Dilana Rugs

Dilana has had a facelift.

We were proud to be part of the 2026 , adding to Christchurch’s growing reputation as New Zealand’s street art capital.

This year’s theme Sea Signals focuses on ocean conservation, and artist captured it beautifully with flowing Pasifika patterns inspired by Tongan, Samoan and Fijian design.

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We are deeply saddened by the passing of Philip Trusttum, an extraordinary New Zealand artist.It was a privilege to spend time with Philip and experience the energy and generosity he brought to his work. His fearless use of symbols, colour and layered visual language challenged us to see design in new ways.

His legacy will live on through the beautiful language of his paintings.

Philip’s work opened a new chapter in our design journey at Dilana Rugs.
Inspired by his later series, we explored how the elements and symbolism in his paintings could be translated into textile form.
Working with the spirit of his work was both inspiring and humbling. We are grateful for the creative path it opened for us.

In Pohi #6 by Darryn George the focal point of the composition is the central section, where the koru form has been carved out and framed by loop pile. In the original artwork, this area also carries the greatest visual and symbolic weight, the point where the eye instinctively rests. To balance the rugs overall composition, the upper and lower sections were created using a cross-stitch tufting method. This technique allows colours to merge in two directions, producing a refined movement that feels controlled, layered, and alive.
The result is a statement rug that reflects Dilana’s rugmakers approach to contemporary textile design, where artist collaboration, advanced tufting techniques, and meticulous craftsmanship come together to create pieces that elevate interiors while holding lasting artistic value and enjoyment .
Click here to see Pohi #6
https://dilana.co.nz/new-products/pohi6darryn-george

When working with an artist to translate an artwork into the textile medium, it is important to avoid directly replicating the original piece. Instead, the focus should be on finding a suitable material, technique, or method of making that can carry the artist's creative idea across to its new form

In *Olive*, designed by Bridget Bidwill, the abrash dyeing method was used to reinterpret the pastel palette, allowing the colours to appear vibrant, layered, and alive. The abstracted composition creates a sense of calm, while the gentle movement of colour adds energy and depth to the textile.
See Olive here https://dilana.co.nz/new-products/olive-bridget-bidwill

Chilli Jam — Designed by Kate Wells, dilana Christchurch workshop (1997–98)
size: 180cm by 160cm
A rug that carries a recipe, a story, and a memory. Chilli Jam brings the ingredients to life, bold, vibrant, and full of flavour. Created in the Dilana workshop, it subtly weaves the artist’s handwritten notes into its surface, transforming everyday words into texture and form. The composition celebrates the importance of the main ingredient ,the chilli, surrounded by shapes of words and figures that echo the warmth of a shared kitchen.

Kate Wells merges her discipline in tapestry with the hand-tufted technique, using tone-on-tone colours to reveal intricate, tactile layers that would be impossible to capture in thread alone.

Floral is back—and it's blooming into our homes just when we need it most.

Seventy five years ago, Avis Higgs captured the essence of Aotearoa’s native flora in bold, joyful patterns. Today, her timeless designs are brought back to life in a limited edition of five.

These vibrant florals bring warmth, character, and life back into our spaces—proof that colour and texture belong in every home.

Let the flowers back in. Let the room breathe again.
https://dilana.co.nz/new-products/avis-higgs-nz-flowers

Bāha: A Runner Designed to Move

Unlike most runners —often design afterthoughts trimmed from larger rugs—Bāha creates the illusion of continuity, drawing the eye forward expanding the narrow space.
Bāha doesn’t just sit in a hallway—it leads you through it with form and function aligned.

click here to see Bāha
https://walkerandbing.com/collections/walker-bing-x-dilana-rugs/products/roma-blue-hand-tufted-rug-copy

In “Stones of Escape,” the conversation unfolds across levels—colour, scale, and concept. Round rugs speak their own language to the objects around them. This printed rug brings Sarah Anderson’s imagined stone-scapes into dialogue with the spaces we inhabit.
Here is a link to "Stones of Escape"
https://dilana.co.nz/printed-rug-blog/2021/printedrugs/1-3st9y-zp79x-sbt7k-agatc-tc3hg-bae8c-hrsk6-9skeh

Ngā whetū e ara ana, ka tīmata anō te tau.
As the stars rise, the year begins again.

Under Matariki’s stars, Ikarangi holds space for memory, light, and whānau.
Designed by@reuben_paterson

The Vault — a private dining space within the restaurant, designed by Knight Associates — is a carpet that grounds the experience in memory and meaning.

“Digging in the Dirt for Diamonds” by Simon Ogden is rich with texture and warmth. It ties together the glow of the lighting, the scent of food, and the feeling of comfort that lingers long after dining concluded.
Knight Associates shaped the space. We shaped the feeling underfoot.
The Vault isn’t just exclusive—it’s evocative.

carpet dye injected, designed by Simon Ogden, comes in wool and nylon.

At Dilana Design Group, we’re increasingly asked to design carpets-- whether for homes or commercial spaces. Recently, we created a highly functional and rather handsome Axminster woven residential range. The goal? To give Kiwis the opportunity to welcome real wool carpets back into their homes. This bespoke range allows homeowners to match their carpet not just to their furniture or curtains—but even to their pet’s fur. Yes, truly. A living room as unique and personal as your Labrador’s shedding pattern.

Mr Murdoch proudly gives you a Grand Tour-room by room and up the stairs.
Showcasing how his carpet complements not just his elegant gait, but the rhythm of the home itself.

Now with his name quite literally woven into the fabric of the house, there’s no mistaking who is a happy pooch. Maybe it’s time we let our pets have a seat at the interior design table. After all, they spend more time on the carpet than anyone else.