Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

Typically, Arab homes are assembled with specific details that cater to craftsmanship, design, artistry and quality service.



While it is a known fact that rugs can cost a limb or more than a middle class household’s income for a year, Arabs not only invest in craftsmanship to decorate their homes, but pass it on as legacy.



“Rugs from Persia, Turkey, Kashmir, Afghanistan and different parts of the world are most celebrated in Saudi Arabia. I have been in this trade for 45 years and my grandfathers have been in this since the early 1900’s,” Mustafa Abdil, an Afghani merchant living in Jeddah told Saudi Gazette.



While generations hold on to hundred year old collections that have been passed on to generations, celebrated pieces are cherished as heritage.



With rapid development of the metropolitan cities, not only have people found solace in contemporary architecture but also in unique style luxury rugs. Founded in 1997, The Rug Company was started by Christopher and Suzanne Sharp in London and produces handmade and contemporary rugs.



In a recent report published by the BBC, Sharp’s journey started with idly browsing the souks of Saudi Arabia as a hobby. Now, he runs a multi-million pound business selling rugs to celebrities, politicians and powerful client list.  So be prepared to dole at least £2,000 to £8,000 for an average 9ft by 6ft (2.7m by 1.8m) rug. The rest of the variety can cost you up to ten folds.



Skilled artisans make the company promise exclusivity in terms of design, quality, handiwork and durability. Weavers in Nepal craft the handmade collectible items. It takes an average of four months and 20 people to make each rug. With The Rug Company’s expansion, it opened a flagship store in Dubai during early 2009. “Dubai is an increasingly important market with an exciting retail environment and design savvy customers, who now expect to find the best international brands and products in Dubai,” Sharp said. Customers can customize and play with endless possibilities of rug design including yarn, color, shape, size and even patterns to create timeless and collectible fragments.



In year 2000, The Rug Company started its designer collection with collaborations with ten leading British designers including Nina Campbell, Nicky Haslam and Mary Fox Linton. 



Now, fashion designers like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Diane von Furstenburg and Tom Dixon also add to credentials. The Rug Company has gone on to win various world-class awards including the Elle Decoration British Design Brand of the Year at the British Design Awards. The firm now sells 80% of its rugs to interior designers.