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This week’s instalment of SBID’s Product of the Week series features a textured and colourful carpet designs by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, TSAR Carpets.

SBID Awards Category: Flooring & Floor Coverings

Practice: TSAR Carpets

Project: Sierra Collection

The Sierra Collection is a series of broadloom wool-rich Axminster carpet designs inspired by mountainous terrains and desert landscapes. An exploration in woven process and natural textures, the collection’s patterns were derived from an array of experimental and labor-intensive hand, seersucker and jacquard weaving techniques, which were then digitally translated into broadloom Axminster carpet designs.

While keeping in line with TSAR’s signature use of bold and signature designs, the collection transforms the company’s vision for the future of hospitality, commercial and residential projects into paired-back contemporary statements teeming with topographical dimension.  Available since February 2021, the collection is sold exclusively at TSAR’s studios in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, and Shanghai.

TSAR-Carpets---Sierra-Collection1-(7)
TSAR-Carpets---Sierra-Collection1-(9)

The SBID International Design Awards programme serves to recognise, reward and celebrate design excellence across a broad range of categories spanning Interior Design, Product Design and Fit-Out. Click here to find out more. 

A global industry leader in luxury custom-made carpets and rugs, Melbourne-based TSAR Carpets is pleased to introduce the new Forma Collection, an expansive series of high concept, hand-tufted floor coverings that set a new high-watermark in rug design and manufacturing techniques. Available from August 2021, the collection will be sold exclusively at TSAR’s studios in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, and Shanghai.

Featuring original, never-before-seen textures, colour combinations and inspired patterns, the collection explores the themes of energy and optimism — blurring the lines of applied design and fine art. The investigation of organic motifs; meticulous textures and fibre combinations; new layering techniques; and seamless gradient transitions by TSAR Carpets’ in-house team of talented designers has resulted in a mesmerising collection teeming with playful expression.

“The goal was to create designs that exemplify and embody the dawn of a new beginning,” says Teresa Ceberek, TSAR Carpets Design Manager. “The word ‘forma’ is a playful nod to the imaginative and uplifting shapes in each of the rug’s patterns, as well as the abstract silhouettes of the rugs themselves.”

The collection was designed over the last twelve months during COVID-19 lockdown — a time in which each member of the design team found themselves going on solitary daily walks around their respective neighbourhoods. These moments of meditative excursion inspired the collection’s incorporation of natural textures and patterns, including cracked earth formations and moss growing on rocks. The design process provided a source of escapism during a dark and challenging time, which is evident in the collection’s use of dazzling and vibrant colours and exaggerated forms.

“Mixing natural references and surreal compositions is a direct reflection of our collective headspace at the time of the collection’s conception,” says Ceberek.

In addition to being the largest TSAR Carpets collection to date, Forma also represents the first time the company has employed refined fading techniques to achieve new gradients, as well as the first time TSAR has utilised ribbon yarn as a material to create sculptural rug dimensions. TSAR owns and controls the entire manufacturing process, which provides unparalleled control over quality and ensures each piece meets the most stringent of standards.

“Due to the success and popularity of our previous textural collections, including Saltwater and Lagoon, the team experimented with new construction and fade techniques to produce never before seen textures, patterns and fibre combinations that push the limits of virtuosic hand-tufted rug manufacturing,” says Ceberek.

TSAR Carpets partnered with Melbourne-based stylist and art director Nat Turnbull to bring the collection to life. Nat was able to visually capture the new and experimental textures that TSAR Carpets developed through captivating, energetic and highly stylised vignettes— reflective of the brand’s affinity for quality design.

Each incredibly durable rug found in the Collection is hand-tufted from the finest grade of 100% New Zealand wool, undyed wool, Tencel, ribbon yarn, and Lurex, which is a type of shiny, light-reflecting yarn that features metallic properties. Each design has gone through many rounds of sampling to achieve the intended outcome.

Specification, colours and design scale can also be altered to suit any project. The collection is available in 25 different patterns and colourways.

About Tsar Carpets

TSAR Carpets is a Melbourne-based design brand with over 30 years of expertise in the manufacturing of luxury custom carpets and rugs. A family-owned business founded by David and Kerrie Sharpley, it is now a global company recognised for its passion for textiles and its profound knowledge of the hand-tufted technique. TSAR delivers bespoke floor coverings for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial environments worldwide.

