5 WAYS RUGS CAN EVOKE EMOTION
Visitors at Paris Design Week take in Creative Matters’ Aurora Borealis rug in 100% silk. Photo: Ayka Lux
We consider our designs works of art that have the ability to arouse emotions in the people that are perceiving them. For example, it feels natural to experience a general feeling of aesthetic appreciation when faced with something beautiful. In addition to evoking this visual sense of pleasure (happiness), we found four other common ways our rugs can evoke emotions. They can: trigger nostalgia; spark our imagination; make us feel welcome; and give tactile pleasure. Scroll through the rugs below, be aware of your own emotional responses and see if you agree.
The Settle design from the Creative Matters Macrame Collection.
Settle is one of our rug designs that elicits multiple emotions. Foremost is probably a feeling of nostalgia for times past because of its ode to mid-century modern design. Then for those with a sensibility to natural toned palettes, there is a feeling of pleasure. Visual appreciation may also arise in response to the synchronization of the clean lines within an asymmetrical design. Finally for those who enjoy tactile sensations, the changing texture of the raised cut pile area amongst the stylish herringbone flatweave is a delightful sensation underfoot.
(Untitled) Winter Sunset from the Storytelling Collection. Original artwork by Ooloosie Saila.
Storytelling is an ever-growing collection of artworks by Canadian artists that we have transformed into rugs. (Untitled) Winter Sunset is handtufted in mohair and wool so its softness immediately brings feelings of textural pleasure. Visually, emotions are evoked by this splendid depiction of Canadian in winter that transports many people into a winter wilderness.
The Creative Matters dhurrie for T-Mobile’s Headquarters Campus in Bellevue, Washington. Photo: Heywood Chan
The graphic break-out area rug for T-Mobile comprises 10 different colour patches in a variety of patterned weaves. It’s an exciting rug with with great colour - Magenta is T-Mobile’s corporate colour - and texture. Colours can elicit a wide range of emotions and we can’t help but believe these bright colours will ignite happiness and improve mood in the space. The simple flatwoven patterns allow people to see the rug is handmade and that can evoke a sense of appreciation for craft. The irregular shape of the rug was designed for optimal placement of furniture which makes the space feel accommodating and well-considered for everyone’s needs.
The Origin design from Creative Matters’ Campaign for Wool Collection. Photo: Shih-I Liu
The Campaign for Wool Collection was a collaboration with interior designer Sarah Richardson to highlight the benefits of Canadian wool - its textures, colour and weaving possibilities. The Origin design was inspired by the art form of macrame and comprises various weaves and pile treatments which create a textural response. The use of a single colour juxtaposed with this multitude of textures is a splendid canvas for the imagination: skiing, road trips through snow-covered landscapes, polar bears hunting on ice flows …
Chord - Chartreuse from the Sonance Collection.
Sonance is a contempory collection that asks (and answers) the question of whether sound can be reflected and re-imagined through art. The Chord designs paints the concept of musical tones sounding simultaneously interrupted by a rhythm of ivory strings. Who can help but be transported to a joyful place? The soft greens with their little accent of blush are very calming to the eye. As with many of our collection rugs, it is handknotted in a luxurious combination of Tibetan wool and pure Chinese silk so it feels beautiful to the feet that walk upon it and the hands that touch it.
It is our hope that all Creative Matters rugs will help to foster an emotional connection with their surroundings and produce a positive response.