Hare + Klein - An Interview with Meryl Hare

We are thrilled to unveil our latest collaboration with award winning Australian interiors firm Hare + Klein. This third collection takes a graphic new direction, drawing inspiration from nature and the unique Australian environment. 

While the design direction has a marked difference, this new collection returns to trademark materials and techniques that Hare + Klein are known for. The unique blend of hemp, wool and silk creates a feeling of grounded luxury and evokes a sense of warmth. A traditional abrash technique is also revisited, in which Tibetan wool is hand dyed in small vats to create artisanal and complex variations of colour.

We spoke to principal designer Meryl Hare about the collection:

This collection has a more graphic quality compared to the first two collections, what was the idea behind this new direction?

We have gained confidence and better understanding of the process involved in making the rugs, which has informed this new direction. The most graphic in the collection - Canopy - was inspired by the designer lying and looking up at the sky, with the silhouette of canopy against the dusk, capturing this graphic moment in the cool dark serene remnants of the day. Scribble, another graphic rug, is an interpretation of the natural graffiti of the Australian landscape which has always intrigued the designer. When old bark falls away, the trails and burrows of the scribbly gum moth are revealed, exposing their story.

We can see strong Australian themes in this collection – what influence does the Australian landscape and flora have on your designs?

Whether it is a simple shadow or fallen leaves, there are many elements of inspiration we have drawn upon from the Australian landscape - with the exception of Warp Weft, which was inspired by the micro scale found in handwoven textiles, a concept embracing and finding beauty in imperfection.

What kind of mediums do you use in your design process, and what is like translate from these mediums to a woven textile?

There were a variety of techniques employed , some designs originated from hand sketches, some from watercolours, other evolved from detailed and magnified photographs. The next stage is selecting the colours, materials - silk, wool and hemp - and weaving techniques that articulate the designs. We work closely with Designer Rugs senior designer Christine to ensure that our interpretations will work. They are then translated into a digital software to bring the designs to the stage where hand-trials are woven for our approval.

All of your collections are handknotted, and feature hemp, which has become somewhat of a signature! What draws you back to this material and method for your third collection?

We love the texture that the combination of the three fibres - Tibetan wool, silk and hemp- create. As well as the hand spinning and dying technique that creates the abrash effect that most of our rugs embrace.

What kind of space do you see this new collection working in and what do you think they add to a space?

The collection is new, but we are already seeing that it has many possibilities both residential and light commercial. The rugs are extremely robust - so are suitable for most situations, and the colours and textures add depth to interiors.

What brought you back to Designer Rugs for a third collection, and how do you find the process of collaboration?

Our first two collections were well received and our relationship with Designer Rugs is based on respect and mutual trust - which we value highly.  I visited Kathmandu with the Designer Rugs team a couple of years ago and saw first hand how the rugs were made.  It was an awe inspiring trip, and cemented the strong working relationship that we’ve developed over the years.  We hope to continue this collaboration!

The Hare + Klein Collection is on display in our showrooms, and can be custom shaped, sized and coloured to suit your home. Contact us to find out more!