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This month’s product news highights from SBID members explores the latest luxurious textures and captivating prints, with new smart technologies for the bathroom and functional design solutions for the workspace; from ergonomic office chairs to intelligent toilet technology.

Discover Arper’s new office chair design by Lievore Altherr Molina

New for 2021, Kinesit Met is a sophisticated evolution of the Kinesit office chair, now available in a refreshed palette. Created as Arper’s first regulatory-compliant office chair, Kinesit Met is available with metallic finished armrests and in new, rich and nuanced materials, colors, and textures. Inspired by the contemporary moment and the evolution in our workplaces and spaces, Kinesit Met is designed for how (and where) we work today – softer, adaptable, and from anywhere. This new palette selection adds refinement and style to imbedded soft technology, marrying performance and style in a sleek silhouette. Design has come home.

Light and minimal in design, Kinesit Met features built-in mechanisms hidden discreetly under the seat. An invisible, adjustable lumbar support is concealed within the backrest’s thin frame to give additional flexibility and comfort. Kinesit Met is available in a low or medium back option customisable in a range of textured and shaded fabric options. Aluminum armrests and base are available in metallic finish options of copper, light grey and anthracite.

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The intelligent toilet technology for ultimate hygiene at home

The rimless, wall hung Veil WC by international bathroom brand, Kohler integrates motion-activated hands free opening, closing and flushing for a complete sanitary experience. For a personalised user experience, a stainless steel cleansing wand adjusts the water spray temperature, shape and position; whilst a UV light and electrolysed water sanitises the wand’s surfaces providing a fully-integrated self-clean system.

The intelligent Veil toilet incorporates a warm glow nightlight and a heated seat that is made from antibacterial materials. Front and rear wash modes and a warm air-drying system also benefit from adjustable temperature settings to ensure a comfortable experience. With an ergonomic seat design to ensure complete comfort, Veil’s seamless finish offers a luxurious yet practical addition to any high-end bathroom.

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Explore new biophilic woodgrain inspired wallcoverings by TEKTURA

Sleek woodgrains are combined with a subtle overprint. LACEWOOD takes inspiration from classic oak, ash or cedar. Smooth and unadorned Lacewood provides a seamless pared-down backdrop, while LACEWOOD GEO features geometric lines in matt and burnished metallic inks to give a contemporary twist with biophilic pattern.

Driftwood white and the warmth of oak are offered alongside the rich, intense hues of mahogany and ebony. Combined with classic woodgrain and a simple structured overprint, Tektura creates a visual connection to the patterns, colours and textures found in nature.

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Introducing Linwood’s new luxury velvet collection, Velvet Wonderland

A deep viscose pile, super soft feel and vivid colours elevates these printed velvets to the pinnacle of luxury. The nine designs, which celebrate fantastical dreamscapes, are enlivened with a bold, contemporary colour palette with the occasional glint of glamorous metallic. This is Linwood’s premium printed velvet collection… not only is it sumptuous in look and feel, it’s also durable and water repellent.

From capturing the serene beauty of an ornamental garden which are perfectly expressed in scenic designs, to recreating the charm of the 1920s with whimsical printed velvet fabrics to celebrate the mystery and magic of the Orient; this exuberant collection of patterns offers a versatile choice for any kinf of upholstery.

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This July SBID members showcase their latest product news with flexible bathroom interior solutions, exclusive trade offers for interior designers and unique, halo-inspired architectural luminaires. Featuring innovative solid surfaces, stylish matt-black finishes and digitally-enhanced taps.

Creativity comes out on top with RAK-Plano

RAK-Plano countertop surfaces from RAK Ceramics combine elegance, durability and practicality, transforming the RAK-Joy or RAK-Joy Uno vanity unit into a versatile piece of bathroom furniture. Available in three different TECHWOOD finishes and in the manufacturer’s innovative matt white RAKSOLID material, RAK-Plano is a one-piece vanity top, without joints that can be drilled and cut (if necessary) directly on site. This gives designers complete freedom in positioning the washbasin and mixer. Available in a range of colours, the countertop combines easily with any décor, responding to trends in bathroom design; from Matt White, Grey Elm, Scandinavian Oak and Mokka Walnut.

