offering unique designs that evoke youth, childhood nostalgia, and Y2K memories. Her work is characterized by the love and happiness infused into each piece, driven by a desire to spread joy and authentically represent herself as an Indigenous woman who enjoys creating "wacky fun things," rather than being primarily motivated by financial gain or exposure. Rashelle expresses pride in her resilience, particularly in facing attempts by others to copy her designs. She advocates for trusting the creative process and maintaining momentum, advising against overthinking, which can foster fear. Instead, she encourages artists to keep moving forward, reminding themselves of their core motivations to overcome challenges. She also discusses her strategy for building a social media audience, which involved a giveaway linked to her first collection launch, requiring followers to like and comment to enter. She views giveaways as an effective way to expand reach and engage the community, while also providing an opportunity for individuals who might not otherwise afford her pieces to own them, aligning with her value of giving back. As an Indigenous woman, she perceives the act of sharing her work as an everyday act of resilience, drawing inspiration from the Indigenous women in her life and prioritizing Indigenous joy. Her journey, the support she has received, and her access to resources for creation are all testaments to her resilience. She highlights the significance of her presence as an Indigenous woman representing creative Indigenous women and using her voice, considering it a success in itself. #RashelleCampbell #MultidisciplinaryArtist #RugTufting #IndigenousArtist #CreativeEntrepreneurship #HomeDecor #SmallBusiness #Y2KAesthetic #SocialMediaGrowth

Rachel B. Hayes, a Tulsa-based artist, creates striking large-scale patchwork textile installations using vivid, translucent fabrics. These temporary artworks are designed to transform perceptions of both indoor spaces and expansive natural environments. Hayes experiments with scale, color, pattern, light, and movement, resulting in joyful and dynamic installations. Her work has been showcased across the U.S. and Europe, frequently appearing as quilted sun sails in courtyards. One of Hayes's recent collaborations, "Horizon Drift" with Black Cube in Denver, featured overlapping triangular elements that cast colorful shadows, reminiscent of her piece "A Moment in Time" in Capri. These temporary installations, typically on view for a few weeks or months, integrate with their surroundings, drawing parallels to the monumental fabric interventions of Jeanne-Claude and Christo. Her richly patchworked or woven creations celebrate light, breeze, and traditional American quilting techniques. Hayes frequently revisits earlier works and site-specific experiments to fuel new designs, finding continuous inspiration and energy in these temporary explorations. She often returns to familiar locations in South Dakota, Missouri, and New Mexico to document her art multiple times, observing how varying light, weather, and landscape changes influence the perception of her pieces. She views many of these works as elements within a broader, long-term artistic vision. Some of Hayes's installations are designed for extended outdoor display, lasting at least five years, which has led her to develop expertise as a "fabric engineer" to ensure the materials withstand the elements while remaining visually impactful. Light, particularly sunlight, is a crucial component in Hayes's artistic process and site selection. For indoor installations, she carefully considers architecture and human movement, often "chasing the sun" to identify areas where light can interact with her textiles, creating reflections and colored shadows. While she utilizes software like Photoshop or Procreate for pattern composition, her primary focus remains on the physical properties of the material and its interaction with specific environments. Hayes's current installations include _Patterned by Nature_ at the Chicago Botanic Garden throughout the summer, _Soft Structures_ at Jane Lombard Gallery in New York City until August 8, and _Body’s First Architecture_ at Ely Center of Contemporary Art in New Haven, Connecticut until August 10. Her semi-permanent works are on display at the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska, and The Gathering Place in Tulsa. Additionally, her flag is currently flown outside Ballroom Marfa in West Texas during gallery hours. #RachelBHayes #TextileArt #SiteSpecificInstallation #Quilting #FabricSculpture #ContemporaryArt #ArtInstallation #TranslucentTextiles #LightArt

