Tsar Carpets: A Journey of Passion and Craftsmanship
Over 35 years ago, in a small space in Melbourne, David and Kerrie Sharpley embarked on a journey that would transform the world of carpets and rugs. Driven by a passion for textiles and the art of hand-tufting, David began creating bespoke rugs, taking on every aspect of the business from design to manufacturing and sales. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for what would become Tsar Carpets, a global leader in custom-made carpets and rugs.
David has been mesmerised by the hand-tufting technique ever since he peeked into a hand-tufting factory at 18 years old. Soon after, he began tufting and selling his own rugs, and hasn’t looked back since. Meanwhile, Kerrie studied textile design and travelled across Southeast Asia to learn about the ancient craft of weaving from the oldest tribes in the world. Together, they developed a deep passion for this art form and founded the business around textiles in Melbourne, Australia.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
What started as a small operation in Melbourne has grown into a renowned brand with a presence in major cities like New York, London, and Paris. Tsar Carpets has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and exceptional design, catering to high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality projects worldwide. Their journey is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Tsar Carpets values its role as a trusted resource to a diverse architecture and design community. Adopting the German concept of the gesamtkunstwerk - meaning “a total work of art” - their goal is to create holistic compositions that empower their wide range of clientele to achieve a cohesive architectural expression from the ground up.
Proudly Australian-owned with a global outlook, Tsar Carpets challenges the expected and is excited by the unexpected. They have positioned themselves in the high-end flooring market to attract the trailblazers of the art and design world, with their creative approach and personable consulting service. Their ability to achieve highly sophisticated levels of precision and quality, as well as their ability to challenge and reinvent for a highly discerning consumer, permeates through their designs, partnerships, and innovations.
The Art of Customisation
At the heart of Tsar Carpets is a deep commitment to customisation. Each project begins with an initial consultation, where clients' visions and requirements are meticulously discussed.
From there, the design process unfolds, involving moodboards, detailed mock-ups, and sampling. Highly skilled artisans bring these designs to life with precision and care, ensuring that every carpet and rug is a perfect reflection of the client's vision.
This bespoke approach allows Tsar Carpets to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out in any space.
Concept & Brief
The process begins with an in-depth design discussion. Through moodboards, sketches, schematics, and design development, the design vision is unpacked. Drawing upon an extensive design library, inspiration is generated for the project. This consultation is a time for fluid conversation and the first stage of bringing the aesthetics of the design to life.
Concept & Brief
Experts guide clients along the design journey, assisting with colour palette and fibre selection, and recommending appropriate manufacturing techniques based on the intended performance and space requirements. Threadsheets, poms, renders, and floorplan droppings are deployed as development tools. A mock-up and sampling are presented prior to the final order.
Concept & Brief
The design is brought to life with precision and meticulous care by highly-skilled artisans. The manufacturing process is overseen from inception to completion, ensuring each piece meets the highest standards. Lead times depend on size, complexity, and delivery requirements, with real-time communication throughout the production.
Concept & Brief
Once the custom carpet is complete, a true end-to-end experience is facilitated with a white glove installation service. The bespoke creation is integrated into the client's interior space, proudly displayed as elevated floor art. Service extends beyond installation, offering care and maintenance support throughout the longevity of the design piece.
The Milestone of the Portugal Factory
A significant milestone in Tsar Carpets' journey was the launch of their own factory in Portugal. This in-house manufacturing facility represents a culmination of David Sharpley's extensive experience and knowledge.
By establishing their own factory, Tsar Carpets maintains agency over innovation and speed of delivery, ensuring the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
The factory also plays a crucial role in reducing the company's carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices, aligning with their commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Select Collection: Simplified Customisation
One of the practical offerings from Tsar Carpets is their Select Collection. Known for their fully customised rugs, Tsar Carpets introduced the Select Collection to provide a more streamlined option. This collection features a curated selection of 16 pre-designed patterns, where clients can change only the colours and sizes.
This approach simplifies the decision-making process, making it easier and quicker for clients to choose a design that fits their space while still enjoying the high quality and craftsmanship Tsar Carpets is known for.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tsar Carpets
As Tsar Carpets continues to innovate and expand, the future looks bright for this esteemed company. Their ongoing commitment to excellence, sustainability, and client satisfaction ensures that they will remain at the forefront of the carpet and rug industry. With exciting new projects and collaborations on the horizon, Tsar Carpets is poised to continue crafting beautiful, bespoke pieces that inspire and delight.
We are thrilled to announce that Cult Design will now be the sole distributor of Tsar Carpets in Singapore, bringing their exceptional products and craftsmanship to a wider audience.
