In our social media-fuelled world, things change at eye-watering speed. The world of interior design can feel the same. Which is why we feel so passionate about our commitment to Timeless Elegance, an ethos that is woven into the fabric of our designs. Trends come and go, but we have always been drawn to the idea of design that remains beautiful and relevant as time passes.
Timeless Elegance is not just about the way something looks; it is about how something is made, using quality materials in the hands of skilled artisans. Longevity and quality are part of the beauty of the finished design. Our gorgeous collection of hand-knotted rugs embodies this approach.
We are passionate about creating modern-heirloom, hand-knotted rugs that celebrate craft, quality and tradition, and continue to look good as they age. Our desire is to create beautiful hand-knotted rugs that transcend trends and never go out of style. This is rug making that keeps alive the centuries-old craft of hand-knotted weaving. And the more we champion the beauty and skill at the heart of this technique, the more it will be able to thrive.
Classic Design
The idea of Timeless Elegance - the unique balance of beauty, quality and longevity that all classic design shares - highlights the value of investing in special pieces. Every hand-knotted rug takes time, care and skill to bring to life. Every one is designed to age beautifully and is of heirloom quality. We love the idea that every rug design has her own story to share and then becomes part of your story.
Modern heirloom
Made in Nepal, using the intricate Tibetan knot process, every individual knot on a hand-knotted rug is created by hand. With the level of detail in a Wendy Morrison Design, this works out at around 150 knots per inch of rug. Hand-knotting a single rug can take five months, with up to four weavers working on the piece at the same time. Clearly, it takes a while. But it’s this painstaking process that makes these pieces so special and results in the highest-quality, longest-lasting, handcrafted rugs - a modern-day heirloom designed to be loved by one generation after another.
We’ve put together a brief guide to some of our hand-knotted designs that perfectly sum up the idea of Timeless Elegance for us. Let us know if you agree!
Floral Waves
The repeat pattern of Floral Waves features layers of circles, which represent the ebb and flow of the tide with surges of strength, security and good luck. This symbol was once used on ancient Chinese maps to depict the sea, before becoming a popular motif in Japan, often seen decorating kimonos. This is a rug that celebrates the beauty of and the importance of our connection with Mother Nature. A story that will never date.
Jardin de Chinois
In a design inspired by decorative art Chinoiserie, the rich blue base of Jardin de Chinois provides a classic backdrop for elaborate gold motifs and a smattering of delicate, colourful birds. Slim golden grass tendrils, an elegant blossom tree, gold leaves, branches and birds, exist alongside a serene crane, which represents longevity and peace. Rich and sumptuous, this striking design is simple, elegant and timeless.
Joie de Vivre
Highlighting the importance of our connection with the natural world, Joie de Vivre is a joyful mix of colour and detail. Full of colourful birds, flowers and foliage, she brings to mind a beautiful, restorative garden full of life, joy and happiness. Gentle colours work in harmony. ‘Green, pink and lilac are deep-rooted favourites,’ Wendy explains, ‘green for growth, pink for love and lilac for that little bit of inspirational insight. I feel the colours used in Joie de Vivre are hopeful and joyful.’
Renaissance
Translating from French as ‘rebirth’ and recognised as a period of transition from medieval times, Renaissance carries a powerful message. Designed at a time of political change, this beautiful rug combines butterflies and periwinkle flowers in shimmering gold, pink and teal. Butterflies are associated with luck and stability during times of upheaval, while the modern interpretation of the periwinkle is of allowing new friendships to blossom without forgetting the past. The gentle design and repeat pattern are framed by a slim gold border – elegant and sophisticated.
Sakura
The cherry blossom tree is at the heart of Sakura, which is the Japanese word for ‘cherry blossom’. The tree is symbolic of renewal and the idea of fresh starts, as well as reminding us of the fleeting nature of life. Gold-etched cranes and soft pink petals, which are made up of tiny heart shapes, create an elegant, sophisticated look with a hopeful story. ‘Sakura’s colours make her very easy to place and I hope her story is inspirational,’ Wendy says.
Solace
In a reflective, contemplative design, Solace combines gold, black, violet and warm white in a luxurious neutral rug inspired by the beauty of intricate embroidery. Gold-etched cranes, a positive symbol of a long and happy life, soar above flowers and foliage. ‘I loved the idea of simple luxury with the gold silk details,’ Wendy explains. ‘Solace has a subtle, quiet luxury. She was designed to be an heirloom piece.’
Zebra Leopard Palms
Inspired by the work of flamboyant film set designer Tony Duquette, the classic black and white of the zebra pattern base is an elegant contrast to the shimmering silk details of gold-etched leopards, palm trees, chrysanthemums and lotus flowers. The rich monochrome backdrop offers a classic base for layers of pattern and motifs, which add up to a unique, bold design that remains easy to place.
Each hand-knotted rug is very different; each has her own story to share. Our heirloom rugs have been designed to be part of an ongoing story.
