HOW WE CUSTOMISED THE ICHIBAN COLLECTION RUG

Our client chose the Ichiban design from the Creative Matters Arashi Collection and asked us to customize the rug to realize their personal vision — a not entirely uncommon request and a challenge we love. They requested handtufted rather than handknotted and 100% wool instead of a mix of wool and silk. They also wanted a different size and colourway. Because of the complexity of the custom gold and aubergine colour palette, we went back to the initial artwork to add more blends for smoother transitions and transparency. The blends were especially tricky but they now gradate softly into the light neutral background like a watercolour. The original design was created during one of our signature Art Days when we experimented with the Japanese shibori manual resist dyeing technique. The unusual palette gives the pattern – usually imagined in indigo tones – a modern twist.

Project: living room rug for a residence in Switzerland

Rug: handtufted, 100% wool, cut pile, made in Thailand

Interior Designer: Design Birds

Creative Matters Designers: Michael Christie (as guest designer), Sandra Ciganic McKinney, Sophie Williams