- When starting a project, what tends to lead the way for you ie- the architecture of the space, the client’s lifestyle, or an instinctive visual direction?
The architecture of the space and the client’s vision set the framework for the design. From there, the scheme developed naturally, informed by how the space will be used day to day.
- Your rooms feel layered rather than overtly “designed”. How do you build depth and richness without overwhelming a space?
We focus on layering gradually, mixing pattern, colour and texture step by step. Keeping a clear palette and varying scale helps spaces feel rich and interesting without becoming too busy.
- Colour is central to your work. What makes a colour palette feel resolved and liveable, rather than simply bold?
When deciding on a colour palette, it can be helpful to balance strong colours with quieter tones that allow the eye to rest. We like to do varying schemes throughout a project with softer shades that feature bolder colours through accents in some rooms, and other spaces where colour is the main focus.
- Rugs and carpets often seem to underpin your schemes. At what stage do you like to select a rug, and how does it influence the rest of the room?
We typically select or design the rug once the overall scheme for the room has been established. Given the endless possibilities in terms of material, design and colour, a rug can be tailored to complement and enhance the wider concept rather than dictate it. However, if we’re working with an antique rug or a piece the client already owns and wishes to incorporate, that often becomes the starting point, with the scheme evolving around it.
- What do you look for first when choosing a rug: the palette, the scale of the pattern, texture..what tips would you give people considering a rug in their scheme?
Scale is usually the starting point and getting proportions right is essential. We would advise choosing a rug that feels generous enough for the space. We then consider the palette, ensuring the colours work in harmony with what we have planned for the rest of the room. When choosing the texture of a rug, it’s important to consider the material of the flooring, as well as the walls and other tactile elements.
- In spaces such as halls, stairs and landings, how do you approach runners ie – practicality, visually engaging?
Runners need to be hard wearing first and foremost as they tend to get the most traction. They can also be used to add interest to transitional spaces like hallways. We like using pattern and colour here as it brings personality to areas that are often overlooked.
- When a room already has strong wallpaper, upholstery or joinery, how do you decide whether the rug should be a statement or a quieter, grounding layer?
If the room already has a lot going on with colour and pattern, we recommend keeping the rug simple and adding interest through texture. Jute and woven rugs are a great way to keep the overall look balanced and help ground the space. In rooms where the rest of the scheme is more neutral, a decorative rug can become the focal point.
- Scale is often where rugs go wrong. What are your guiding principles for getting proportions right in living rooms and dining spaces?
Rugs should be large enough to sit comfortably under key furniture pieces. In living rooms, we like rugs to sit underneath the sofas and armchairs, creating a large zone for relaxation. Equally, rugs in dining spaces should sit comfortably under the table and chairs, with enough material to ensure chairs don’t get caught on the edge.
- You offer bespoke rug and carpet design as part of your practice and it is a key part of ours. When does a custom piece become the answer?
Bespoke rugs work best when a certain colour or pattern is needed or the client has a very specific vision for the space. By creating a bespoke piece, it means the rug will sit perfectly within the scheme, rather than feeling like an afterthought.
- Craft and materiality are increasingly important to clients. How do you think about craftsmanship, handmaking and quality when specifying rugs and carpets?
Quality and craftmanship are essential, especially in spaces that see a lot of use. Working with brands such as Peter Page, who create handmade and handwoven rugs with a strong focus on natural materials, traditional techniques and bespoke design, allows us to introduce pieces that bring a sense of story to a space. These rugs add depth and longevity to an interior, which is important for any project.
- What draws you to Peter Page?
We love the quality of craftmanship of Peter Page rugs, and they have a confidence and simplicity that work beautifully within layered interiors and sit comfortably alongside both traditional and contemporary schemes.
- Tell us a little about the concept for Coombe End particularly (a fabulous recent project that features several of our rugs including The Hamble and Conversion)?
Coombe End is a historic manor which started out as a monastery in the 15th century, so it has incredible architecture with layers of history. Our aim was to modernise the property without losing its identity. We focused on layering colour, pattern and texture to bring personality while respecting the building’s heritage.
- How did the character of the house influence your approach to rugs and carpets there?
The scale and history of the manor called for soft furnishings that could hold their own against strong architectural features. We used rugs to anchor the rooms, soften the floors and add warmth, while ensuring they felt appropriate to the setting.
- In a large, layered project like Coombe End Manor, how did you use rugs to define spaces, guide movement through the house, or soften grand architectural moments?
Rugs were key in making the larger rooms feel more intimate. They help define seating and living areas, make the grand proportions feel more homely and less formal, and ultimately set the tone of the space.
Photography by Matt Clayton
