Crafting Luxury: An Exclusive Interview with David Sharpley, Founder and CEO of Tsar Carpets
Tsar Carpets: A Journey Through Past, Present, and Future
In the world of luxury carpets and rugs, Tsar Carpets stands out as a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship. Founded over 35 years ago, Tsar Carpets has grown from a boutique operation into a globally recognized brand, known for its bespoke flooring solutions that combine artistry with durability. We had the pleasure of interviewing David Sharpley, the visionary founder and CEO of Tsar Carpets, to delve into the history, mission, and future of this remarkable company.
Join us as we explore the journey of Tsar Carpets and their exciting partnership with Cult Design.
The Origins and Vision of Tsar Carpets
Can you share a bit about the history of Tsar Carpets and how it all began?
DS: Tsar Carpets was founded over 35 years ago with a vision to redefine luxury in the carpet and rug industry. From the outset, we specialised in premium, custom-made carpets for architects, interior designers, and their clients who seek bespoke flooring solutions that combine artistry with durability. What started as a boutique operation has evolved into a globally recognised brand with a strong presence across Australia, the USA, the UK, Europe and beyond. Despite our progress, we’ve retained the spirit of a boutique studio while being fully capable of executing large-scale projects.
What is the core vision and mission of Tsar Carpets?
DS: Our mission is to elevate spaces through exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. We believe carpets and rugs should do more than serve a functional purpose—they should be works of art. We are committed to design excellence, sustainability, and technical precision, ensuring every piece is both visually striking and built to last.
How do you see the future of the carpet and rug industry evolving, and how is Tsar Carpets preparing for it?
DS: The market is increasingly prioritising sustainability, customisation, and digital integration. Clients are demanding eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices, an area that aligns closely with Tsar’s values. We’re investing in technologies that make customisation easier and faster, and our new manufacturing facility in Portugal - alongside our Jakarta base - gives us greater agility, shorter lead times, and room for even more innovation across our collections.
Craftsmanship and Design Excellence
What sets Tsar Carpets apart in terms of design and craftsmanship?
DS: Tsar Carpets stands out due to our in-house design and manufacturing capabilities. We are not buyers from external factories - we control every aspect of production. This gives us full freedom with raw materials, yarn selection, and weaving methods, allowing us to maintain rigorous quality standards. Our technical expertise and ability to deliver both artistic and performance-driven products, from intricate bespoke rugs to durable commercial carpets, truly set us apart.
Can you walk us through the process of creating a custom carpet or rug at Tsar?
DS: It begins with a consultation to understand the client’s vision and functional needs. Our design team then creates concept sketches and digital renderings. After selecting colours and materials, we present the final design digitally for approval. Only then does production commence. Depending on the project, we use hand-tufted, Axminster, or other weaving techniques. Quality control is maintained at every stage to ensure excellence from concept to completion.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
DS: Seeing an initial idea come to life and transform a space. There’s something deeply rewarding about the collaboration between designers, artisans, and clients—especially when we’re able to push creative boundaries and bring a unique vision into reality.
Notable Projects
Do you have any favourite projects you’ve worked on?
DS: We’ve worked on an exciting range of projects, from high-end residences and palaces to large-scale commercial and hospitality spaces. Some standout projects include the New York Stock Exchange, Crown Resorts in Melbourne and Sydney, and the 3 Etihad Towers including the luxury Conrad hotel in Abu Dhabi. We’ve also collaborated with Cartier worldwide and several confidential private residences and chalets.
What are some of the standout project types you’re most proud of?
DS: Some of the project types I'm most proud of are:
- Five-star hotel projects with custom-designed carpets for suites and public areas
- Corporate headquarters and retail spaces with integrated branding in flooring
- Bespoke creations for high-end private residences and chalets
- Collaborations with leading designers and artists to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces
Exciting Partnership with Cult Design
What excites you most about the partnership with Cult Design?
DS: Cult Design is a respected name in high-end furniture and design across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Their industry expertise, reputation, and alignment with Tsar’s values make this partnership a natural fit. We’re excited about expanding our reach and engaging with new audiences through their showrooms and network.
How do you think this collaboration will benefit both Tsar Carpets and Cult Design?
DS: For Tsar, this partnership allows us to focus on what we do best—design and production—while Cult brings their strengths in sales, client relationships, and showroom presentation. For Cult, adding Tsar’s distinct, custom carpets enhances their premium product offerings and supports a more holistic interior design solution for their clientele.
Are there specific products or projects you're excited to introduce through this partnership?
DS: We’re especially excited about the launch of our Woven+ collection, a customisable Axminster alternative at a competitive price point. We’re also introducing two new specialty yarns that elevate both the feel and performance of our carpets in commercial and residential settings. Cult’s platform gives us the opportunity to showcase these innovations more effectively to the design community.
Innovation and Sustainability
The launch of your own factory in Portugal marked a significant milestone. What inspired this decision?
DS: The Portugal factory is a strategic move to control quality, shorten lead times, and enable innovation. Having our own European hub allows us to experiment with materials and techniques more freely while offering increased flexibility and responsiveness in custom orders - without compromising the craftsmanship Tsar is known for.
How does having an in-house manufacturing team in Portugal enhance your innovation and delivery speed?
DS: Owning the production process enables faster decision-making, clearer communication between design and production teams, and tighter quality control. We’re also more agile—we can experiment with weaving techniques, sustainable materials, and custom textures. Unlike many others in the market, we are not middlemen, or resellers—we are the makers.
How do you ensure the quality and sustainability of your products?
DS: We prioritise ethically sourced, high-quality materials and implement production methods that minimise waste. Our Portugal facility enhances our quality control capabilities and ensures compliance with fire safety, durability, and environmental standards. We also design with longevity in mind - our carpets are built to endure, which reduces replacement cycles and environmental impact.
Future Directions for Tsar Carpets
What’s next for Tsar Carpets?
DS: With Cult Design now representing us in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, we’re focused on growing our presence in these regions and inspiring designers with bold new collections. On the creative side, we’re developing new designs that merge traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing, continuing to push the boundaries of luxury carpet design.
Conclusion
The partnership between Tsar Carpets and Cult Design marks an exciting chapter in the journey of both companies. With a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, this collaboration promises to bring exceptional, custom-made carpets and rugs to a broader audience.