Designer Rugs, a world-leading Australian rug company, has been named sponsor of the Colour category at the 2024 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).

Designer Rugs’ bold creative spirit is the perfect match for one of the most exciting categories within IDEA, which is awarded to the project the jury believes demonstrates the most outstanding use of colour. Both the brand and the awards program share an enduring legacy and commitment to daring Australian design. 

The history of Designer Rugs

The Designer Rugs story began in 1986, when Eli Tal, his wife Nurit and their son Yosi saw an opportunity to launch one of the earliest handmade rug companies in Australia. With little experience in manufacturing and design, the trio began producing hand-tufted rugs in their 3000-square-foot Marrickville factory in New South Wales.

Their big break came when St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne commissioned Designer Rugs to create a rug for the Pope’s 1986 visit, followed by a government commission for four rugs for the Queen’s Bicentennial visit in 1988. Their reputation for premium design and manufacturing excellence was quickly established.

For more than 30 years, Designer Rugs’ pieces have complemented the aesthetics of residential homes and commercial spaces throughout the world with rugs of exceptional quality and unique designs.

Colourful foundations

From the very start, Designer Rugs resisted the sedated greys and pinks of the 1980s, injecting striking colours into reserved interior environments. Its rugs have always been statement handmade pieces that blend artistry with quality. 

Alongside ready-made collections – and collaborations with prominent designers and artists such as Hare + Klein and Alma Webou – Designer Rugs offers an in-house rug design service available to everyone, from homeowners to top design professionals worldwide. From concept to completion, the artisans bring client ideas to life, ensuring every detail aligns with the size, colour and design preferences of their intended living space or commercial environment.

Weaving in sustainability

Designer Rugs is constantly striving to improve its environmental performance and reduce the environmental impact of planned obsolescence. The company produces a high-quality product with a long lifecycle, designed to stand the test of time.

It has built upon this record of durable material choices with considered production and distribution policies aimed at minimising waste and reducing carbon emissions. For example, wool forms the major component of its product, which is a naturally renewable and sustainable product. Sheep are part of the natural carbon cycle, consuming the organic carbon stored in plants and converting it to wool. This hard-wearing fibre is also biodegradable at the end of its lifespan.

Equally committed to the longevity of its industry, Designer Rugs supports emerging talent through educational programs such as Floored for TAFE students, Art On The Floor with the International School of Colour and Design, and Rug Project with UNSW.

Custom-made specialists 

As the custom-made specialists, Designer Rugs enables the creation of luxury heirlooms with endless design possibilities for residential and commercial spaces globally. The brand caters to a world of tastes and is a pioneering champion of colour in Australian design.

Learn more about Designer Rugs’ custom process and how the team can help with your projects and designs on the Designer Rugs website.

Photography supplied by Designer Rugs.