THE FUTURE OF RUG DESIGN
Buyer customizes pick online, it arrives about three weeks later
Rug design manufacturer Nani Marquina believes in moving forward at a constant pace, weaving the history of traditional rug design, and her own company — launched in Barcelona in the ’80s — into every new collection, while always focusing on the future.
Marquina is celebrating her brand’s 30th anniversary by releasing the Mia collection: her first range of customizable rugs, which clients can order online.
“Mia means mine in Spanish,” Marquina says. “The name stands for the result of creating your own design by choosing all the details. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the brand, I wanted to pay tribute to all those who have made success possible by creating a collection with them in mind. So, for the first time, the customer becomes the protagonist in a nanimarquina product with the introduction of customization.”
Colour choices include brick, navy, brown and stone. They’re deep, earthy, warm tones that are perfect for fall and winter, but work well in the warmer months too, the way a stone or brick wall never go out of style. They are available in two sizes, and with the option of vertical fringing (straight down the middle of the rug), embodied or macrame fringing, or dashed stitching for a contemporary edge.
When asked why she decided to allow people to customize her rugs, she says: “Over time, our way of designing takes more and more in considering the needs, tastes and motivations of the end user. The Mia collection embraces this philosophy, leaving the user to configure their own rug, choosing between two sizes, four colours, and four different finishes.”
The nanimarquina brand is known for its craftsmanship, traditional weaving techniques and quality materials, and Marquina has held true with the Mia collection. The rugs are made by hand from 100-per-cent New Zealand wool, in India (with an emphasis on no child labour and fair-trade practices) using an “artisanal flat-weave” or Dhurrie technique in which three individually dyed pieces are joined together to create “a seasoned” effect.
“We chose New Zealand wool for its exceptional beauty,” she says. “This high-quality fibre is renowned for its flexibility, and bright colour, ideal for weaving. Rugs made from New Zealand wool are easy to care for, and hypoallergenic, resisting the passage of time, while minimizing condensation in the air, and reducing noise levels, creating a relaxing and comfortable environment.”
Rug design, and manufacturing, she says, has changed a lot since she first began.
“When nanimarquina started, rugs were produced mechanically in Spain,” she says. “However, we quickly understood that this technique was limiting our creativity. After visiting India, we discovered not only infinite handcrafting techniques, but also an extensive and enriching culture, and learned the symbolism of rugs. This introduction to traditional rug-making led to new production methods that render each rug unique in design and quality — a distinguishing feature of the brand.”
The online configurator on her site makes it easy for people to order a rug (a simple three-step process) and the turn around time is quick (three to four weeks), but there are some things to bear in mind if you’re ordering a rug this way, she says.
“There are two determinant things,” she says. “Size and colour, not just for Mia, but when choosing a rug. My advice is clear: rugs should be big enough so that the furniture fits completely on the top. Tables and chairs should all rest on the rug or rugs should frame your bed. The colour should fit with the flooring, but also with the furniture, textiles, upholstery. You can contrast colours in modern and eclectic interiors, or ... do a tone-on-tone classic space.”