Accents features sourced or specially commissioned handmade pieces from master weavers across Pakistan, Jaipur, Turkey and the foothills of the Atlas mountains, curated into a mixed collection of singular statement pieces and textural designs that can be used anywhere. The rugs have a broad appeal – offering a variety of design aesthetics, textures and colours at accessible price points.
Many of the designs come from our historical reference library, using old fragments to create new patterns. Peter’s current favourite, Wingfield, originated from an antique textile piece recreated to be a wonderful base for a room with an interesting pattern and just a hint of colour. And Jo’s top pick, Hillyfield woven in Econyl, came from an African fabric that was traditionally worn tied around the shoulders – the small white rectangles on the trellis represent what were originally shells sewn onto the fabric.
There are some spectacular materials used in the collection; from Afghan Ghazni wool which is incredibly durable and beautiful with a distinct abrash effect, to the shaggy Siroua wool used in the Moroccan flatweaves, or even Econyl regenerated nylon made entirely from ocean and landfill waste. The collection also showcases a variety of weaving techniques – Soumak is especially interesting, a very old and traditional weaving technique that makes flatweave rugs stronger and thicker, creating texture with a braiding effect (and its reversible).
Peter says ‘I am always amazed by the craftsmanship and skill in weaving handmade rugs. I love the raw beauty in the weaving techniques and materials and that creates the base of each rug, which Jo then designs and colours.’ When designing the rugs, Jo uses her extensive library of scraps and samples and then looks to fashion for her colour palette. When working on new designs she is mindful of ‘being different, making something that you haven’t seen before but that has an appealing familiarity. I look out for a pattern that will work in any room without overpowering its contents whilst retaining its own identity. You can take a bold design, but by recolouring it you can make it become very subtle’
The stock is made up of a mixture of one-off pieces and small editions, and is a constantly changing selection. If you would like to be kept up to date with the Accents collection, please sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for a monthly email of current rugs.
The dedicated Accents Showroom officially launches in September, but is open for previews so do pop in and see them ‘in the wool’.
