OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNS OF 2021
Although 2021 was particularly challenging, it was remarkable how our clients and suppliers around the world - along with our team in Toronto - came together to create some of the best floor and wall coverings ever. We asked the three Creative Matters Managing Partners to choose 9 favourites.
Ana Cunningham
Custom rug for the costume jewellery department of La Samaritaine
In June 2021 the iconic La Samaritaine department store in Paris re-opened to great acclaim with 19 floor coverings by Creative Matters. The women’s jewellery rug pleases Ana the most, all 49 feet of it. She particularly loves its playfulness. From its inception, starting with the painting studies to achieve the free hand brushstrokes, to the careful consideration of its palette, it resulted in an effortless expression. With Yabu Pushelberg. Woven Axminster made in China. Photo: Stephane Aboudaram|WE ARE CONTENTS(S).
Custom carpet for the suites of The Pearle Hotel & Spa
The 12 suites of The Pearle Hotel & Spa are a perfect example of how our machine-made woven Axminster can be elevated by inserting handmade elements in loop and raised cut pile. Barber pole blends exemplify the subtle textures and transitions that can be achieved with this method of construction. With Studio Munge.
Oasis rug from the new Macrame Collection
The Macrame Collection was launched in September. Inspired by the crafting technique that uses knots to create various textiles, Macrame celebrates the irresistible appeal of undyed wool in all its natural shades combined with accent colours of dyed wool. Oasis takes you on a different journey depending which direction you look at it. Each section of texture is separated by an overstitching technique. Its sumptuous texture and soothing lines remind Ana of the shore - she loves the peace and serenity she feels with this rug. Handwoven in India in exotic natural wools and New Zealand wool.
Ali McMurter
Four Cedar Waxwings rug from the Storytelling Collection
The Storytelling Collection comprises handmade rugs that have been created from the visual artworks of Canadian artists. Four Cedar Waxwings is based on the artwork of the same name by Métis artist Christi Belcourt. Incredibly beautiful and intricate, this rug was handknotted in Afghanistan using local Ghazni wool.
Ambient Gradient rug from the new Sonance Collection
Released in September 2021, the Sonance Collection currently includes eight delightfully engaging designs united by their connection to sound, from abstract to musical, from smooth to angular. Ambient is a gorgeous watercolour collage and Ambient Gradient takes the delightful colour palette from that design and expresses it as a colour gradient. Visually refreshing in its simplicity yet exquisite in its precision. This is the first of the coordinated designs that we will be developing in 2022. Handknotted in Tibetan wool in Nepal.
The elevator lobby carpet for Pendry Manhattan West
The Pendry opened its doors in September just sparkling with elevated interiors by our friends at Gachot Studios and equally elevated floorcoverings by Creative Matters. It was a wonderful surprise to see how beautifully this particular rug glows in the space. It’s even better knowing that it is incredibly durable and user-friendly too. 100% wool. Handtufted in Thailand
Carol Sebert
Hemma rug from the Macrame Collection
One of four designs in the new Macrame Collection, Hemma is a large blocky geometric pattern in natural wool with warm coral tones. Carol loves its cozy casual feeling with the high shag, and the flat weave and kapli construction. This represents a real textural departure and welcome addition for the Creative Matters collections. Handknotted in India in natural and dyed wool.
Custom version of the Ichiban rug for a residence in Switzerland
Ichiban is a design from our Arashi Collection that originated in an Art Day when we explored the shibori technique. For this custom project the overall pattern with a soft geometry was interpreted in plum and gold tones. Handtufted in Thailand in 100% New Zealand wool, Carol was amazed when the rug originally designed for handknotted construction was achieved in handtufted construction with such success. A testament to the design team for this transformation. With Design Birds. Photo: Valentina Verdesca.
Needlefelted wallcovering
For the final selection of these 2021 highlights, Carol chose a custom wallcovering based on a photo of a northern landscape of pine trees with a stormy sea and sky. Constructed by hand in our Toronto studio in a 100% natural Canadian wool. It’s cozy and luxurious, a treat to the touch and great way to visually warm up a space. The imagery of the Canadian landscape of trees was a perfect choice for our first wall piece using these fibres. We look forward to doing more with this needlefelted construction. With Campaign for Wool Canada. Designer: Dimitri Chris.