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 Ambiente, Handcrafted Rugs, an atelier specializing in consciously-designed rugs, draws its name from the concept of 'ambience,' reflecting its belief that a rug significantly influences the atmosphere of a living space. The brand aims to encapsulate the diverse characteristics and mood of a surrounding through its products. Each handcrafted rug is a blend of rich craftsmanship and modern, seamless design, featuring playful textures and colorful yarns created using various traditional weaving techniques. A key commitment of the brand is the exclusive use of hypoallergenic natural fibers in their carpets. The Ambiente operates under the umbrella of Bhadohi Carpets, a prominent 35-year-old manufacturer and exporter in the Indian carpet industry. This parent company boasts an extensive network of over 10,000 artisans spread across 49 weaving centers, providing a strong foundation for The Ambiente's operations and expertise in carpet manufacturing. The brand was co-founded by Avani Khandelwal and her brother-in-law Ayush Baranwal. Avani, originally from Jaipur, brings a deep interest in design, craft, and culture to the venture. Their motivation stemmed from identifying a gap in the Indian market for genuine, handmade rugs that offered a balance of quality and accessible pricing. The Ambiente, Handcrafted Rugs was thus established with the mission to make the luxury of handwoven rugs available to a broader Indian clientele. Embodying the established values and strengths of its parent company, The Ambiente positions itself as a new-generation luxury rug atelier. Its design philosophy centers on creating rugs that align with current trends, encompassing styles from modern and vintage to boho and neoclassical. The brand prioritizes both the functional utility and aesthetic appeal of its rugs, aiming to cater to a wide range of customers with varying tastes and needs. For its exhibition at ADDS 2024, The Ambiente, Handcrafted Rugs plans to unveil two significant collections. The 'Saga' collection will feature high-end pure silk rugs, designed to evoke a regal and enchanting aura. Alongside this, the 'Neo' collection will present rugs characterized by intricate weaves, subtle colors, and soft textures. The brand also intends to showcase a distinct statement piece at the event, further highlighting its design capabilities and unique offerings. #HandcraftedRugs #HomeDecor #LuxuryRugs #IndianCraftsmanship #InteriorDesign #ADDesignShow #ArtisanProducts #TextileDesign

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

This article explores the growing trend of utilizing textiles and rugs as wall art in interior spaces, moving beyond their traditional floor-bound roles. The increasing demand for warmth, texture, and unique decorative elements in homes and commercial settings has led to a re-evaluation of textiles' aesthetic and functional potential. Designers and homeowners are becoming more open to incorporating fabric-based pieces, such as wall hangings, art rugs, and woven structures, to enrich interiors. Several factors contribute to this resurgence. Historically, textiles like tapestries have adorned grand interiors for centuries, offering both aesthetic beauty and practical benefits. Modern interpretations build on this legacy, with contemporary textile artists gaining international recognition. For instance, American fiber artist Sheila Hicks has significantly influenced the art world, while Danish weaver Grethe Sørensen and Finnish designer Kustaa Saksi have garnered acclaim for their digital tapestries and vibrant wall hangings, respectively. These artists demonstrate the evolving artistic scope and appeal of textile art. The shift is also fueled by a broader appreciation for handmade goods and craft. Artists like Milla Novo and Windy Chien create macramé-esque wall art using rope, presenting a modern, sophisticated alternative to traditional framed art. Portuguese textile artist Vanessa Barragão's work, which often highlights environmental themes like the plight of coral reefs, connects deeply with clients seeking meaningful and visually compelling pieces for their homes. This artisanal approach adds a unique, personal touch that mass-produced decorations often lack. Furthermore, interior design trends have emphasized 'global' aesthetics and diverse 'textures,' encouraging the incorporation of rugs and textiles with traditional patterns and designs. Designers are creatively layering antique kilims with cushions and ethnic poufs, as seen in Cynthia Spence's work for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase. The redevelopment of London's BBC TV Centre, featuring dhurries and wall hangings by Vanderhurd in communal areas, further exemplifies this trend in contemporary residential and commercial projects. Beyond mere decoration, textiles are increasingly used to define and soften architectural spaces. Samira Boon's woven 'Archi Folds' structures, Hey-Sign's felt 'Flow' room division systems, and Studiopepe's wall hangings by cc-tapis all showcase textiles' capacity to influence spatial dynamics and acoustics. Finnish design duo Kivistö Leppisaari's 'Knit Divisions' exemplify this, creating spatial dividers from knitted fabrics and wooden frames. This integration highlights the functional versatility of textiles in modern interior design. The prevalence of this trend is evident on social media platforms like Instagram, where contemporary interiors frequently feature Beni Ourain or other tribal vintage rugs displayed on walls rather than floors. This signifies a return to older traditions, particularly in countries like Finland, where hanging rugs on walls has historical roots. Additionally, art rugs, such as those from Gothenburg’s Henzel Studio, designed by international artists like Jack Pierson or Tom of Finland, are increasingly chosen as wall-mounted artworks. Trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort's prediction that "Textiles will govern the century" underscores the growing importance of textiles in shaping our environments, offering comfort, decoration, art, and storytelling. #TextileArt #WallDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #HandmadeTextiles #FiberArt #HomeDecoration #ArtRugs #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalTextiles

