While most gemstones are typically appreciated while adorned on the body, these particular pieces are best showcased beneath your feet. Created by Belgian designer Alain Gilles for Italian luxury rug brand Illulian, the Gem rug collection captures all the dazzling facets found on natural gemstones and beautifully translates them into the tufts of three distinct rug designs.
It all began with a serendipitous saunter through the market, as Gilles shares: “[The collection] is directly inspired by the beauty of some small gem samples that caught my eye by accident while I was walking around the flea market on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.” Rather than taking the pragmatic route of turning a single gem into a rug, Gilles decided to fuse two stones and highlight their contrasting elements. Rounded shapes are paired with obelisks, calling attention to the hard lines and angularities. “On our rugs, the beauty, transparency, and lightness of the two pieces of quartz, accentuated by the rays of the sun, have been translated into some very fresh and soothing rugs, where the veins and the different color variations of the stone take on all their importance and give the rugs their unique depth,” the designer continues fondly.
To further enhance the experience, the Gilles plays with your perception by calling for two different pile heights, reinforcing the idea of stacked objects that seem like they could be pulled apart and laid separately.
Hand-knotted in Nepal, the obelisks are made of wool while the lower element is silk. Though similar in composition, all three rugs have distinct features that gently suggests where they should be placed. The obelisks acts almost like an arrow, directing guests toward the natural flow of traffic. The D-shape version can be lined up against the wall while its arch grounds a pair of armchairs or side tables. Unlike rectangular varieties, the rounder parts of the Gem rugs encourages you to experiment with different seating arrangements outside of traditional rules.
Allain Gilles \\\ Photo: Lydie Nesvadba
The Gem rug collection is available in three designs and in three different color combinations. To learn more or add one to your own home, visit illulian.com.