RAK-SOLID is an incredibly durable solid surface material, composed of a mixture of natural minerals and resins, exuding consistent quality and performance. Just as hardwearing and simple to care for, TECHWOOD is a wood effect material that gives the tactile impression of real timber, produced from polypropylene recyclable material.

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Powell & Bonnell introduce the halo-inspired luminaire, Celeste Sconce

The iconic depiction of the halo in Romanesque art served as the visual origin point for the Celeste Sconce. Designer, Jake Oliveira set out to create a luminaire that would honour a mother’s protective, enveloping embrace of her child. This imagery was interpreted as a marriage between two pure and simple silhouettes which draw attention to the interplay of light and shadow. The first stand-out feature of the piece is it’s composition, which consists of an ethereal resin bulb that floats effortlessly within the shade. The immaculate fusion of both elements was the result of endless hours of engineering and iteration, utilizing 3D printed and polyurethane tools to stablish an angled shade with architectural overhang.

Since contrast was such an essential ingredient in the Celeste Sconce’s makeup, careful material selection and the union between the chosen materials was paramount.  The shade is fabricated from porous sand-cast metal, specifically brass, bronze, or aluminum. Sand-casting is a forgery technique that has been used since 704 BC. With an organic nature and human aesthetic, the artful finish carries the story of the hands that made it. This is paired with a sleek resin bulb which is poured via the modern technique of silicone slip-casting. A highly refined, polished lip on the shade’s edge helps to coalesce the pitted nature of the metal with the sculptural smooth bulb. The bulb can be cast in any of Powell & Bonnell’s resin colours, allowing for a dynamic pop of colour.

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GROHE supports energy and water saving with first digitally-enhanced tap, GROHE Plus

With its brand new GROHE Plus basin taps, global bathroom and kitchen fittings brand GROHE now offers users the possibility to accurately control the water temperature of their basin tap using the innovations of digitally-enhanced design. The digital upgrade within the existing GROHE Plus collection not only enables safe water enjoyment, but also supports users’ increasing desire for sustainable living. Using the principle of “nudging”, a concept from behavioral economics, users are made aware through a visual colour change displayed on the spout of the tap when hot water is flowing – often unnecessarily – in order to encourage users to avoid wasting energy. This design approach promotes responsible use of the valuable resource of water and saves energy at the same time.

The eco-friendly functionality of GROHE Plus is reinforced by its accessible Eco Spray setting. To switch from the standard spray to the more refined Eco Spray of just four litres per minute, which reduces water consumption without compromising on user comfort or experience, users can simply swipe their hand over the lit icon on top of the spout to activate the sensor-controlled system which will change the water flow. The GROHE Plus collection is also future-oriented in its hybrid design language, which skillfully combines cubic and organic shapes. This makes the range a real statement for every modern bathroom, both in terms of sustainability and progressive design elements. At the same time, the design supports ergonomic comfort and invites interaction with a 90-degree swivel spout to increase functionality and user-friendliness.

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KEUCO Black Concept collection adds an elegant touch in a modern bathroom

When it comes to modern furnishing, black surfaces and finishes catch the eye, offering a luxurious and stylish appearance. If black is destined to be a key colour in your bathroom designs; KEUCO has an extensive range of products within their Black Concept collection.

KEUCO’s EDITION 11 bathroom furniture is available with a stylish black metallic-pigmented lacquer finish. The vanity units, sideboards, storage units are all designed handle-free with a soft-touch closing system. This noble matt-black look exudes an air of elegance and extravagance, yet the velvet matt quality of the bathroom furniture ensures the room maintains cosy in atmosphere. The modern yet honest design elements of EDITION 11 shower heads, fittings and accessories in brushed black chrome create a minimalistic look with an elegant contrast when combined with white ceramic washbasins. The Black Concept collection offers a range of interior solutions for any darkly accentuated, colour coordinated bathroom design with matt-black surfaces and metallic optics which results in a sleek and sophisticated space.

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John lewis & Partners Business support designers with exclusive trade discount

John Lewis & Partners Business support Interior Designers, Architects and Home Stagers to procure items for your projects. The supply chain has presented many with challenges over the past year and John Lewis & Partners Business have also had to navigate through this turbulent time. Their priority is helping design professionals access John Lewis & Partners home collections, whether that be dining chairs, mattresses, wallpaper or tea towels! Offering immediate visibility of what is available, if it’s in stock on johnlewis.com then a dedicated trade team at John Lewis & Partners Business can hand hold your purchase. In addition for 2021, they are exclusively offering interior designers an increased trade discount of 20% when ordering full price pieces from the Home assortment*.

