The reason I’ve been kind of ‘absent’ from my blog over the last months is that I’ve been preoccupied studying rug design and manufacture and preparing designs to begin my rug collection. An activity that has captured my interest like I never expected. 

One of the reasons I began researching this subject was a personal need to create something of my own, and in particular, something that would combine my love of interior design with my love for art. Something, after all, that would represent me as an interior decorator and designer. Meanwhile I had ascertained a certain ‘difficulty’ in finding suitable rugs for the interiors I was decorating. 

loomah

So, I visited many major exhibitions abroad and noticed how other designers were applying their ideas and concepts to rugs, either as independent entities or under the ‘umbrella’ of an established rug firm. I was immediately attracted to the idea of applying my own ideas to rugs and fireworks went off in my mind as an avalanche of ideas flooded my head. I simply had to learn more about this art form! 

luke irwin

So, I began by studying how these other designers went about this business. I researched the various manufacturing techniques, the language of rug making, the history of rugs and the basic ‘rules’ of rug design as these arise according to their origin. At the same time I started to create my own designs that I continued working on and improving as I learnt more and became more accustomed to the natural limits and requirements that this art form imposes. I studied the materials used and the available techniques that are constantly being improved helping the designer create ever more complicated and amazing designs. 

amy kent

Although the last step in my research, finding possible candidates to manufacture my rugs was one of the most important tasks. Initially I began by looking for Greek manufacturers, wanting to support local commerce. However, to my chagrin and surprise, I discovered that there was no such service here. My choices therefore, as I saw them, were one of the following: England – Portugal – Turkey – Iran – India – China – Nepal. 

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However, before making any such decision I had to determine the character of my product. Its quality, reputation (in other words, what kind or product do I, Lena Blonsky, want to be identified with), its cost and to whom I am directing this product. In other words, my “brand”. 

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Following this it was imperative that I secure my designs by copyright. The internet is rife with copyright theft and no-one can ever be too sure. 

Truth is I had been hoping to have already begun with the production of at least two of my rug designs. However, (fortunately or unfortunately) I am ridiculously thorough and conscientious in my research and study taking every step very carefully and methodically, aiming to reduce risks and errors along the way as much as possible. My aim is always to make the best possible decision. What does that mean for me? It means finding the best quality in raw materials and manufacturing process and a production team that will be using up-to-date methods of design and computer imagery that will meet with the designer’s (my) requirements and by extension, my clients’. 

kokeshi for spina

Furthermore, I wanted to be sure that working conditions were of a high standard and that no child labor is employed – manufacturers registered with Goodweave were favored. I also liked the idea of an amount of the income made on each rug being put back into the local community in the form of schooling, clothing, health and quality of working and living conditions. Finally, it was imperative that I be able to communicate with the manufacturers, that they understand what I want and that I understand them. Not forgetting, of course, the importance of cost. 

loomah

All these ideas and thoughts began to take form and become reality so that today I am in conversation with a rug manufacturer in Nepal and have ordered a ‘trial run’ of one of my ‘simpler’ designs. Something that will help me gauge how the whole process works and to see how my designs come out in reality. I would say that this is the most exciting phase of the process! 

Assuming all goes well I will be visiting the manufacturer in Nepal in autumn ( ideally I had wanted to visit now, however, it is rainy season in Nepal) and giving them my next order. 

amy kent

till then, I’ll be designing more rugs!

all my best 

Lena

Apart from the stunning headboards in these bedrooms from House Beautiful I want to draw your attention to the carpets and how well they match and complement these interiors without overwhelming. The true focus of both these bedrooms is the beds and their headboards so the carpet should not be too bold.

The black and white carpet in the left bedroom picks up the black and white of the cushions, the grey and black upholstery of the wingback while the black trimming on the bedcovers outlines the bed while the black lampshades & the black velvety throw anchor the scheme. With such a bold coloured bed in this rich red velvet the effect of the rug is to soften and add romance to this bedroom.

The bedroom on the right is lighthearted & features a Beauvais carpet in Kanpur cotton and chenille that is a quiet geometric repeat that again softens the lines in this bright bedroom and carries the blue of the headboard to the floor. The black nighttables either side of the bed repeat the black trim of the headboard and this is continued with the stool at the end of the bed. Notice even the table in the foreground has black trimming. One last thing, the carpet finishes about 30 cms from the walls leaving a border revealing the wood floor that creates a floating effect and adds warmth to the room.

I was totally impressed with ege’s project of the month. Located at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, the carpet was specifically designed for this interior and took into consideration the shape of the building (the mezzanine has a double curve)  and the surrounding environment at the same time exuding a luxurious atmosphere.

Personally I find the curving stripey design reminds me of a night-time photo of a busy motorway where the carlights form colourful strips. I can only imagine how tricky it must have been to install the carpet so precisely as to follow the curve of the building so accurately.

Earlier this year a consortium of UK carpet industry leaders conceived “fun on the floor” with the aim of inspiring people with the exciting choice of carpets available and informing about their practical benefits and excellent value. 

 A dedicated website at www.funonthefloor.com has been launched as a part of the initiative. It’s packed with design ideas and information about different choices of carpet textiles, exclusive designs and styling ideas from top interior designer Danielle Proud. 

The website showcases a Georgian townhouse in London where Danielle transformed six rooms, each with its own bold theme. The rooms feature imaginative and exclusive design ideas using carpet as more than just a floor covering! An interactive video tour of the house can be viewed at www.funonthefloor.com/funhouse which allows the user to view each room in 360 degrees.

My favourite part of the house? the entrance, as seen below with the fabulous stair runner!

Every now and again I tackle my browser bookmarks and try to put some order in growing library of websites….upon this gargantuan project then today I stumbled across a bookmark I had kept when researching neoclassical interiors and, naturally, got sidetracked reading the article that went with the image that first attracted me to the site….the article is about interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield and the interview features images of his home in New York.

The above image is what first attracted me to the site. Neoclassical elements are obvious in the Doric Columns against the mirrored walls. I love the use of mirrors, which Geoffrey is also a fan of using. The whole effect is so light and elegant. Acrylic furniture adds to the lightness of the room with its transparency avoiding ‘bulk’ and heavy objects in the room. I also love the way he uses art as a focal point….

….acrylic wingback armchairs? wow! the carpet is also his design carried by starck….

you’ve got to admire the mix of modern, slightly oriental headboard and NY city skyline wallpaper…the use of just black and white with so many other elements avoids overwhelm…

mirrors and more mirrors = endless space…..