ideas and inspiration

An Architect’s Palette: Rugs & Its Relationship with Design

• 27 February 2025
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• 3 Min Read
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• By Kayzad Shroff

Kayzad Shroff, one of the renowned architects explains why having a sound design concept is important for Interior Decoration. The architect who finds a deep connection with his roots and heritage brings to attention how he aligns his vision finding a connection and balance between tradition and modernity. With a vast experience in designing apartments, villas and bungalows, Shroff dominantly discussed the importance of rugs in any space. Giving an insight with an expert vision, Shroff underlines best suitable rugs for living room, bedroom, perfect to accentuate the aesthetic of any space.

As an architect who studied in the USA and later returned to India, I have always felt a deep connection to my roots. Indian craftsmanship, in both design and aesthetics, has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my career. The connection to our heritage is something that drives me as an architect, reminding me of the profound relationship between tradition and modernity. At Shroffleon, we have had the privilege of designing a diverse range of homes, from apartments to bungalows and villas. Throughout our design journey, one aspect that consistently stands out is the significant impact of rugs on a space. The right rug can transform a room, bringing warmth, texture, and energy that can elevate the aesthetic of any space.

Through this, I’m reminded of a home we designed in Mumbai, known as Apartment 3801. This project, in particular, exemplifies how a rug can completely alter the mood of a space. In this apartment, we chose a transitional rug for the living room, and its presence brought incredible energy to the entire space. In the bedroom, we took a more considered approach, focusing on merging the rug’s design with the color palette of the room. The synergy between the rug’s hues and the space's architecture created a seamless, inviting atmosphere.

Rugs, especially in larger spaces like a double-height living room of a villa in Alibaug or Karjat, have the potential to be the focal point. These grand rooms often feature more muted furniture, and this is where a statement rug can truly shine. It serves not just as a floor covering but as a work of art in its own right, commanding attention while grounding the room’s overall aesthetic. In such spaces, we love experimenting with bold, vibrant rugs that add life and energy to the space, creating a dynamic interplay between architecture and design.

Among the various rug collections we’ve worked with, the Manchaha series stands out as one of our favorites. What makes this collection so special is the story behind each rug, each piece telling its own unique narrative. The artisans' work is deeply personal and resonates with our design philosophy—how every piece of a home contributes to the larger story. The Manchaha rugs are particularly close to our hearts because they offer a deeper connection to the land and the people who craft them. Incorporating these rugs into our designs has been an enriching experience, as they add a layer of authenticity and history to our projects.

Maria and I, having a more global approach to design, often find ourselves drawn to contemporary, modern rugs over traditional ones. The Nomadic Threads and the Vimar collection have become our go-to choices, as their sophisticated blend of colors, materials, and textures fits perfectly within the broader framework of our designs. We believe that the rug should not only complement the architecture but also speak to the overall mood and style of the space.

Rugs are not mere decorative accessories—they bring texture, warmth, and a sense of completeness to any room. At Shroffleon, rugs have been an integral part of our design process from the very beginning. I cannot imagine designing a home without the perfect rug. In the end, the rug is a reflection of the architectural narrative and a key player in the dance between structure and design.

Kayzad Shroff

Kayzad has received his Undergraduate and Graduate degrees at Cornell University, where he was awarded a travel grant to represent Cornell at UrbanTyphoon, the Olive Tjaden Scholarships and the Mary Miller Lyons Graduate Award. Since graduating in 2008 Kayzad has been actively involved in academia. He has held teaching positions at Cornell University, NY, the Academy of Architecture Mumbai, Balwant Sheth School of Architecture, NMIMS,Mumbai, the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi School of Architecture and Environmental Planning, and Indian School of Design and Innovation / Parsons, in Mumbai. Professionally, Kayzad has over 8 years of professional experience having worked in the office Robert A. M. Stern in New York City collaborating on a number of projects, prior to starting his own studio, SHROFFLEóN in 2010.

Jaipur Rugs

Established in 1978 under the guidance of NK Chaudhary, Jaipur Rugs stands as a beacon for preserving India's rich heritage of traditional rug-making on a global scale. Through strategic collaborations with esteemed international designers and skilled artisans, we curate a collection of award-winning luxury rugs that seamlessly blend timeless elegance with contemporary aesthetics. This unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and customization has firmly established Jaipur Rugs as a leader in the rug manufacturing industry.