*Discount not applied to reduced or special buy prices and excludes electrical, technology and bespoke orders. 

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This month’s product roundup features the latest news and collections from SBID’s network of Accredited suppliers; from aesthetic designs for sanitiser dispensers to a range of sustainably-made lounge chairs, the June edition showcases unique designer collaborations for signature furniture collections and hand-tufted rugs, as well as highlights new certifications for embedded carbon footprints of ecological paints!

KEUCO introduces additional colours and branding options for sanitiser dispenser

KEUCO’s sanitiser dispensers go above expectations, bold and bright or subtle chic, suitable for an extensive variety of areas, locations and situations: homes to hotels, supermarkets to shopping malls, airports to Aston Martin’s! These new dispensers meet the highest hygiene requirements, whilst combining functionality with a distinguished design.

Since the middle of 2020 hand sanitisers have become a must for every property. KEUCO’S dispenser has an elegant yet straightforward, linear design, along with superior technical features that have been invisibly integrated in the design. The KEUCO dispensers make a stylish addition in any location where hand sanitisers are required.

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Arper presents its first sustainable lounge chair in solid wood with Kata 

Lightweight in form and environmental footprint, Kata is designed with circular sustainability at its core. Arper’s first solid wood lounge chair, Kata takes inspiration from artisan-made wood and woven straw chairs and reimagines the near universal typology using contemporary, sustainable solutions in an expression that’s both graphic and warm. Kata finds form in juxtaposition – an evocative gesture in the movement between material presence and minimal silhouette, softness and strength, tradition and technology.

The Kata lounge chair is a union of traditional craftsmanship and soft technology. An oak and black locust FSC certified wooden frame supports a tailor-made 3D knit textile. The knit cover is created from recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic that is converted into durable and lightweight fibers –  roughly 1 kilo of waste – or about 48 half PET bottles – is used to produce 1 kilo of yarn. The knit technology is also formed to fit the frame, avoiding leftover material waste found in traditional manufacturing, with unified seat and back structure available in lightweight stripe or graphic-patterned 3D knit with internal micro-padding –  all suitable for outdoor use. Additional loose seat and back cushions finishes can be customized in both Arper’s complete fabric catalogue.

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TSAR Carpets introduces latest hand-tufted rug collection, Tæpper

A global industry leader in luxury custom-made carpets and rugs, Melbourne-based TSAR Carpets is pleased to introduce the new Tæpper Collection, a series of hand-tufted rug designs made in collaboration with designer Michelle Macarounas of Infinite Design Studio. The collection will be sold exclusively at TSAR’s studios in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, and Shanghai with each luxurious rug hand-tufted from the finest grade of New Zealand wool and shiny Tencel fibre, offering incredible durability and softness.

Featuring abstract designs inspired by the art and design of mid-20th century modernism – in particular, the object-mobile artwork of Alexander Calder – the collection’s sculptural graphics are enhanced by colorful dimension, adding a design-forward focal point for any room. “The goal was to create stylish area rugs that felt more like pieces of art and infuse an eclectic sensibility to any interior space,” says Macarounas. “My aim was for each design to be simple, yet strong enough to breathe on its own or sit in harmony with other interior design elements.”

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Appliques et bougeoirs Perles - salon

Lalique launches Signature Collection in collaboration with interior designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon

The Signature Collection combines Lalique’s extraodinary skills in the art of glassmarking with Pierre-Yves Rochon’s outstanding expertise in designing interior solutions for luxury hotels around the world. The collection embodies the brand’s timeless elegance as an enduring symbol of French luxury.

Pierre-Yves Rochon comments: “Crystal is a noble material that beautifully serves all forms of art: from architecture or sculpture to tableware or jewelry… As an Interior Designer, it is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and creativity. With this Signature collection of furniture, I wanted to write a new story in which metal sublimates the transparency, purity and brilliance of crystal. The Perles, Coutard, Vibration, Causeuses, Roses or Soudan pieces were born from the quest for the most beautiful aesthetic effect, the search for perfect proportions and the attention to every detail. Marked by the precision and the elegance of metal, the designs give crystal the freedom to blend in interior architecture and furniture design in a new manner. I am honoured to perpetuate René Lalique’s work, associating crystal and metal in my own turn.”