Mia Jung, the New York–based interiors director at Kligerman Architecture & Design, shares her current inspirations through a curated flat lay. Jung describes her aesthetic as gravitating towards textiles that are "soft, delicate and tranquil," favoring understated yet masterfully crafted pieces over more ostentatious designs. Her mood board, envisioned for a "dream bedroom," celebrates individual materials and their purposeful provenance, reflecting a "quiet beauty" derived from dedicated craftsmanship. The assemblage showcases a variety of artfully executed bespoke styles and handmade designs, encompassing items from hand-blown tinted glass light fixtures to multi-tonal embroideries. Jung emphasizes a feeling of happiness and appreciation when observing these pieces, noting the extensive skill and thought invested in their creation. The detailed breakdown of her selections highlights 14 distinct items, each chosen for its unique contribution to the overall serene and sophisticated mood. Among her selections is a bespoke rug by Sabina Fay Braxton, admired for its dreamy look and feel, and its complex yet simple composition. A hand-silvered Murano glass sample for a Cloud Console by Mia Jung at Charles Burnand Gallery is noted for its remarkable control and technique. For fabrics, she includes Key West linen in 2002 by Sette, valued for its humble, natural quality and versatility, and the soft, subtle hand-woven alpaca chenille DW-149 bespoke fabric by Mitchell Denburg, which adds richness to upholstery. Lauren Hwang New York's Khadi Jute fabric in Stone is chosen as a fundamental natural fabric, serving as a background for layering. Additional fabric choices include Byram fabric in Juniper by Colefax and Fowler at Cowtan & Tout, which provides saturation and texture without being overpowering, and a custom embroidery by Lesage Intérieurs, appreciated for its handmade quality and ability to add depth. Lighting is represented by Cherry Bomb Pendants in White and Olive Green samples by Lindsey Adelman, described as soft, pastel, and star-like. For furniture, a Yarrow Cabinet in dyed parchment by Roman Thomas is highlighted for its beautiful color and simple form, allowing the material to shine. Decorative elements include a Living World églomisé panel in Peonies sample by Confluent Studios, which Jung suggests using as an art piece within furniture, and a custom surface art sample by Studio HK, featuring an ash rose-colored ombre plaster ideal for stunning walls. Finally, for floor coverings and hardware, she selects a mohair curtain in a custom colorway by FJ Hakimian for its wonderful weave and color, a GK Series crystal door knob by E.R. Butler & Co. for its feminine and crisp jewelry-like touch, and a light blue mohair carpet by FJ Hakimian, valued for its beautiful color absorption and interesting variations. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #MaterialSelection #HandmadeDesigns #TextileArt #LuxuryInteriors #BespokeFurniture #Craftsmanship

