Main image: The Creative Matters rug for the lobby of the Pearle Hotel & Spa.

Impeccably designed and crafted, Creative Matters rugs were recently installed throughout the new Pearle Hotel & Spa in Burlington, just outside Toronto. It was a special project because it was the first time Creative Matters used the Hand Axminster method of production for all the rugs in a hotel.

Newly developed technique

Hand Axminster (HAX) is a newly developed technique combining the woven Axminster and hand-tufted methods of production. “Mostly a machine-made construction, HAX allows us to add hand-tufted elements to create added texture and definition with raised – or lowered – loop and cut pile,” said Ana Cunningham, the partner who led the project. “It creates the appearance of a handmade rug, but it has the structural durability for a hotel interior.”

Caption: A close-up photo of the presidential suite rug, showing the integration of the warm gold hand-tufted elements.

Palette

Collaborating with interior design firm, Studio Munge, a shared palette of nine colours was chosen across the designs for the lobby, presidential suite and guest rooms. Warm gold tones were used along with ash, charcoal, sand, pearl and parchment to provide intricate interplay. “For the lobby, the design’s intent was to capture the reflective quality of water during the golden hour,” said Cunningham. “Dynamic in its oval inset, there is texture and movement in the rug while adding definition to the space in a unique way.”

Inspired by water

The nuanced watery effect in the lobby rug takes its cues from a light fixture inspired by drops of water. Kayla Bortolotto, the senior designer who created the designs, said: “Because we used a fine blended yarn technique for the woven Axminster, which allows us to ply two yarns together, we could create softer designs with subtle tonal shifts.” It complemented the overall aesthetic of the room and provided art for the floor. The rug for the presidential suite captures the overlapping waves of the local shoreline.

Intent of the design

The intent of the design for the 28 lakeview guest rooms was an abstract, simplified interpretation of the lobby rug. Hand-tufted elements in warm gold were used as accents in a 2mm raised cut pile. “We and the client are delighted with the effects we were able to create with HAX. This sets a new standard for Creative Matters, and we look forward to exploring this method of production in future projects.”

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to www.creativemattersinc.com for the information in this editorial.

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