As swirling autumn leaves offer up a lightshow of fiery reds, golden yellows and bright coppers, we celebrate the new season with the launch of two equally colourful, life-affirming, runner designs - the aptly named Joy and Euphoria.
In keeping with our ethos of surrounding yourself with those things in life that bring joy and happiness, these new hand-tufted runners have an uplifting story to share, and are bursting with glorious colour and pattern.
Both runners were designed to celebrate our recent fashion collaboration with iconic shoe brand Terry de Havilland, which brought our award-winning Talisman rug design’s playful dragon and gorgeous colours to life in a new way. Talisman also played her part in the inspiration for these sumptuous new runners.
‘Inspiration for the runners came from both Talisman and Joy rug designs,’ Wendy explains. ‘And new runners felt like the perfect match for our first fashion collaboration with Terry de Havilland.’ Wendy’s design for a striking, mid-calf, stiletto-heeled boot, which comes in three vibrant shades, and features the Talisman dragon down the side, are colourful, playful and beautiful. Wendy’s motivation for the runners and the boots was a celebration of colour itself, and the positive effect it has on how it makes us feel.
‘Fashion and interiors are so inextricably linked, it makes sense to wear things that bring me joy as well as fill my home with pieces that make me smile too,’ Wendy says.
The Power Of Colour
Inspiration for the new hand-tufted runners came from existing hand-knotted rug design Talisman and hand-tufted rug Joy. Talisman is a swirling, colourful, celebration of human optimism and the joy of life, connecting the past and future with powerful symbols and motifs. You can read more about the magical effect of Talisman here.
A pair of bright, playful dragons, which symbolise power and strength, as well as good luck and kindness in Far Eastern philosophies, are surrounded by ombre clouds, which represent peace and happiness. The soft curves of green waves, symbolising time, create a gentle border in this rainbow rug design.
Shop Our Joyful New Runners
Hand-tufted rug Joy originally took inspiration from hand-knotted design Talisman, which you can see in the bold Art Deco-inspired border. Colourful hummingbirds, butterflies, chrysanthemums and lotus flowers in bloom stand out amongst soft clouds and gentle waves.
The original rugs are full of colour, pattern and positive symbolism, with a shared story of hope and optimism. The new hand-tufted runners are equally full of uplifting colour, pattern and symbolism, and work perfectly in those areas of the home where a rug just does not fit.
‘I hadn’t planned on designing two new runners with a similar theme,’ Wendy explains, ‘but this pair really did evolve and I was glad I didn’t have to choose just one!
‘Both runners are very much about creating a feeling of joy and making you smile,’ Wendy adds. ‘They feel equally uplifting, in name and looks, and the colours are beautiful. The intense colour that the hand-tufting process creates lends itself perfectly to these joyful runners.’
Perfect for narrow, often-neglected spaces in hallways, kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces, runners are versatile, easy to place, and bring instant colour and interest to rooms. They also feel wonderful underfoot and are a great way to brighten overlooked areas.
‘Runners lead the eye, drawing you into a space,’ Wendy says. ‘They are such an easy way to introduce colour and pattern quickly and easily, providing a focal point for dull, awkward or narrow spaces. Don’t just think of them for hallways or stair landings, they look wonderful running along the front of kitchen units or framing a bed.’
Scatter A Sprinkling Of Joy
Hand-tufted in wool and sustainable Tencel, Joy features a pale central panel which grounds the pinks, blues, lilacs, purple, greens, olive and red that burst into life around it. Effervescent hummingbirds, a symbol of happiness, dart amongst colourful flowers and vibrant green foliage, all etched in gold and framed by a bold, striped border.
Delicate butterflies suggest the sense of peace and contentment found outdoors, while chrysanthemums, which represent happiness and well-being, and lotus flowers, which represent strength, resilience and rebirth, are symbols of positivity. The flowers are in full bloom, which reinforces the joy of life and reminds us to embrace it. The angular striped frame is enclosed on one side by softly rounded clouds, which represent peace and calm, and on the other by gentle green waves, which represent time. The wonderful stripes are a direct link to Talisman.
Enjoy A Sense Of Euphoria
Colourful hummingbirds, butterflies, lotus flowers, chrysanthemums and gorgeous gold-etched green foliage also feature in Euphoria. Where Joy plays with the Talisman-esque stripes, Euphoria embraces them completely. Gold, green, aquamarine, pink, lilac, orange and red combine seamlessly in a bold pattern that draws you in. You can’t help but smile at the sheer exuberance, etched gold lines pulling everything together, framed by a solid gold bar of a border.
‘I feel as if these runners certainly have the power to make you smile,’ Wendy says. ‘They are very much about creating a feeling of joy.
Designs Featured In This Journal