In an increasingly commoditized market flooded with generic products, establishing a unique brand identity and achieving customer recognition is paramount for designers. Textile designer Beatrice Larkin has successfully cultivated a signature style in her woven textiles, accessories, and interior products, making her designs instantly recognizable through their distinctive blurred edges and broken geometrics. Her creative process begins with hand-drawn sketches, where the initial marks, intricate patterns, and blotches made with pen and ink are deliberately preserved and celebrated in the finished fabric. This artistic approach ensures a consistent aesthetic across all her woven creations. The production of Larkin's textiles involves a collaborative effort with skilled manufacturers in the north of England. She works with a Jacquard mill in Lancashire to produce small runs of her woven designs, which are then washed and finished in the Yorkshire Dales. The process begins in her Margate studio, where she engages in extensive mark-making with inks, envisioning the final product's scale and application. These initial designs are then refined using Photoshop to determine fabric repeats and optimal sizing. Currently, her collection features two primary materials: fine Merino wool, typically used for throws, cushions, and accessories, and recycled cotton, a more robust option suitable for cushions, upholstery, and curtains. The Merino wool, known for its softness, is sourced from spinners in Italy. Similarly, the recycled cotton collection utilizes rejected fabrics from the clothing industry, which are re-spun and repurposed, also originating from Italian spinners. These yarns are then sent to the Lancashire mill for weaving, brushing, and washing before being returned to Larkin. The final products are then sewn either in her studio or by local Margate makers, though fabric is also available for purchase by the meter. This meticulous production chain underscores her commitment to quality and sustainable practices. Beatrice Larkin's entrepreneurial journey recently received significant recognition with the Start Up Award as part of the Women’s Launch Lab Incubator 2024. As one of ten female entrepreneurs selected from hundreds of applicants, she participated in an intensive three-day program. This program provided access to expertise from innovative female entrepreneurs, growth and marketing strategists, and public-speaking coaches. The experience culminated in pitching her business to venture capitalists and angel investors, including notable figures such as Alison Cork MBE, Akshata Murty, and Judy Naake MBE. Larkin emphasized that this experience offered valuable perspective and a significant confidence boost. Her business was founded in 2013, immediately following her Master's degree from the Royal College of Art, where her final collection garnered interest from prominent buyers like Heal’s. After graduating, she sought a British mill capable of producing her designs at scale. In 2015, Daylesford Organic provided funding for her initial fabric run, which was woven in the Cotswolds and Yorkshire. This collection was sold at Daylesford and served as a crucial launchpad for future manufacturing endeavors. By spring 2017, she began selling at Heal’s and unveiled her first collection at Clerkenwell Design Week. Larkin's immersion in the fabrics industry was a natural progression, deeply influenced by her upbringing. Her father owned Gordon Larkin Fine Wallpaper & Fabric in Canterbury, and her mother was also a textile designer, ensuring a household constantly surrounded by fabrics. Childhood memories of accompanying her father to design shows in Chelsea Harbour and exploring fabric showrooms further solidified her connection to the industry. She attributes her entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to forge her own path to observing her parents' lifestyle as business owners. Three years ago, Larkin relocated to Margate, drawn by its vibrant creative community. Since then, she has expanded her client base, with local stockists including Turner Contemporary and Harbour & Tide. Her brand, Beatrice Larkin, has also been embraced by renowned establishments such as Made, Studio Ashby, Conran and Partners, Tate Modern, and Piglet in Bed. Her journey reflects a blend of inherited passion, formal education, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision for her brand's aesthetic and ethical production. #TextileDesign #BeatriceLarkin #MargateDesign #WovenTextiles #InteriorProducts #SustainableMaterials #BritishManufacturing #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness

Sophie Stone, a textile artist based in Long Island City, Queens, is known for her intricate textile works that blend classic crafts with contemporary narratives. Her studio is a treasure trove of fabrics, ranging from 19th-century crazy quilts to vintage napkins and even stretchy strings, all serving as material for her creations. Stone's artistic journey began at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she studied painting but gravitated towards unconventional surfaces. She collected various found objects and materials, pondering how to integrate them into her art. The turning point came with a dream about crafting large rugs from bedsheets. This vision materialized when artist Jessi Reaves invited Stone to participate in a 2016 two-person exhibition at Del Vaz Projects in Los Angeles. For this show, Stone created unique, mesmerizing composites for floors and walls by cutting and weaving plastic mats, industrial carpeting, and everyday fabrics. Her process is largely intuitive; she describes entering a trance-like state as she selects materials and begins to work. Stone’s versatility is evident in her diverse commissions and projects. She has created bespoke rag rugs from salvaged and new materials for a Brooklyn project with AD100 designer Adam Charlap Hyman, who also commissioned a slipcover for a Hudson Valley fireplace. For a recent group show, "The Loving Cup," at Manhattan’s Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery, Stone reimagined antique doilies, traditionally used to cover open glasses, by decorating them with sparkly fishing lures, adding a modern and whimsical touch. Her studio reflects her creative ethos, filled with textiles sourced from eBay and estate sales, alongside beads, dried flowers, charms, and other decorative elements. This eclectic mix consciously or subconsciously links womanhood and traditional crafts, reminiscent of quilting circles and slumber party bracelet-making. Stone values the slow, manual nature of her work, which she finds grounding. She notes that the time-consuming process of using her hands, away from digital distractions, keeps her engaged in the present moment. Stone’s work, which combines historical textiles with contemporary artistic expression, has garnered attention, with her creations being featured in AD’s June issue. Her ability to transform disparate materials into cohesive and compelling art pieces highlights her unique approach to textile art, giving new life to old threads and infusing them with personal and contemporary narratives. #SophieStone #TextileArt #ContemporaryCrafts #TextileArtist #QueensStudio #RagRugs #FoundObjects #ArtisticProcess #HomeDecor #HandmadeArt

