OUR DESIGNERS' FAVOURITE RUGS
We asked our designers for their favourite rugs - 8 designers, 8 very different choices. Reading though the reasons for their selections, we realize the criteria for a successful rug are endless.
LEAH PHILLIPS CHOICE: CRYSTALLIZE ICE FROM THE ARCTIC COLLECTION
I love the cool elegance of this design and how it captures the magical quality of frost. The crystals are brought to life by the shimmer of silk against soft luxurious wool.
The colour palette is so versatile and the design so beautifully balanced, I can visualize this rug equally well in a contemporary setting surrounded by similar tones, or combining it with warm woods and fabrics in a more traditional setting.
CAROL SEBERT CHOICE: SUNLIFE FINANCIAL LOBBY
One of my favourite rugs by the Creative Matters team was for Sun Life Financial, a lobby carpet right on the street in downtown Toronto, a collaboration with B+H Architects.
The design was based on a treelike motif, but it has been abstracted so it's not quite so obviously trees. What I find particularly interesting is the calming organic nature of this piece contrasting with its urban setting: people rushing outside to work; the newspaper stand in the background on the street full of colour and busyness; limos, taxis, transit; all the bustle of urban life and then this … a calm oasis with quiet neutral tones in a round shape - no beginning, no end … Not only is the design itself beautiful, but I love everything it does for the visitor.
RENÉE ISAAC-SAPER CHOICE: LAURIER ROOM AT CANADA HOUSE
I love this rug because of the rich colours and simplicity of the design. The combination of thick and thin shards in dense blues and purples with slivers of brighter lighter colour conveys a feeling of light filtering through darkness.
Because of its playful spirit and vibrant colour palette, an obvious choice for the rug is a child's room, but I can also see it as a captivating statement piece for a contemporary living space. The broad range of colours creates a multitude of opportunities for the interior scheme.
ANA CUNNINGHAM CHOICE: CASCADE BLUE FROM THE ARCTIC COLLECTION
Cascade is one of my recent favourite designs because I enjoy the series of deliberate brushstrokes and how they have been organized in a strong and architectural manner. I also love the contrast between the image of the cool glacial effect intertwined with the delicate and luxurious quality of a handknotted rug.
While I see this rug coordinating effortlessly with many decors, I "wouldn't mind" one at the foot of my bed - the cool colour palette will provide the perfect soothing effect.
CLÉMENCE HARDELAY CHOICE: MACDONALD ROOM AT CANADA HOUSE
I am always thinking and impressed about the technicality of a handmade carpet. This particular one presents incredible complexity with the sheer number of colours - 34 of them further enhanced with 37 blends! They create dramatic depth and captivating detail as all these different shades work to translate perfectly the feel of the original artwork. At 26 feet by 40 feet, (8 m x 12 m) the rug's size is also majestic. I love how the contrast of warm-going-into-cool tones makes the carpet so contemporary which is in such disparity to the traditional room where it’s installed.
SARAH STEVENSON CHOICE: PARK HYATT NEW YORK COURTYARD
I love the beautiful watercolour effect that this rug achieves. It looks like a painting, with the subtle transitions of colour and smooth blends - it's hard to believe that this is a rug! The rust tones create a dynamic contrast with the rich greys and I really enjoy how the silk shimmers against the wool. It really is a work of art! As the design is tranquil and flowing, it will be perfect for a spa or office, a visual treat inducing a welcome sense of calm.
ASHLEY SOLYMAR CHOICE: DINING ROOM IN TORONTO
This carpet is one of my favourites because it is simple yet elegant and fun. I particularly enjoy that pop of the vibrant tangerine colour. In this dining room setting, the rug is in perfect harmony with the furniture and accessories. The design has a special versatility because the star motif can be reworked in any colour to create a different mood depending on the needs of the space. Therefore I can visualize this carpet in so many different interiors - turquoise in a bedroom, plum in a living room or a charcoal for a home office ...
Robyn Clarke is also one of the interior designers I most admire in Toronto. I remember looking through her work in college and feeling very inspired.
ALI MCMURTER CHOICE: BOSTON TOWNHOUSE
Timeless and intriguing, this rug explores many of the exquisite textures possible with handtufting in alluring variations of silver wool and silk. The stability of the design's geometric composition allows the wonders within this rug to reveal themselves with calm confidence. It will be beautiful in any room it graces without competing for too much attention.
This rug makes its room look great, and if you choose to review it carefully, it will offer up plenty of textural and visual delights!