Studio News
Designing Rug Wall Hangings in Greece
The crystal-clear blue Aegean Sea, golden sunsets, and rugged coastlines have been a source of inspiration for artists and designers for centuries. Among these creatives, is rug designer Sonya Winner, who recently embarked on a five-week retreat designing rug wall hangings in Greece, seeking fresh inspiration for her Vibrant Contemporary Rug Studio.
For Sonya, Greece is where the vibrancy of nature blends beautifully with the serenity of ancient landscapes. In 2024, she visited her favourite place during October and November, enjoying Greece’s quieter and sunlit atmosphere. The slower autumn pace allows her to fully immerse herself, observing seasonal changes in the land and sea. She reflects these experiences in her designs, drawing inspiration from the natural and cultural beauty around her.
Greek Wall Hangings
Earlier this year, Sonya Winner released her first collection of rug wall hangings: Island Sunset, Island Sunrise, Fish in Greece, and Shoal of Fish. Each piece in the collection was inspired by her past visits to Greece’s Ionian islands and their serene beauty. These wall hangings are a love letter to the Mediterranean Islands, which continue to inspire Sonya’s artistic vision.
Island Sunset Rug Wall Hanging
Island Sunset Wall Hanging (Rectangle) by Sonya Winner
The Island Sunset Wall Hanging is a powerful tribute to the breathtaking sunsets Sonya Winner witnessed during her time in Greece. This piece reflects the warmth, intensity, and beauty of dusk as the sun descends over the Aegean Sea.
Island Sunset Wall Hanging (Square) by Sonya Winner and it’s inspiration
Capturing the sky’s famous vivid sunsets which are seen across the Ionian islands, the Island Sunset Wall Hanging is inspired by the rugged Ionian coast and crystal waters. A turquoise colour palette is punctuated by a tonally nuanced rocky Greek landscape and its lush greenery with a backdrop of bold purple, pink, orange and red tones which blend to capture the picturesque sky.
Island Sunrise Rug Wall Hanging
Island Sunrise Wall Hanging (Square) by Sonya Winner
The Island Sunrise Wall Hanging is a tranquil celebration of the early morning light that bathes the Greek islands in soft pastels and delicate hues. Inspired by the quiet moments just before the sun rises, Sonya uses a blend of soft yellows, oranges, and pinks, with layers of blues and greens to represent the lush foliage and still-cool tones of the sea.
Island Sunrise Wall Hanging (Square) by Sonya Winner and its inspiration
Hand-tufted by skilled artisan weavers, what truly sets these wall hangings apart is the intricate 3D carving technique that gives the Island Sunset and Island Sunrise depth and dimension. The texture adds a tactile quality to the rug wall hangings, making it more than just a visual experience—it invites touch, allowing viewers to feel the contours of the rolling hills or rocky cliffs of Greece.
Island Sunset Wall Hanging by Sonya Winner
Shoal of Fish Wall Hanging
Shoal of Fish Wall Hanging by Sonya Winner
The Shoal of Fish Wall Hanging is a vibrant and dynamic piece of art that captures the fluid motion of fish swimming in unison through the crystal-clear waters of Greece. Inspired by the mesmerizing sight of fish moving together in perfect harmony, this luxury wall hanging brings the energy and rhythm of marine life into a stunning visual form.
Shoal of Fish Wall Hanging by Sonya Winner and its inspiration
Unlike traditional rectangular wall hangings, this artwork mimics the organic, free-flowing form of a school of fish gliding through water. The irregular edges are carefully crafted to follow the natural, undulating paths of the fish, giving the impression that they are swimming through the wall hanging, beyond the wall it is hanging upon.
Fish in Greece Triptych
Fish in Greece Triptych Wall Hanging by Sonya Winner
The Fish in Greece Triptych Wall Hanging is a mesmerizing work of art. Elegantly capturing the beauty of fish gliding through sun-dappled Grecian waters. Composed of three individual wall hangings which come together to form a flowing, interconnected triptych. The use of organic, overlapping shapes and calming colours mimic the shimmering effect of light on water, as it dances across the spines of the fish in motion.
The rich interplay of blues, turquoises, and greens reflect the iconic, dazzling waters of the Ionian Sea. Flecks of purple and dark emerald mirror the bodies of the fish as they swim amongst each other, their shadows darting and scurrying within the water.
Fish in Greece Inspiration
This sophisticated use of colour captures the fluidity of fish in motion, where nature and light intertwine in a dance. The wall hangings bring coastal tranquillity into any space, transforming it with the soothing, sunlit essence of Greece’s crystal-clear waters.
Fish in Greece is also available as a rug, runner and a dark colourway, featuring deep navy blues.
The Beauty of Grecian Nature
The Aegean Sea has long been revered as a cradle of civilization and a route for ancient sailors. Its vibrant blue waters, glistening under the Mediterranean sun, have inspired countless myths, home to gods, goddesses, and legendary creatures. The turquoise sea holds the mysteries of the past, symbolizing both adventure and tranquillity. From Paxos to Santorini, the shores of Greece pulse with a history as rich and deep as the waters themselves.
Above this, the Grecian sky unfolds in a brilliant expanse of endless blue, merging with the sea at the horizon. The same sky that inspired Homer and Socrates remains breathtaking today, casting a celestial and ever-changing light. Its colors shift hourly, from the soft pastels of dawn to the fiery hues of sunset. This interplay of sky and sea creates an almost dreamlike environment that fuels creativity and contemplation.
Sonya and Greece
For a designer like Sonya Winner, Greece offers a retreat where creativity thrives amidst breathtaking landscapes and rich history. The peaceful coastal villages, with whitewashed buildings clinging to cliffs above azure waters, inspire endless creative exploration. The rhythmic waves, soft wind whispers, and shifting light on the sea form the perfect backdrop for her designs. Surrounded by this tranquility, Sonya reflects, experiments, and creates, inspired by nature’s harmony and Greece’s historical depth. Stay tuned—Sonya will soon release more original and unique rugs, runners, and wall hangings inspired by her trip.
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