In 2019, Stylecraft unveiled a remarkable rug collection that beautifully encapsulated the essence of Australian creativity. This landmark launch was significant for a couple of reasons: it marked the addition of a new product typology to Stylecraft’s comprehensive portfolio and galvanised the textile category with a stunning fusion of creative expression, outstanding craftsmanship, and premium-quality materials.
Spanning from the organic forms of Helen Kontouris’ “Terraces” and bold geometry of Tom Skeehan’s “Hoshi” to Ross Gardam’s linear subtleties and Keith Melbourne’s intricate gradient, the collection paid homage to the rudimentary geometry of Asia’s rice terraces, the restrained sophistication of Japanese heritage, the dynamic interplay of light and shade, and the nuanced minimalism of contemporary design.
Now, expanding on the exploration of texture, colour, and form initiated by the 2019 range, Stylecraft introduces two new tactile additions: Abyssal and Lattice, rugs designed by Anne-Claire Petre and James Walsh, respectively.
The designs’ hypnotic graphics and mesmerising colour pairings emulate the same unbridled creativity that underpins the original collection. And while both designers set quite a conventional, rectangular perimeter for their explorations, their design processes take them in two different directions – each defined by an enticing sense of curiosity.
Abyssal: The fluid artistry of oceanic depths
In this stunning collection inspired by the intricacies of the coastal environment, Anne-Claire Petre enlivens the static form of a rug with a sense of energising fluidity. Abyssal is an intriguing study of cascading waves that explores the depths and dimensions of topographic markings.
“My creative process started with an interplay of soft, jagged lines and fluid watercolours, flowing into a rich gradient reminiscent of topographical layers,” explains the designer. “As the design evolved, it naturally transformed into a depiction of oceanic depths, capturing the essence of wave crests rolling over hidden abysses.”
This ancient force of the ocean, masterfully encapsulated by the rug’s bold lines and rich gradients, is enhanced by a combination of loop and cut pile heights that leverage the refined quality of New Zealand wool to create a dynamic, textured feel. A short, matching fringe in art silk outlines the rug’s border as if gently containing the boundless energy of the ocean within its rectangular form.
Handcrafted in India from premium natural fibres, Abyssal reflects the organic palette of the coastal landscape, from the grounding browns and beiges of Sand and Earth to the unexpected pinks and greys of Coral and Ocean, each accented by bolder contrasting hues.
Lattice: The many dimensions of playful geometry
The playful geometry of James Walsh’s Lattice Rug – somewhat reminiscent of the joyful light-up dance floor format – brings an energising sense of multidimensional wonder to Stylecraft’s highly curated collection.
Following the recent launch of his award-winning furniture range, Tuck, Walsh’s hypnotic Lattice reads as an enthusiastic experimentation of conventional carpet form, pile height and texture, graphic elements, and edge detailing. Echoing the meticulous design of Walsh’s furniture collection, the rug deconstructs the traditional rectangular carpet form, amplifying its geometry to create something refreshingly unique. The Australian Furniture Design Award winner leverages the transformative power of repetition, contrasting colours, juxtaposing textures, varying pile heights, and unexpected perimeter detailing to create a delightful design that reimagines the conventional structure of a rug.
Through a fusion of confident geometrical cadence and interplay of contrasting colour palettes and pile heights, Lattice’s clever construction creates an illusion of depth, as though each part of the design occupies its own plane. The plush core of the rug is made with a premium 12mm raised cut pile in New Zealand wool, its luxurious expression artfully punctuated by 9mm cut pile grid lines and a 7mm cut line detail. This intricate layering yields a visually stunning and tactile experience, bringing a three-dimensional quality to the category of floor coverings, while the unique edging accentuates the rug’s spirited quality.
Handmade in India in six playful yet refined colourways, including Spice, Maple, and Fern, the Lattice Rug is bound to bring a palpable sense of multidimensional energy to any interior.
Honouring Australia’s Indigenous creativity
The evolution of Stylecraft’s rug collection is also a reminder of their unwavering commitment to ethical responsibility. In a display of social consciousness, Stylecraft donates a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each rug to the Tjanpi Desert Weavers (TDW), a social enterprise of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council. Based in Alice Springs, Australia, TDW empowers over 400 female artists in the remote Central and Western deserts to earn a sustainable income through their extraordinary fibre art.
An excellent example of Stylecraft’s ongoing dedication to supporting Indigenous communities, this initiative demonstrates their holistic commitment to celebrating the outstanding diversity, depth and heritage of Australian creativity. As a result, Stylecraft’s evolving rug collection continues to unfurl, and so do the stunning visual and tactile stories of places and people near and far, whose impact goes well beyond the boundaries of the beautiful rugs.
Photography by Haydn Cattach
www.haydncattach.com