Laylah Holmes - Holmes Bespoke

At Restaries, we're always on the lookout for unique pieces, so discovering a specialist in bespoke rugs who also shares our vision and brand ethos was an exciting find for us. We sat down with Laylah Holmes the Creative Director of Holmes Bespoke to find out more about the brand.

Tell us about Holmes Bespoke

We specialise in custom rugs, hand crafted to order using the finest natural fibres for projects worldwide, across luxury residences, hotels and super yachts. We are committed to building long lasting relationships with our clients, fostering a creative and enjoyable design experience whilst delivering exceptional quality every time. As a team, we work closely with individuals, interior designers and project leaders to create truly unique design solutions for all interiors, offering fully customisable rugs, runners, fitted carpets, wall hanging tapestries and home accessories as well as a range of ‘ready to order’ rug collections. At Holmes Bespoke, we believe that luxury is more than just a label – it's a reflection of artistry, dedication and passion.

When and why did you start Holmes Bespoke?  

I founded Holmes Bespoke in 2018, I had been designing bespoke rugs for a number of years and felt it was time to take the leap and put my name to my designs. I started my career in fashion and had transitioned into interior design, this is where I fell in love with the process of designing bespoke hand crafted rugs. I was eager to launch a different kind of rug company, offering a personalised service, unique designs and exceptional quality. Fast-forward six years, and I’ve built a brand that I’m really proud of, and have a team of talented designers who share my passion for beautiful handmade rugs. 

What led you to the rug industry? 

I’d say it was a natural fit for me, blending my fashion background with my love of interiors. I see rugs as a piece of art, they have the power to completely transform a space, bringing warmth, texture, and personality. Working in the rug industry has given me the chance to play with colours, textures, and patterns in such a unique way and explore being as creative as possible. I love seeing how our pieces truly transform a space. 

How do you start the design process with a customer? What are the important things customers should know before deciding on the rug? 

We work with both retail clients and design professionals, and it’s always a creative, collaborative process from start to finish. Most clients come in with an idea or piece of inspiration, and from there, we work together to bring it to life. Everything is handmade to order, so the possibilities are endless. We’ll help you find the perfect colours to match your space, determine the best shape and size, and choose from an array of premium fibres. Our designs are created in-house and brought to life by our skilled artisans who have years of expertise and knowledge in the craft. I’d say to anyone starting this journey: don’t be afraid to dream big, we’re here to make it happen!  

What are your favourite designs and materials at the moment? 

It would be very hard to choose a design, however our newly launched Hidden Gems collection is probably my favourite collection to date, it was a joy to create from the very start. Hidden Gems is inspired by the calming and serene qualities of nature’s most exquisite gemstones. Combining deeply tactile and sumptuous silk with New Zealand wool, each rug is intricately crafted by hand to depict the unusual graining and luminescence of precious stones. I also love my first collection Elements and our Naturals Edit, in particular Rachael and Louis, which are hand woven from 100% wool. I’m a big advocate for wool; it’s durable, sustainable, and looks beautiful in any space, it is also super easy to maintain and clean.  

For the wine spillers out there, how should you care / protect your rugs?  

The key is to act fast! Grab a clean white cloth and dab the spill as quickly as possible to minimise any staining. We also provide a detailed care guide with all of our rugs, so you’ll have plenty of tips for keeping it looking fresh and vibrant. If you’d like an extra layer of protection, we offer a stain protection service before delivery which is a great option for high-traffic areas, family spaces or commercial projects.  

Are there any styling rules when it comes to rugs? If you want to make a space seem bigger, do you have any advice? 

Bigger is better! A larger rug can really anchor your furniture and pull the space together. It can also help to define different zones within a room which can make the overall space feel bigger and create visual connection throughout a space. We often suggest rugs that extend slightly beyond your furniture, so the space looks finished and carefully considered.  

What are the big trends in the rug world this year?   

I think that health, wellbeing and sustainability are definitely becoming more of a priority in interior design. The result is a shift in clients interest towards natural materials like wool and jute. Warm earthy tones and organic textures are really popular, as people look to create calming spaces to relax and switch off from our busy lives. I think one of the things that sets us apart is that we have the ability to create something truly unique and people like the idea of having that one-off special piece that nobody else will have. The rug making process takes some time, but what you are left with is something incredibly special that is designed to last a lifetime. 

What is the timeline for your design process?  

The lead times vary from product to product, depending on the technique, level of detail, number of colours as well as the overall size, handcrafting these pieces can take anything from 12 weeks up to 16 weeks from final sign off to the install. As an overview, anything handwoven or hand knotted will take from 14 weeks and for our hand tufted designs it is approximately 12 weeks. We also offer a sampling service, which lets you get a mini version of your rug to check colours and textures; that typically takes around 4–6 weeks.  

Anything You’d like our guests to know?  

You won’t regret designing your bespoke piece with us, we like to be bold and test the boundaries, but we also love nothing more than creating timeless rugs that have a rightful place. We believe that the experience is just as significant as the final product and love the opportunity to transform an idea into a beautiful bespoke rug.  

Website: www.holmesbespoke.com 

Instagram: @holmesbespoke