Folded Tones: A New Dimension in Rug Design

Enoch Liew's Award-Winning Design Challenges Conventional Rug Aesthetics

Enoch Liew, the designer behind the Folded Tones rug, was inspired by the desire to challenge the conventional flatness of rugs. The result is a design that creates an illusion of depth and three-dimensionality using only three colours. The variety of tones and depth of the rug is dependent on the width and density of the stripes, rather than a large palette of colours. This conscious limitation of colours enhances the rug's adaptability and flexibility to different spaces.

The Folded Tones rug is designed to be easily customisable to suit different settings or rooms. It is manufactured by ege Carpets, a renowned carpet manufacturer. The standard size of the rug is 3mx3.2m, but it can be customised as long as the proportions remain the same.

From above or far away, the Folded Tones rug resembles a folded sheet. However, while sitting or lying on it, the illusion of the folds may not be perceptible. This led to the use of simple repetitive lines that can be enjoyed as an abstract pattern up close, allowing for a varied experience from different distances. This interaction with the design adds another layer of uniqueness to Liew's creation.

The design process for the Folded Tones rug started in May 2013 and the produced rug was displayed in a showroom in August 2013. During the design process, Liew conducted research on optical illusions and anamorphosis to achieve the illusion of three-dimensionality with simple graphics. One of the challenges Liew faced was avoiding colour gradient for ease of production. The design relies on solid blocks of colour to provide sufficient depth cues.

The Folded Tones rug has received significant recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2014, a prestigious accolade granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. These venerated products and bright ideas advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.