Layered, a Stockholm-based interior design brand established in 2015 by Malin Glemme, has garnered attention for its distinctive blend of bold and modern design elements, coupled with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability. The company's latest collection draws inspiration from and is named after traditional Röllakan rugs. These historic rugs are characterized by their geometric and stylized patterns, which frequently feature plant and animal motifs, and were traditionally handwoven by women in their homes. For this contemporary reimagining, Layered's design team has curated a palette that is both rich and intense. The colors selected reflect Swedish nature and folk art, incorporating deep red, blue, yellow, dark ochre, and forest green. Complementary undyed black and white details are also integrated into the designs. This color scheme aims to evoke the aesthetic and cultural heritage of the original Röllakan rugs while offering a fresh, modern interpretation. The original Röllakan rugs were often cherished and passed down through generations as heirlooms, symbolizing enduring value and tradition. Layered's new interpretations are designed with a similar legacy in mind. The brand endeavors to create pieces that are not only visually appealing and current but also possess the timeless quality and craftsmanship that would make them suitable for being passed down as heirlooms in the future. This approach aligns with Layered's foundational commitment to sustainability and enduring design, ensuring that their products contribute to a more mindful consumption culture. The collection's focus on traditional techniques combined with contemporary design ensures a unique aesthetic that appeals to modern sensibilities while honoring historical artistry. The choice of natural colors and classic motifs, reinterpreted for a contemporary audience, allows these rugs to integrate seamlessly into various interior styles, from minimalist to more eclectic settings. Layered's ability to cross-pollinate design influences, merging traditional Swedish folk art with bold, modern aesthetics, positions the brand as a significant player in the interior design landscape, offering products that are both beautiful and ethically produced. #Layered #RöllakanRugs #SwedishDesign #ArtisanRugs #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #FolkArt

This article celebrates Suzanne Tick's induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, highlighting her multifaceted career as a material innovator, textile designer, and artist. Tick's work is characterized by a forward-thinking approach, integrating sustainability, advanced technologies like 3D knitting, and concepts of transparency and digitalism into woven surfaces for commercial interiors. Her textile brand, Luum, for instance, launched its 'Fabric of Space' collection with patterns inspired by celestial phenomena, coincidentally aligning with the public release of images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Throughout her four-decade career, Tick has collaborated with prominent brands such as Tarkett, Tandus Centiva, 3form, and Skyline Design, creating a diverse range of products including upholstery, drapery fabrics, high-performance carpeting, broadloom, cement-tile, LVT flooring, and etched glass panels. Beyond her commercial endeavors, she maintains an active fine-art practice, producing tapestries and experimental handweavings for clients like the Gates Foundation and BlackRock. Before establishing her independent studio and Luum, Tick served as an in-house design lead for Knoll Textiles, Unika Vaev, and Brickel Associates. However, she values the autonomy and risk-taking opportunities afforded by her entrepreneurial path. This independence has enabled her to innovate, as seen in Luum's pioneering contract industry fabrics made from postconsumer-recycled biodegradable polyester and discarded garment waste. Her journey began in the early 1980s after earning textile design degrees, where she quickly sought to understand the entire production process, learning everything from fiber sourcing to pattern implementation, an experience that shaped her holistic approach. Sustainability has been a cornerstone of Tick's philosophy, encompassing raw material development, structural innovation, and manufacturing method revitalization. At Luum, the focus is on developing new fibers and constructions, resulting in distinct fabrics. Her handweavings also incorporate novel and salvaged materials, such as dry-cleaning hangers, shredded ledgers, and cut-up paint sample discards. Tick attributes her salvage mindset to her upbringing, influenced by her father's scrap-metal business and her mother's creative pursuits and Eastern philosophy interests. Meditation has also profoundly influenced Tick's creative process and studio culture. After a period of personal dissatisfaction, she embraced Vedic meditation seven years ago and now teaches it, crediting it with enhancing collective creativity and clarity within her design teams. This practice has also reinforced her commitment to social responsibility, leading to free weaving workshops and involvement with The Light Inside, an organization teaching meditation to prison inmates. Tick's dedication extends to environmental stewardship, evidenced by her role in creating Resolution, the first solution-dyed panel fabric for Knoll Textiles, and her studio's textile waste recycling efforts. Her work consistently pushes boundaries, merging technology, craft, and human ingenuity to promote circularity in design. #SuzanneTick #InteriorDesignHallOfFame #TextileDesign #MaterialInnovation #Sustainability #LuumTextiles #KnollTextiles #SkylineDesign #VedicMeditation #ArtInstallation

