Whether muted or vibrant, graphic or gradated, well-crafted area rugs can amp up the style and personality in any room, while also adding a layer of luxurious softness underfoot. Here, five modern rugs that boast individual charm, inviting texture and incredible warmth.
Translating specific architectural building elements – the lines and textures of brick, tiles and mortar – into the language of weaving methods – warp, weft and pile – the Archiscape collection from Belgian brand BOMAT introduces calming soft surfaces to counter the hardness of spaces. Each of the seven distinct patterns are named for iconic architects and feature subdued colour palettes that logically extend from the materials that influenced them.
Known for their bespoke rugs and carpets, the BOMAT design team worked closely with master weavers in India to developed seven compelling hand-woven modern rug designs: Lina (named for Lina Bo Bardi), a slender brick pattern in a repeating grid; Anni (named for Anni Albers), a subdued weave with a rhythmic asymmetric pattern that subtly plays with light; Gabi (Gabriela Carrillo), an eye-catching brick-like pattern with contrasting raised ridges; Ludwig (Ludwig Mies van der Rohe), a quirky structure of contrasting raised and recessed divots that create a lively optical effect; Frank (Frank Lloyd Wright), a meshing of horizontal lines in two harmonious colourways; Josef (Josef Chochol), a rigid yet playful repeating square pattern that captures light in ever-changing ways; and Kengo (Kengo Kuma), a practical and straightforward flatweave with rope pattern.
For his first collaboration with Marc Phillips, the New York- and Los Angeles-based maker of luxury handmade rugs, California native Josh Greene (who opened his eponymous New York City interior design studio in 2019) turned to the Usonian homes of Frank Lloyd Wright for inspiration. Called Arcadia, each hand-knotted rug in the six-pattern series illustrates the spirit and philosophy of the house it’s named for and, collectively, they express “utopia through balanced simplicity.” Inspired by the homes’ honest materials, thoughtful design and warm tones, the hand-knotted rugs are made from wool (with one linen-wool blend) and have individual colour palettes composed of unique sun-washed tones.
The intriguing series includes Gordon (in Emerald, Mandarin, Pebble and Spruce), Hanna (in Spice, String, Sky and Bark), Jackson (in River, Tortoise, Pool and Butterscotch), Kinney (in Chestnut, Cloud, Denim and Mahogany), Duncan (in Buttermilk, Wheat, Brick and Cocoa) and Wilson (in Lime, Aqua, Lemon and Lava), and each conveys a distinct and intriguing personality. Featuring architectural geometries, classic yet contemporized motifs and alluring textures, the Arcadia collection is Greene’s translation of deep-rooted design principles for new generations.
Since its founding in 2016 by Oleh Lukaniuk and Daryna Furmaniuk, Ukrainian brand GUSHKA has been making handwoven carpets and rugs, tapestries and traditional Lizhnyks – a somewhat catchall word to describe the woolen throws that also serve as bed covers, picnic blankets, carpets or a shawl. Located in the pastures of the Carpathians mountains, the studio aims to preserve heritage through craftsmanship led by third-generation weaver Lyubov Rybenchuk.
Each unique design in GUSHKA’s portfolio of offerings embraces the simplicity of everyday life and a genuine love for nature. Combining different weaving techniques, the rugs are made from wool derived from local free-grazing sheep (with cute little icons on the website indicating how many sheep contributed their wool to each rug) and are equal parts smooth and super-fluffy. With the Lis collection, the different textures are meant to convey the elements found in forests, from well-walked dirt pathways and moss-covered stones to dry grasses and beds of pine needles; and the Morning Forest rugs translates the feeling of wandering into a forest clearing in the morning into a tactile indoor experience. All the rugs share an aim to reconnect people to nature through touch. The Lizhnyks, meanwhile, represent comfort and can be tossed on a bed or sofa, rolled out on the floor or wrapped around a person like a warm hug. A traditional garment of the indigenous Hutsuls, the GUSHKA workshop is one of only a few remaining that produce this significantly historical object.
Riffing on the classic gingham print – once synonymous with picnic blankets and aprons before becoming an icon of the fashion world – Kasthall presents the Vichy collection, the French name for the checkered pattern. At once playful and sophisticated, nostalgic and contemporary, the new rugs merge the charm of the 1950s with a more modern design and invigorating colour palette. Superbly textural, the rugs are woven using high-quality wool, linen and yarn, a formula that produces a dense and pleasurable-to-walk-on surface.
The eight colourways selected by the Swedish rug-maker’s design studio for the Vichy collection comprise thoughtfully compatible yet contrasting hues that lend a fresh perspective to the instantly recognizable motif. Contributing to the re-energized feel of the pattern, the delicious-sounding – and picnic worthy – hues are: Vanilla Coconut, Quince, Mango Peach, Raspberry Blue, Cassis, Sloe Berry, Mint Chocolate and Pistachio.
With a subtle pattern described as “dappled beauty,” the Meadow collection from Australian and American rugmaker Armadillo has an elegance and rich texture thanks to its checkerboard weave that tips a cap to heritage tweeds. Expressing a spirited 1970s vibe, the characterful rugs have a smattering of tonal variations and plush texture that invites relaxation and stillness.
Hand-crafted from wool that is carded, spun and knotted, the collection includes five sophisticated neutral tones that work in nearly any scenario: Brick, Driftwood, Pistachio, Seagrass and Tamarillo. The weaving techniques gives each version its own personality, with flecks of contrasting black and grey adding depth and interest to the seemingly solid expanse. Multiple standard sizes are available.
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