Rugs are Underrated!

Often Overlooked

When it comes to the eclectic offerings at Inform, rugs and tapestries often don’t get the attention they deserve. Most people who step through our doors are immediately captivated by the array of furniture, lighting, and accessories, often overlooking the gorgeous rugs beneath their feet. It’s a shame, because the art form of rug-making is a highly intricate and beautiful craft, rich in stories and traditions.

If you're among the select, yet awesome few who are passionate about rugs, you know their unique ability to unify a room, seamlessly tying together individual design elements to create a balanced, finished looking interior. That’s why our showrooms feature a diverse range of rugs; we use them in many of our settings not only to achieve this harmonious effect, but also to celebrate the often under appreciated artistry behind their creation.

Family, a Common Thread

Let’s dive into the world of four pioneering brands that excel in the intricate art of rug-making, all proudly showcased here at Inform. These brands not only share a deep-rooted passion for their craft, but also carry on a tradition that weaves together generations of skill, creativity, cultural heritage and ultimately, family. Each one brings a unique approach to design and craftsmanship, offering a diverse range of styles that resonate with those who appreciate the finer details.

Golran

Golran is a family-owned company with a rich history dating back to 1898 in Mashhad, Persia, founded by Hajizadeh Golran. Over generations, the family has mastered the art of creating superior-quality, hand-made carpets. The journey brought the business to Milan in 1968, and under the leadership of Nemat and Ruben Golran, it expanded globally, collaborating with renowned designers and artists. Today, the fourth generation, led by Eliahu, Elia, Nathan, and Benjamin, continues this legacy, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics under the art direction of Piero Lissoni. Golran's carpets, crafted using the finest materials and age-old techniques, are produced in Nepal, India, Morocco, and Turkey, with a strong focus on sustainability and promoting female entrepreneurship. The brand is known for its unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, making it a key player in both the antique and contemporary markets. 

nanimarquina

Design has always been integral to the Marquina family, with Nani Marquina drawing inspiration from her father, Rafael Marquina, a pioneer of industrial design in Spain. Nani launched her brand, nanimarquina, during the transformative post-dictatorship period in Spain, revolutionizing the market by transforming classic rugs into contemporary design pieces. In 1994, she moved production to India, embracing the rich craftsmanship and cultural value of rugs. Today, nanimarquina remains committed to tradition and sustainability, producing rugs in India, Pakistan, and Nepal while supporting Care & Fair, an organization fighting child labor. The family business is now driven by the second generation, with Nani's daughter, Maria Piera Marquina, as Managing Director, and her sister, Carlota Marquina, as Art Director. The brand emphasizes environmental consciousness, creating long-lasting, recyclable products like the Bicicleta collection, which repurposes used bicycle inner tubes.

cc-tapis

cc-tapis, an Italian rug maker, produces contemporary handmade rugs with a strong eco-friendly approach. Founded by Nelcya Chamszadeh and Fabrizio Cantoni in France, the company relocated to Milan in 2011, where a team of designers, led by art director and partner Daniele Lora, innovates traditional rug-making methods. With over 20 years of experience producing hand-knotted rugs in Nepal, cc-tapis honors the culture and materials of this ancient craft, using hand-spun fibers and purified rainwater for washing. Each cc-tapis rug deeply connects to its creators, embracing artisanal techniques from around the world—hand-knotted, hand-loom, and hand-tufted. These methods carry inherent cultural identities, enriching the company's offerings and enhancing the distinctiveness of each rug.

Satia

Satia Art & Floor, founded by Bijan Koukpari in 1998, specializes in creating custom-made, hand-knotted Tibetan carpets using luxurious materials like cashmere, mohair, silk, and high-grade sheep wool. Drawing from his early experiences in his father’s rug business in Germany, Bijan has cultivated a reputation over the decades for producing exquisite carpets that are meticulously hand-processed to preserve their natural durability, luster, and soil resistance. Each carpet undergoes a rigorous inspection process, ensuring exceptional quality and a perfect fit for any space. Over time, these carpets only grow more beautiful, with a durability that can exceed 100 years, making them not just floor coverings but lasting works of art.

Excited about rugs yet?

Visit our 50 & 97 Water Street showrooms to browse a wide selection of rugs from the brands you just read about, and more.