Artist Alexandra Kehayoglou creates unique wool carpets and rugs that evoke natural landscapes such as moss, water, trees, and pastures. Utilizing leftover thread from her family's carpet factory in Buenos Aires, Kehayoglou employs a laborious hand-tufting process to meticulously craft these textile artworks. Her creations are characterized by their ability to seamlessly blend form and function, effectively transforming interior spaces into immersive, lush environments. The artist’s work often features textures that replicate the organic irregularities of nature, giving the impression of walking on a verdant meadow or a moss-covered forest floor. Some of her more ambitious pieces extend beyond traditional floor coverings, functioning as partial tapestries that flow from walls onto the floor, or serving as covers for furniture like chairs and stools, thereby integrating the natural aesthetic more fully into the living space. Kehayoglou's artistic approach is deeply rooted in her family's heritage in carpet manufacturing, allowing her to draw upon a rich tradition of textile craftsmanship while infusing it with her distinctive vision. The use of salvaged materials underscores a commitment to sustainability, transforming what might otherwise be waste into intricate works of art. The tactile quality of the wool, combined with the varying pile heights and colors, contributes to the realistic portrayal of natural elements, inviting viewers to engage with the pieces on a sensory level. Her rugs are not merely decorative items but sculptural interventions that challenge conventional notions of interior design and art, blurring the lines between functional objects and fine art installations. Through her practice, Kehayoglou explores themes of nature, landscape, and environmental consciousness, translating the beauty of the outdoors into domestic settings. Her works serve as a reminder of the serene and complex beauty found in natural ecosystems, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the environment. The detailed craftsmanship and innovative use of materials highlight the potential of textiles as a medium for artistic expression, demonstrating how traditional techniques can be reimagined to create contemporary, thought-provoking art. Her work is regularly showcased on platforms such as Instagram, Artsy, and her official website, providing a broader audience with access to her unique and ecologically inspired textile creations. #AlexandraKehayoglou #WoolRugs #TextileArt #HandTufting #NaturalLandscapes #InteriorDesign #CraftArt #ArtisanCarpets #EnvironmentalArt

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

If a home's interiors appear bland, boring, or monotonous, incorporating layering techniques can transform these spaces into curated, inviting, and stylish environments. Layering involves combining various textures, finishes, and materials to add depth and make a space feel more "lived in" and vibrant. This approach goes beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to create a multi-sensory experience that engages sight, touch, and movement, resulting in a harmonious flow within the composition. One effective method for layering involves grounding the space by utilizing rugs. Since the floor is often the largest uninterrupted surface, it serves as an ideal canvas for introducing texture and depth. This can be achieved by starting with a large, handwoven base rug made from materials like jute, wool, or a silk blend, which anchors the room. To add personality and create a focal point, a smaller, patterned rug, such as a kilim, Moroccan Beni Ourain, or antique Persian, can be layered on top. Furthermore, using an organic-shaped rug over a rectangular base can soften architectural edges and help delineate specific zones within open-plan living areas, contributing to both visual interest and functional organization. Walls also offer significant opportunities for layering to enhance a room's character. Applying various wall treatments can impart a sense of architecture and tactility. Textured wallpapers, including grasscloth, silk, or linen, can introduce subtle richness and visual interest. Panelling, whether in wood, lacquer, or fluted profiles, creates dynamic shadow play and adds depth to the walls. A sophisticated and finished look can be achieved by combining these elements, for example, by framing a silk wallpaper within slim timber panelling, which adds a tailored touch. Textiles can transcend their traditional roles as upholstery or drapery to become striking art pieces. Hanging a vintage suzani, a woven wall hanging, or a contemporary tapestry can bring softness and a narrative quality to a room. To further enhance dimension and establish a dynamic focal point, a sculptural wall light or a floating shelf can be strategically placed in front of the textile, drawing the eye and adding another layer of visual complexity. Sculptural elements also gain presence when carefully layered with other materials. A ceramic, stone, or bronze sculpture can be positioned in front of a textured wall, such as one finished with silk, timber, or polished plaster, to create a compelling contrast. On shelving units, grouping smaller sculptures with books, framed art, and decorative vessels can contribute to a collected, lived-in feel, reflecting a curated aesthetic. Finally, achieving a balanced and cohesive layered look requires intentional contrasts. Pairing smooth materials like marble with open-weave linen, placing a matte clay vase against a lustrous lacquered cabinet, or introducing woven baskets into a room with clean-lined furniture can effectively soften the overall aesthetic and create a harmonious yet dynamic interior. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LayeringTechniques #TexturedWalls #RugsAndThrows #SculpturalElements #TextileArt #VisualDepth #ContemporaryHomes