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Graphenstone conclude certification for its embedded carbon footprint

The construction sector consumes 50% of all raw materials, produces 39% of all carbon emissions, causes 36% of all waste and 49% of total carbon emissions over the life of a building (source – WasteBuild).  Architects, interior designers, manufacturers and contractors can all make significant contributions in protecting our fragile climate through choice of materials. For example in paints, one of the most polluting industries in the world, selecting and specifying newly developed ‘harm-free’ products using advanced technologies, as opposed to the same toxic options used over recent decades, can make a huge difference.

Graphenstone have now concluded the certification of its embedded carbon footprint. Its level is about one-fifth of the few other paints companies who have conducted the same research. The entire carbon footprint (complete raw material extraction to end of manufacture) presents the value 0.5kg / litre. BREEAM, LEED & WELL complaint, Graphenstone is certified for health and sustainability by the world’s most recognised product evaluation agencies (Cradle to Cradle Institute, Eurofins, Green Tag). They examine all aspects of a product’s sourcing, development, energy, water and social impact, as well as how cleanly it dies off at end of life.

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Custom carpet and rug manufacturers TSAR Carpets worked in collaboration with Melbourne-based design firm GOLDEN on a residential luxury penthouse. This project consisted of installing approximately 30m2 of TSAR’s award-winning Saltwater carpet in the living room of the Lake View Penthouse, a luxurious and sprawling lakeside penthouse built for a modern family.

With Lake View Penthouse, GOLDEN sought out to merge and reconfigure three existing apartments overlooking Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake into a modern and spacious penthouse befit for a young family. Located on the 17th floor of a high-rise building on St. Kilda Road, the penthouse is functional, spacious and features a selection of high-end art and furniture.

For the living room, GOLDEN’s aim was to incorporate warm and natural elements to provide its clients with a sensorial experience — and TSAR’s design-forward Saltwater carpet proved to be the perfect fit.

Featuring a playful and layered scene of sand, sky and deep-sea creatures and corals, TSAR’s Saltwater carpet is meticulously hand-tufted using different pile heights, beveling, carving and various material methods. The curious mindset of TSAR’s in-house senior designer, Teresa Cerebek, allowed the brand to explore a variety of construction techniques, producing amusing details.

GOLDEN’s designers first discovered Saltwater during TSAR’s Melbourne Design Week X-MATERIALITY installation and instantly fell in love with the carpet’s high concept design and unique textural variation.

Based upon GOLDEN’s brief, TSAR’s goal was to supply the client with a custom-dyed Saltwater carpet in a mustard-and-blue tone. The integration of this distinctive carpet in Lakeview Penthouse provides a soft and tactile feeling underfoot, while the custom colourway proves complementary to the project’s polished fixture and finishes.

“Lake View Penthouse was designed to reflect the client’s urban lifestyle by bringing in rich tones, texture and personality,” says Alicia McKimm, GOLDEN Director. “In collaboration with TSAR, we designed a rug for the large living room that tactfully exemplifies the essence of the home. TSAR was able to work with GOLDEN to ensure every last yarn could be customised to tie all aspects of its surroundings together.”

By balancing aesthetics, budget and performance, all TSAR designs can be adapted for large hospitality, commercial and small residential projects. TSAR maintains total control over every step of manufacturing within its own production campus—including the dyeing of yarns from 100% New Zealand wool — thus ensuring complete consistency throughout the entire production cycle.

“We are so pleased that both GOLDEN and their clients are extremely satisfied with the Saltwater carpet installation as a standout design factor in the Lakeview Penthouse,” says David Sharpely, TSAR Carpets CEO. “The lively beauty and playful motifs found within Saltwater — combined with the carpet’s material strength and durability — make it the ideal choice for a residence of this calibre.”

About Tsar Carpets

TSAR Carpets is a design-led business with the confidence to take a unique point of view and the technical expertise to deliver.

The creative department has become the premier source for tailoring the products and designs to meet the individual needs of clients, by balancing aesthetics, budget and performance in every project. TSAR is a proudly Australian owned company with a global outlook. TSAR’s flagship showroom can be found in Melbourne with design studios and offices in Sydney, New York and London.

