Floor Show: The pull of a customised rug or three at home cannot be overestimated

Rugs are a neat way to lay down extra colour, texture and glamour in your home, effortlessly elevating the interior decoration while protecting the floor. If you welcome their uplifting warmth – both to your feet and your spirits – why not get one or more bespoke creations that will perfectly complement the size and palette of your empty spaces? Customised rugs offer endless design options, and as you step across them every day, they serve as continuous reminders that you have been part of making something beautiful and unique.

Also Read: Creative ways to transform your walls with bespoke wallpapers

Rug Your Life

Taking pride in converting any artwork into an alluring floor covering, Rug Your Life works from your own drawing or a painting you saw at a museum or gallery and absolutely loved. In fact, the company is best known for its rugs based on the works of 20th-century modern artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, Sophie Taeuber-Arp and more.

Customised rugs — Photo Credits: Courtesy of Rug Your Life

Once the starting image has been chosen and sent to Rug Your Life, measurements, shape and cost are discussed. At this point, you will finalise the material from a range of options including wool, linen, silk and mohair. The company will also advise on the appropriate weaving technique based on your design choice and budget.

If your artwork has intricate details, Rug Your Life founder Nayla Ventura recommends going for a Tibetan knot rug as this technique allows the weaver to replicate any design down to every minute detail. This hand-knotting technique results in the softest, densest and most durable rugs. On the other hand, hand-tufted rugs are great for simple designs, take less time to be made, and are easy to maintain. The latter is also more budget-friendly:10 square feet of hand-tufted rug costs about HK$95,000 compared to HK$142,000 for hand-knotting.

No matter the design or type of weaving, Rug Your Life creations are sustainably handmade using the finest materials. Each rug takes between six and 14 weeks to be finished, depending on the size and technique, but to add to the anticipation of its delivery to your home, you will be sent pictures twice a week of it being made.

To order, email inquire@rugyourlife.com

J&P Carpets

If you aspire to highlight your room with a luxury rug that would be right at home in a five-star hotel, then why not get customised rugs from a company that actually makes them for top hospitality groups like the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood and Shangri-La. Established in 1993 by John Yu, J&P Carpets crafts high-quality rugs using hand-tufting and the Axminster technique. The latter, a mechanical method based on traditional Oriental carpet weaving, suits large-scale projects, while hand-tufted rugs are a better fit for residences.

persian vs turkish rugs — J&P Carpets at Shangri-La Paris

J&P can custom-make rugs in any size, shape, design or colour using this technique whereby a weaver handcrafts the rug with the help of an electrical tufting gun for a faster and more affordable process. A 25-square-metre rug fashioned from 100% New Zealand wool – the most commonly chosen material – will cost about HK$23,500 and takes less than five weeks to complete.

Customised rugs made from the wool of New Zealand sheep have a smooth, warm texture, and are less prone to tearing, indenting by heavy furniture and other damage. You can also ask for your wool rug to be combined with other materials such as bamboo, bamboo silk, viscose and nylon for extra strength and durability. With good care, such rugs can last for up to 15 years; they are also easy to clean. Pure silk is another highly sought-after raw material since it delivers a supremely soft and exquisite rug that can go up to HK$300,000 for a 25-square-metre piece.

Once you have pinned down the perfect physical attributes for your rug, the design team at J&P Carpets will send you pictures of how it would look, followed by a sample so that you can get a feel of it. After you are completely satisfied with its visual and tactile features, the rug will be made and delivered to your home in just over a month.

To order, email glen_wai@jpcarpets.com.hk or call or WhatsApp (852) 9139 8010

Custom Rugs

One of the go-to rug makers for interior designers and architects, Custom Rugs is also ideal for individuals who need extra assistance in getting customised rugs for their homes. Choosing the right design from the myriad of options available can be overwhelming and exhausting, so the company goes the extra mile to make decisions less burdensome. They will advise on the style, size and colour scheme that is right for your tastes and décor, and help you choose the perfect material from options including, but not limited to, silk, bamboo silk, merino wool and viscose. Browsing through their wide selection of rug designs which can be personalised serves to focus undecided minds.

Once the appearance and feel of the rug are set, Custom Rugs gives customers the option of three weaving techniques – hand-knotted, hand-tufted or hand-loomed. One advantage of hand-loomed rugs is their sleekness – there is less of a risk of tripping over a slim edge than a thick one. They are also reversible and absorb sound. For the premium weaving technique of hand-knotting, the company usually opts for the Persian method. Compared to Turkish double-loop knots, Persian single-loop knots gives a more refined weave and a higher knot count; a weaver can pack anywhere between 85 and 500-plus knots per square inch, allowing for the simplest of designs as well as the most intricate. Depending on the design and the size of the rug, it takes from six to 12 weeks to be made. A 12’ X 10’ fine Merino wool rug with an intricate design that will require 400 Persian knots per square inch can even cost HK$108,000.