The article explores the resurgence of intricate floral block prints as a prominent design trend, positing them as the successor to the recent checkerboard pattern phenomenon. Block printing, an ancient technique originating in China and later adopted by Indian artisans, involves hand-carved embossed wood dipped in dyes and repeatedly pressed onto fabric or paper. Despite its thousands of years of history, contemporary designers and brands are revitalizing this craft with a modern twist. Several factors contribute to this renewed popularity. Poonam Abbi, co-founder of Sustainable Threads, a fair-trade social enterprise specializing in block-printed pieces, attributes the uptick in sales to the pattern’s imperfect, handmade nature. She suggests that the pandemic encouraged introspection, leading consumers to value the origins, craftsmanship, and ethical implications of their purchases. Sustainable Threads collaborates with traditional artisans and marginalized individuals, further imbuing its products with a narrative of social impact. Sarah Zellweger of SZ Block Prints, whose brand has grown significantly, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the luxury of handcrafted products and the discernible effort invested in them. Zellweger highlights the versatility of block printing, noting its ability to blend classic and contemporary designs through the mixing and matching of heritage prints with new interpretations. Her brand's reversible blankets and strategic color combinations exemplify how traditional techniques can be adapted for modern aesthetics, integrating seamlessly into various home decor styles, from traditional to minimalist. The aesthetic appeal of block prints is further amplified by their adaptability. Sustainable Threads, for instance, is recognized for its geometric patterns and neutral colors, offering modern takes on classic artisan designs that complement diverse home furnishings. Another contributing factor to the trend's momentum is the influence of social media. Katharine Watson, who established her block-printing studio in 2009, observes a shift towards maximalism online. She notes that after a period dominated by neutrals and simple designs, there is a growing desire among consumers for bolder patterns and vibrant colors, a demand that block prints are well-positioned to meet. The article also features several examples of how block prints are being incorporated into home decor, showcasing products like block-printed napkins, tablecloths, throws, quilts, and pillows. These items illustrate the wide application of the pattern in various domestic settings, reinforcing its growing presence in interior design. #BlockPrints #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PatternTrends #HandmadeCrafts #SustainableDesign #TextileArt #GlobalInfluence

Katelyn Aslett, a textile artist, has established a distinctive niche in the design world by crafting bespoke lighting installations made from hand-felted wool. Her work caters to both commercial and residential environments, appealing particularly to clients seeking unique, decadent, and artistic elements for their spaces. Aslett's designs have garnered attention from boutique hotels and other venues that prioritize an intimate and character-rich ambiance. She emphasizes the organic and natural qualities of hand-felted wool, highlighting its ability to impart a special atmosphere and texture to large rooms, while also serving as an effective sound diffuser. Each of Aslett's creations possesses a unique character, marked by subtle intricacies and variations in tone. These lights can be customized in various forms and shapes to seamlessly integrate into diverse innovative design concepts. The soft structures of her lamps are suspended from custom-made aluminum frames, which can be tailored to specific project requirements. A notable example of her craftsmanship is a recent commission for a banqueting room, where she produced fourteen large chandeliers. For the same project, Aslett also constructed a fourteen-meter backlit bar entirely from wool, demonstrating her ability to work with the material in unexpected ways. The light filtering through the wool fibers produces a surprisingly warm and inviting effect. Aslett's professional journey began in textile art, but her creative scope has since expanded to encompass fashion, interior design, corporate fabric design, and large-scale installations. Regardless of the application, her design philosophy consistently revolves around the interplay of color and texture. She applies her aesthetic principles uniformly, whether she is designing textiles for fashion, private interiors, or expansive commercial settings. Her overarching goal is to create works that are inspiring, uplifting, and possess a strong artistic integrity, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in the spaces they inhabit. Aslett's innovative approach to lighting design, utilizing a unique and natural material, positions her as a distinctive voice in contemporary design. #KatelynAslett #LightingInstallations #HandFeltedWool #BespokeDesign #TextileArt #InteriorDesign #CommercialDesign #ResidentialDesign #Designex