C.P. Hart delivered superior quality bathroom schemes for London’s iconic Grade II listed Centre Point, formerly a 1960s office building. Located on Tottenham Court Road, this landmark 34-storey tower development has been transformed into 82 high-end residential apartments.

The Specification

C.P. Hart worked in close partnership with Conran & Partners as they managed the planning and completion of the shell and core, interior design and complete apartment fit-outs. Drawing from its long-standing relationships with Europe’s most highly regarded bathroom manufacturers, C.P. Hart supplied vanity units and sanitaryware from Dornbracht, paired with the brand’s Lulu brassware range in Platinum Matt finish; WCs from Duravit and Vola; freestanding baths from Bette; and Bleu de Savoie marble stone walls.

The team also supplied a comprehensive range of products for the building’s accessible rooms, providing specialist advice to ensure the highest possible level of comfort for any user.

The Result

One of the most exciting developments in London, Centre Point has breathed life into Tottenham Court Road. The individualistic and cleverly designed bathrooms complement the bold and imaginative residential scheme that Centre Point has become.  All parties involved have been delighted by the bathroom product selection, certainly a factor in attracting instant attention from potential new owners.

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With a new virtual event and rug resource for design professionals, COVER magazine will host COVER Connect on 12–15 January 2021. The event will benefit, celebrate and support the handmade rug industry at a time usually occupied by start-of-the-year trade and design fairs. A dedicated place for our diverse professional community to do business remotely, COVER Connect will play host to a global audience of buyers, designers and industry professionals. 

Three distinct but intricately linked online platforms make up COVER Connect:  

TRADE

Trade is the virtual fair at the core of COVER Connect, featuring more than thirty-five of the most most well-respected rug companies in the world, showcasing their latest designs and new collections. COVER Connect will provide an engaging buying experience for exhibitors and clients, and recreate the atmosphere of a fair by offering numerous encounters with outstanding design, quality rugs and the companies who create them. The virtual booths will act as an easily accessible overview of each company’s rugs representing their style and ethos. Live chat and pre-bookable online meetings will be available directly from these booths. 

TALKS

The Talks programme at COVER Connect will focus on the themes of Sustainability, Collaboration and Interior Design. 

In one of the seven panel discussions, Vanessa Brady OBE, founder of the Society of British and International Design (SBID) will speak to three renowned interior designers about their approaches to successfully incorporating rugs into their projects: Erinn Valencich, Founder of the L.A.-based Erinn V. Design Group; London-based Shalini Misra; and Kar Hwa-Ho, Head of Interior Architects at Zaha Hadid. 

EVENTS

Featuring a series of virtual projects presented by Trade exhibitors including interviews, live sales and documentary films. 

REGISTRATION 

There are two types of attendee registration: one requires accreditation, the other is open to all. Both are free and open now. The Trade and Events sections are open exclusively to accredited buyers, interior designers and architects verified by COVER. Registration to attend Talks and view Features is not subject to verification. 

Apply for full access 

Register for Talks only 

Visit thecoverconnect.com to find out more. 

In the 30 years since it was founded, TSAR Carpets create holistic compositions that empowers its wide range of clientele — from commercial, hospitality, and residential customers — to achieve a cohesive architectural expression from the ground up.

For the New York City headquarters of Equinox, the American luxury fitness company which operates several lifestyle brands, TSAR installed approximately 115m2 of custom-made hand-tufted carpet across highly-trafficked spaces, creating a modern and energetic atmosphere.

Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox
Interior Designer: Architecture + Information
Photography: Magda Biernat
Completion: 2019

TSAR’s work resonated with the client thanks to the company’s diverse product suite and unparalleled ability to create high-end custom designs that suit the needs of various customer specifications.

The goal of the project was to supply the client with TSAR’s high-quality and durable product offering, which is suitable across a range of spaces that serve a variety of functions including the headquarters’ commercial and public spaces (café, lounge and receptions), as well as private-facing office areas (c- suites and the Executive Lounge) that required high-density carpet to withstand traffic and caster chairs.