To order, email customrugshk9@gmail.com or WhatsApp (852) 9822 0006

Your guide to purchasing an art piece that you won’t regret

For most people, art is a decoration complementing the interior architecture of their house and an investment piece so it is necessary to make a thorough and careful selection while picking an art canvas that you will most likely hang in your living space. It is important that it is something that fits your personal taste and also has significant value to it so Gafencu has put together a step-by-step guide to purchasing an art piece that you won’t regret.

Start by exploring the art world

The art world is a never-ending vast ocean with so much to explore, so it is important to start by gaining exposure to the art scene to discover different options available in the market. Fortunately, it is fairly convenient to examine the art scene these days. You can attend some important art events like Art Basel, Art Central or Affordable Art Fair that happen on an annual basis or you can visit art exhibitions that happen in local galleries. Besides, the internet is also a resourceful place for it, given the list of art-related content like these artistic Instagram pages that you can come across in browsers and social media.

Get to know what art resonates with you

The more art you see, the more you will get to know what you like. Affordable Art Fair Director Regina Zhang says that when you walk into a gallery with the intention of buying art, it is important to keep an open mind. By having no predetermined notion, it becomes easier for you to note what sort of art you are attracted to. Do you seem to be drawn to a specific style of painting, a particular theme or a certain art period?

Do your research

Once you know what you find appealing, it is time to do some research especially if your art purchase is going to be an investment. Try reading art magazines, and official websites of artists or galleries to learn more about the art you like. You can also talk to industry experts to clarify all your doubts. Having a good knowledge of the subject will entail you to make an informed decision about what you want. Plus, reading further or talking to more art aficionados would also give you more options or will lead you to filter your decision and help you settle on what you are exactly going to buy.

Consider your interior design

If you are buying art, you are probably planning to have it framed on your wall so it is important to check a few things before making the purchase. The first and most important thing is finding out how small or big it can be because you can always repaint the walls and redecorate the entire room to coordinate with your art if you want but nothing can be done about the size of the wall. You should also ensure that it will be possible to get the frame or the sculptor through the doors.

Buy the art

So, you have funnelled down to the exact artwork you want. It is time to go ahead and check their prices especially if you have a certain budget in mind. It is perfect if the rates fall within your allotment or you are willing to pay a couple of extra thousands above your budget because you absolutely love the art piece you selected. If not, you can go for the other options in mind.

Normann Copenhagen HK’s Spring 2023 exudes aesthetics and practicality

Danish design company Normann Copenhagen takes pride in creating visually appealing furniture pieces that are also very ergonomic and practical. For its Spring 2023 collection, the brand has launched tables, chairs, lights, sofas, and other home products. For the brand’s future direction, it is only expected to get more premium and innovative with its original designs.

While we cannot wait to see all the fantastic contemporary designs that are yet to come, for now, let’s focus on some of the fabulous pieces from Normann Copenhagen’s Spring 2023 line.

Drape comes in two forms – Lounge Chair High and Lounge Chair Low. While the Lounge Chair High has an additional headrest allowing for more head-and-neck support, the latter looks more simple yet sleek.

Drape comes in different colours and fabrics, while also letting people choose between steel or oak legs. Whatever option you pick, every Drape chair boasts elegance and comfort with its soft curves and the brand’s precision in every detail of the design.

Ark is the brand’s retake on modular sofa design. Ark has both high-density and low-density foam incorporated in the design to allow for a cosier sitting.

Its minimalist style along with all the jaw-dropping features like the powder-coated steel legs make Ark a simple-yet-sophisticated sofa to add to one’s living room. Best of all, Ark is created with adequate spacing between the cushion and the floor thus making it easier for cleaning.

Much like Drape, Ark is also available in various upholstery options, and whether you choose the end module, centre module, corner module, or all of them, there are hundreds of materials to choose from.

Off Chair gets its inspiration from the need to work comfortably, so it follows the elements of an office chair with a more fashionable design front. It looks classy with its rounded rectangular shape.

Off Chair can be opted in either the fixed four-point legs or five legs with wheels, and people can also choose between having an armrest or not. Best suited for both office and home, every person sitting on Off Chair would most definitely appreciate its mechanical features and seamless look.

Rib, which will remind you of the Nordic summerhouses in the 1960s, is the storage cabinet that features an appealing exterior design without compromising on its storage capacity. Given that it comes with detachable shelves, the Rib can be easily adjusted to the needs of each individual.

Rib has two renditions – the smaller one which is the Rib Cabinet and the larger one which is the Rib Sideboard.

One of the most classic pieces from Normann Copenhagen, Turn Table is back with its design elevated with designer Simon Legald adding two new colours – black marble and white marble.

Allowing for adjustable height via rotation, the Turn Table comes with a bell-shaped steel base that makes the table look stunning and sturdy at the same time.

