Dezeen Magazine

Walter Knoll's Legends of Carpets collection based on African landscapes

Dezeen promotion: abstract patterns and natural hues feature in German brand Walter Knoll's carpet collection, which is inspired by the continent of Africa.

The silk carpets and Badawi cushions are part of Walter Knoll's Legends of Carpets series, which debuted at IMM Cologne, and was designed in collaboration with fabric designer Helmut Scheufele to embody the landscapes and colours of Africa.

Described by the brand as "images of naturalness and elegance", the collection features 31 unique pieces that are based on impressions of natural settings, including savannas and sunsets.

When designing the collection, Scheufele and Markus Benz, CEO of Walter Knoll, visited Africa to capture images of the landscape, which were then translated into abstract paintings and later, carpet designs.

"The collection draws its strength from the creativity of the continent which materialises into timeless, woven works of art," said the brand.

"On some models, the intense reds and blues are reminiscent of reflections in the sky at sunrise; on others, dark natural hues seem to highlight the sparse beauty of rock laters in the desert," they explained.

The carpets are made from a combination of wool, silk and nettle yarn and feature accents of colour, ranging from sun and sky to blossom and sandstorm.

They are assembled by hand using Tibetan knotting methods in Walter Knoll's partner workshops in Nepal – meaning that each piece is unique.

The collection also includes a range of daybeds, Badawi Pillows, that are available in two sizes and in all of the Legends of Carpets patterns.

Walter Knoll often works with renowned architects and designers to create furniture collections.

The brand has previously created a sofa with integrated accessories with Austrian studio EOOS and an upholstered chair by Foster + Partners.

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