What does a custom rug bring to an interior project? How can a custom rug add a little magic to a space? Interior designer Caroline Palk, founder and director of Devon-based Ashton House Design, shares how she used three Wendy Morrison Design custom rugs to add something extra special to one of her stunning home transformations.
‘A custom rug brings joy to an interior in so many ways,’ Caroline says. ‘It creates a conversation piece, affords the opportunity to specify bespoke sizes, designs and colours, and is designed to last a lifetime, to be an heirloom of the future.
‘A custom rug also offers a fantastic starting point for a scheme,’ Caroline adds. ‘As well as looking and feeling lovely, you can use a rug to direct flow, drawing the eye and interest through a hall or living space.’
Sharing the joy of colour
Caroline and her husband Simon head up Ashton House Design, which was founded in 1992. The business now comprises a talented team of interior designers, who work across residential and commercial projects to create inspiring, award-winning spaces.
The project was a large, 1920s house, unimaginatively decorated in white and grey. The brief was to turn it into a family home, full of colour and personality, that ‘should feel like walking into a hug’. The homeowner was naturally drawn to colourful design and maximalist style.
Three custom-size rugs were created for this project. Bright and joyful Floral Waves Pink hand-knotted rug was custom made for the living room, creating a light and elevated space. Zebra Leopard Palms hand-knotted rug was used in the library, a darker space with a moodier atmosphere that suited this dramatic design perfectly. Plumage, usually a hand-tufted design, was chosen as a hand-knotted rug for the boot room to complement the peacock feather wallpaper beautifully. Phoenix velvet fabric was also used in the boot room to upholster a built-in bench seat.
Every piece adds unique character to each space, with a blend of craftsmanship, colour and design.
Shop the Designs
Where do you start?
Discussion and discovery are at the heart – and the outset – of every project. ‘I establish right away what a client’s style, material and colour preferences are, and build from there,’ Caroline explains.
‘With a statement rug, it’s important to consider furniture layout – you don’t want to obscure a pictorial design. Avoid heavy ottomans or cumbersome coffee tables and choose furniture that is easy to move around – opt for groups of pieces rather than one big piece. If you want to frame a dining table, for example, choose a rug with a border design.
‘And don’t be afraid to fill the space with a beautiful rug - go large with the rug size for maximum impact.’
"Wendy’s team was helpful from start to finish. We had a Teams meeting at the outset to thoroughly explain designs and options, which was really helpful because we’re based in Devon and not London. Great progress reports, including photos, kept me up to date with information I could then share with my client."
How does the custom rug process work?
Collaborating with the Wendy Morrison Design team is all about conversation, information, and keeping every client up-to-date with the design and production process.
‘Wendy’s team was helpful from start to finish,’ Caroline says of her custom rug journey. ‘We had a Teams meeting at the outset to thoroughly explain designs and options, which was really helpful because we’re based in Devon and not London. Great progress reports, including photos, kept me up to date with information I could then share with my client.
What are the plus points to a custom rug?
‘There are so many benefits to investing in a custom rug versus an off-the-shelf design. The piece is unique to the client and their home, it is sized to perfectly fit their interior space, and you’re not going to see something else the same on Instagram or anywhere else,’ Caroline says.
‘This type of handmade rug also supports artisan makers, people using ancient weaving techniques and maintaining craft tradition. These rugs are not mass produced, they are unique and individual, made with the highest-quality wool and silk to last a lifetime.
‘Helping clients choose the right custom rug is based around planning the space, furniture and furnishing choices. We create moodboards that include real samples and tufts. Starting with a rug helps to balance a bold design with the rest of the interior – it works in the same way as a piece of art, but underfoot.
‘Don’t worry about the practicality of these beautiful pieces; wool and silk clean well really well, and are better than synthetic materials, which can attract dust with static.
‘If you have been thinking about a custom rug, my advice would be to just do it,’ Caroline adds. ‘Respect the production process and don’t skip the trusted steps – plan, scale, sample, tufts – and factor in the waiting time for a handmade piece.
‘One of my favourite quotes, from world-renowned interior designer Juan Montoya is, ‘A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy,’ which exactly sums up the way I feel about interiors.’
During London Design Week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Wendy and Caroline to explore the art of custom rug design. From inspiration to craftsmanship, they share insights into this beautiful project—watch the full conversation below.
To start your own custom rug journey, get in touch with our wonderful team to discuss your project. We are always happy to advise and have free virtual consultations, as well as London showroom in-person, appointments available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any size or shape restrictions?
All our hand knotted and hand tufted rugs can be made in custom sizes. The majority of rugs can be reproduced as a runner or circular rug too. Essentially, this is a service that provides you with exactly the right piece that will complete your home.
What is the lead time for a custom rug?
The lead time of a custom hand tufted rug is approximately 16 weeks.
Whereas the lead time of the extremely labour-intensive process of hand-knotting requires a lead time of approximately 5-6 months.
Please be aware that for larger and more complex projects the lead time may be longer.
Do you offer a sample service?
Yes, absolutely! We always recommend ordering a sample before making a final purchase.
Our rug and runner samples are purchased on a loan basis and the amount will be refunded once the sample has been returned. We pay for the shipping to you, you pay for the return.
