The Importance of Rugs

With a myriad of colours, patterns, sizes and materials available, choosing the perfect rug for your interior can be an overwhelming decision. Is it any wonder there is such choice when you consider that the humble rug dates back over 2500 years?

What is thought to be the oldest carpet in the world was excavated from the Altai Mountains between Mongolia and Kazakhstan and originates from between the 6th to 3rd centuries BC. As techniques advanced, tribal symbols and colours would be woven into the rugs, which are thought to be the origins of today’s patterned designs. In the 16th Century, hand-knotted carpets and rugs emerged in Persia and later in India. This rich heritage of rug craftsmanship remains today, as does the basic ‘warp and weft’ technique of weaving. It involves the warp thread being strung over the loom vertically, which holds the tension in the weave, while the weft thread is woven between the warp threads, creating colour variation and pattern in the weave.

Today, the rug is staple furnishing which is often the focal point of a room. Due to large-scale manufacturing and retail, rugs are affordable and widely available. However, even with such a wide choice available, finding that perfect rug can often be challenging. That is why at Howark Design, we have designed our debut collection of contemporary, hand crafted rugs in collaboration with luxury rug company Holmes Bespoke. With our collective experience, the collaboration seemed like a natural next step and we are proud to have designed the Line Up Collection to complement a wide range of interior styles.

Unveiled in Autumn 2020, the collection comprises four unique designs which are inspired by the bold colours and simplified forms of the Bloomsbury Group’s Omega Workshop products which we were inspired by during a visit to Charleston House in October 2019.

In July 1913 artist and writer Roger Fry opened Omega Workshops Ltd. at 33 Fitzroy Square in Bloomsbury, central London. His aim was to apply the principles of modern art – such as bright colours and bold, forms into the decorative arts and design. Comprising four artists: Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Roger Fry and Dora Carrington. Although their styles varied, the work of Bloomsbury Group made a significant contribution to British art in the 20th Century and continues to inform and inspire many artists and designers today.

The Line Up Collection reflects our ethos of balancing aesthetics with practicality, and as such our rugs are suitable for any space within the home, from kitchens and reception rooms to bedrooms and hallways. It was important to us that the designs were versatile, as we often work on projects where off the peg designs are not quite right for the space, be that the dimensions, designs or materials.

As interior designers, we appreciate the impact that bespoke pieces can have on a space, and we often commission one-of-a-kind rugs for our clients. Each of the four designs is available in two distinct colour ways and three standard sizes, with a number of customisable options to ensure that no two rugs are quite the same. This means we are able to create one of a kind rugs that are absolutely perfect for our clients.  The benefit of the collection being made to order is that there is no overproduction or wastage.

Furthermore, we pride ourselves on ensuring that the materials we use to craft our rugs do not have a negative impact on the environment. With ethics and sustainability at the forefront of our minds, each rug is is handmade to order in India by people working in a safe environment who are paid a fair living wage. We offer the rugs in eco-friendly wool or PET yarn, which is produced from recycled plastic bottles.

Whatever choice you make, keep in mind that the right rug can add a layer of comfort, texture and design cohesion to your space, so careful consideration should be exercised when choosing ‘the one’.

Howark Design offers high quality, professional design services for projects throughout the UK and Europe. To discuss your project or find out more about our services, visit www.howark-design.co.uk.