At Grappa in The Rocks, Sydney, the design journey began with a vision to transform the interior into an immersive experience. Designer Silvana Azzi Heras, collaborating with the restaurant’s owners and architects, aimed to evoke the romance of 1940s Italy envisioning leisurely afternoons under tangled vines and the convivial warmth of shared meals. This inspiration, rich with memories of grape clusters and alfresco dining, became the project's soul.
Heras masterfully wove this Italian reverie with refined Art Deco motifs, creating an elegant dialogue between history and modernity. The collaborative process involved detailed discussions on pattern, movement, and the interplay of light and colour, with each partner contributing their expertise to shape the desired atmosphere.
The result is a bespoke Axminster carpet that anchors the upstairs dining room. Art Deco’s structured lines are softened by botanical forms, balancing order with organic exuberance. This integration ensures the carpet is not merely a surface but the heart of the dining experience, laying a luxurious foundation that welcomes every guest into a world of refined comfort and character.
Rather than treating flooring as an afterthought, the team envisioned the carpet as an essential element one that would orchestrate palette, mood and architectural unity from the very beginning. The Grappa design began with a bold, dramatic scheme of black, dusty pinks and dark greens, but the project’s collaborative spirit quickly directed a transformation. Through a series of engaged consultations, Silvana Azzi Heras worked closely with the owners and architects to truly understand Grappa’s aspirations: a space imbued with warmth, depth, and a uniquely welcoming energy.
Responding to this shared vision, the palette was entirely reimagined deep burgundies, luscious plums, smoky mauves and warm taupes now envelop the room, absorbing candlelight and amplifying the restaurant’s intimate atmosphere. This evolution was more than aesthetic; it was a masterstroke in tailoring the carpet to harmonise with architectural finishes, from the plum and mauve velvets to marble, timber, and even the distinctive ceiling. Each colour was chosen not in isolation, but through open dialogue and meticulous review with the project team, ensuring every surface drew from the same refined vision.
This tailored approach elevated the Grappa project from a simple flooring selection to an immersive, multi-layered experience that resonates throughout the restaurant. By establishing a unified design vision at the outset, Silvana Azzi Heras, together with the owners and architects, ensured that every detail from pattern to palette was carefully orchestrated. The bespoke Axminster carpet did not remain confined to the upstairs dining area; its intricate motif and bespoke colourway acted as a visual thread, gracefully weaving into adjoining zones such as Charlie's Bar and private dining rooms. Beyond architectural boundaries, the design’s influence extended to staff uniforms and curated accessories, seamlessly uniting service elements with the overarching interior concept.
This customisation succeeded in infusing the venue with a rare sense of belonging, as if Grappa’s interiors had been beautifully matured over time, rather than installed overnight. The project is a testament to the extraordinary impact of inviting designers into the conversation early, unlocking the full creative and functional potential of customisable flooring. By embracing a collaborative and personalised process, Grappa achieved a harmonious identity one in which the floor, furnishings, lighting, and even the smallest of details are expertly attuned to one another, delivering an environment that is as elevated as it is memorable.
The result is not simply a carpet, but a foundation for hospitality, elegance and storytelling inviting guests into a space that feels both timeless and unique.
Designer Rugs is Australia’s premier destination for luxury custom rugs and bespoke carpets. Founded in Sydney in 1986 by the Tal family, the company has built a legacy of design excellence across residential, hospitality and commercial sectors worldwide. With an in-house design studio, handmade production and an unparalleled global reach, Designer Rugs delivers extraordinary, tailored creations for the world’s most discerning interiors. Showrooms are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Beyond the studio, Designer Rugs has long been committed to nurturing emerging design talent through the Evolve Awards and educational programs with TAFE and UNSW. The company has also supported Australian charities for over 30 years, donating to organisations including OzHarvest, Fred Hollows and the Royal Hospital for Women.
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