As Normann Copenhagen defines it, the Scala table is the “ultimate adaptable table,” as these tables are made to fit the space of your choice. Besides letting people pick between oak or marble top with steel bases, each Scala table resembles your old-fashioned furniture design, perfect for people who appreciate classic and vintage designs.

To take a closer look at each piece, visit Normann Copenhagen’s showroom at 31 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai.

7 Home Décor Ideas to Follow this Autumn

The -ber months are knocking at the door harbinger the beautiful transition of nature seasonal changes. While evergreens transform from fresh greens to rustic oranges and deep reds, the cooler weather calls for more comfortable spaces to lounge in, prompting our inner creative sides to elevate our abodes to reflect the beautiful autumn landscapes. Here are 5 home décor ideas to spruce up your spaces with a warmer and enchanting ambiance.

1. Light up your home with candles

Candles are a fantastic decorative element, they can complement your existing décor when placed in front or on side of paintings, vases, lamps or sculptures creating magical shadows and silhouettes. Dress up your home by adding a variety of candles on shelves and mantle pieces. You can place them on tall candle stands of different heights or in glass lanterns to give a more vintage vibe. Scented candles with flavours of maple leaves, clove, cinnamon, apple or lavender are perfect to make your home even smell like autumn.

2. Celebrate the changing colors

Adding more warm colors to your space will instantly create an autumnal theme. Fluff up some orange, red and dark brown pillows for your bedroom and cushions for your living room. Choose blankets and throws of similar colors to drape over your sofas, couches or carpets. These will serve as accessories to your existing furniture without you having to make big changes and replacing your current possessions.

3. Follow up the fall foliage

When you think of autumn you can’t help but think of leaves, either fallen or dancing in the breeze. To give the home a touch of fall ambiance, place decorative plants around the room, leaves in bowls or perennial planter boxes in corners on the wall or sitting atop window sills. Common Ivy, Hydrangea, cactus, maple and oxalis and excellent choices are great choices for indoor plants that will last longer through the autumn season.

4. Hang in some vines, wreaths and fairy lights.

If you find plants to be high maintenance, you can use artificial vines and wreathes made up of flowers, leaves, pines and pumpkins to decorate your walls, doors and curtains. You can use them in combination with fairy lights that can light them up giving a festive feel and warmth. Bookshelves look more appealing with fairy lights and vines, making your reading corner into a dreamy cozy space to find comfort in.

5. Adding warmth to outdoor spaces

Just because it’s cooler out, doesn’t mean you have to keep from the outside. Give your outdoor spaces some love by furnishing it will autumn tones and rustic textures to add some warmth and cosiness to your balcony, terraces and patio. Woven textures like rattan are a good choice, such as Barlow Tyrie’s “Cocoon” seating system, from its 2022 outdoor collection. Its strong aluminum frame and soft plush cushions come in a set of 2 deep seated armchairs and a 3-seater sofa, available at Zzue Creation, provides the perfectly comfortable gathering spot on a breezy autumn evening.

6. Pump it up with Pumpkins

Pumpkins often go hand-in-hand with the autumn season. And with Halloween just around the corner, what better way to enrich your living space with the many colours and variety this auburn squash can offer. Real or faux, pumpkins can be used as dining table centerpieces, and decorative ornaments on kitchen. Pumpkin scents also adds a romantic touch to the space thanks to its sweet and spice scent. Scented candles from Diptyque and Maison Francis Kurkdijian perfects these aromas very well.

(Text: Zaira Abbas)

Roche Bobois’ Autumn-Winter 2022 redefines living with Covid

Pursuing creativity is often a courageous endeavour to achieve something nobody has ever done – to cross boundaries and limitations to create something wholly unique. And for French luxury home interior retailer Roche Bobois, creativity was never an area which it had shied away from.

For its Autumn-Winter 2022 collection, it redefines living at home, inspired by the way Covid-19 had shifted how people experienced living at home. With different interpretations and new perspectives, Roche Bobois leads into the new season with brand new contemporary designs that transform how we experience our home.

Particularly the Polygonia by Giacomo Garziano, an exceptionally designed sideboard made of four units – two opened with butterfly doors and two with flap doors. Its design, an inspiration from the Amazonian butterfly Polygonia Zephus, is a striking sculptural piece made of plain or metallic lacquered polyurethane. A uniquely inspiring and limited 55-piece, it engages the mind with creativity and imagination – perfectly striking to the eye and intriguing to the senses, like art.

Meanwhile, the Blogger 3 by Roberto Tapinassi & Maurizio Manzoni is a cain fabric upholstered sofa, complete with foam-filled padded seats and supported on a solid fir wood and pine wood structure. At the heart of its creative process, attention to detail, meticulous finishes and masterful craftsmanship were always the focus. Boasting a clever mix of ’70s and ’00s era, its modern design gives way for its rounded curved lines, soft tufting and sumptuous cream tone to encapsulate a soft, comfortable, timeless and relaxed aesthetic and experience.

For more information, please visit www.roche-bobois.com/en.