Another client requirement was supplying a bespoke product that matched and complemented the furniture, fixtures, and equipment in each designated environment, particularly custom colour-matching. In presenting material boards featuring custom samples and design plates that were visually in line with each distinct space, TSAR was able to work directly with the client to maintain aesthetic consistency from room-to-room, meeting the design needs of the client.

With an exceptional emphasis on performance, the client was extremely satisfied with the end result — so much so they decided to carpet additional areas within the Headquarters that were not originally specified. The client intends to specify TSAR on further projects of a similar calibre in coming months.

About the Author

TSAR Carpets is a Melbourne-based design brand with over 30 years of expertise in the manufacturing of luxury custom carpets and rugs. A family-owned business founded by David and Kerrie Sharpley, it is now a global company recognised for its passion for textiles and its profound knowledge of the hand-tufted technique. TSAR delivers bespoke floor coverings for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial environments worldwide.

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While the world spent the past six months figuring out how to cope with COVID-19’s “new reality,” TSAR Carpets’ Melbourne-based Head Designer, Ross Cleland, channelled his creative exploration into a series of soothing and biophilic floor covering designs. For its new Fall 2020 product launch, TSAR is pleased to release The Retreat Collection – available exclusively at the company’s studios in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, and Shanghai.

“The word ‘retreat’ connotes withdrawal and seclusion from it all,” said Cleland. “I found my retreat in the countryside with my family to be quite the opposite. The river next to our house was the source of my renewed artistic vigour despite everything that’s going on in the world – and challenged me to try out new colours, patterns, and techniques. The end results are carpet designs flowing with positive, wholesome energy. I am so proud to introduce The Retreat Collection of Axminster carpet designs to the world, especially during these precarious collective circumstances in which we find ourselves.”

The Retreat Collection started out as an investigation of fluid mechanics in the art studio—a sort of trial-and-error experiment with inks on paper and air propulsion from a hand dryer. Cleland played with particular blues and greys, and then added more vibrant colours such as reds, yellows, purples, and greens. He ended up with a series of free-flowing textures that give the collection a freeform, unstructured quality. Using natural bodies of water as an inspiration and art as the means, Cleland transcended two-dimensional surfaces into modern architectural complements. While the Retreat Collection’s design vocabulary was initially developed in a series of hand-crafted moments within the artist’s studio, TSAR’s Retreat Collection distils moments of serendipitous ephemerality into a range of carpet designs that are balanced with a marked timelessness and a purposeful approach.

Leveraging TSAR’s vertically integrated manufacturing, TSAR realised Cleland’s vision into an Axminster carpet collection to be applied to a variety of interior design programmes and architectural sequences. Framed around the concept of the future of hospitality design and suitable for a wide variety of interior applications, TSAR’s Retreat Axminster carpets add visual movement and flow underfoot. By using interchangeable colours, each design can take on a new meaning and purpose, responsive to the architecture and bespoke to its interior context. Designs can be applied with individual room placement or as continuous patterned carpet. Specification, colours, and image scale can also be customised to suit any project scheme.

Standard Axminster carpet appearance is traditionally plain cut pile—which means manufacturers would usually need to simulate the pattern’s visual depth—by using trompé-l’oeil effects. TSAR has innovated three proprietary techniques to deliver custom, large-scale carpet and rug designs that allow for true depth and a hand-tufted feel while maintaining the value-driven price point of large-area Axminster carpet applications.

Carving

This is a process of hand-shearing areas of the carpet’s pile in order to create textures around woven design elements. This particular technique transforming one-dimensional perspectives to patterns that draws the eye across the carpet with ridges and valleys, enhancing and highlighting areas of flat designs woven in Axminster.

Raised Kristal Pile

Available as limited quantities, this technique brings lustre to the carpet, which is otherwise not possible in Axminster production. Again adding depth and dimension, but also elevating the product for a lusher, more textural and hand-tufted outcome.

Loop Pile

Using small quantities of loop pile in TSAR’s Axminster designs means that the visual can be broken up, and stop the eye from scanning the floor plan with no pause point.

About the Author

TSAR Carpets is a Melbourne-based design brand with over 30 years of expertise in the manufacturing of luxury custom carpets and rugs. A family-owned business founded by David and Kerrie Sharpley, it is now a global company recognised for its passion for textiles and its profound knowledge of the hand-tufted technique. TSAR delivers bespoke floor coverings for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial environments worldwide.

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