WARLI RUGS || Patricia Urquiola’s Vision Comes to Life with Warli Rugs at The Emory Hotel
The Emory Hotel epitomizes refined elegance and thoughtful design in the heart of London's Belgravia district.
With architecture by Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour of RSHP, this luxury establishment features 61 suites, each brought to life by a different visionary. Among them, Spanish-born designer Patricia Urquiola has curated an immersive experience on the third and fourth floors, using Warli rugs to weave a narrative of texture and sophistication into the hallways and suites.
A serene bedroom setting enriched by the tactile allure of Warli’s textiles.
Urquiola’s design for The Emory marries her unique aesthetic sensibility with Warli’s artisanal craftsmanship. She selected Paolo Zani’s Mantra rugs to add warmth and tactility to the suites. Crafted from wool and viscose, these rugs boast custom colours and a soft, continuous texture that adds dimension and intimacy to each space. Using a meticulous loom-knotted technique, each piece is a work of art and a functional element, blending seamlessly with the room’s rich wood panelling and curated furnishings. The flat-woven edges and multicoloured fringes highlight Warli’s commitment to detail, while the understated complexity of the motifs complements Urquiola’s vision for a sophisticated yet comfortable retreat.
The corridors on these floors feature the Albers runner, also by Paolo Zani, inspired by the iconic Bauhaus duo Anni and Josef Albers. Urquiola pays homage to the Bauhaus legacy with this rug, blending modernist simplicity with a subtle nod to tradition. Made of fireproof wool in a special handloom version, the Albers runner echoes the elegant restraint that defines The Emory’s design ethos. The rug’s geometric pattern brings quiet energy to the walkways, guiding guests through the serene corridors in a manner that feels both timeless and avant-garde.
A cozy seating area featuring Warli’s Mantra rug, adding texture and warmth.
Warli rugs are distinguished not only by their aesthetic appeal but also by their craftsmanship. Handmade in regions with rich textile traditions, Warli’s indoor rugs are crafted using techniques like knotted, tufted, and dhurries. This careful craftsmanship imbues each piece with a story, making it an extension of the cultural heritage from which it originated. The colours draw from earthy, natural palettes, grounding the rugs in the elements and creating a harmonious connection between the space and the world outside.
The Emory Hotel’s design prioritizes discreet luxury, from its hidden entrance in a private courtyard to the seamless integration of Warli’s refined textures and hues. The tactile allure of Warli’s rugs enhances the hotel’s understated elegance, transforming each suite and corridor into an intimate, contemplative space. With every thread and pattern, the rugs capture the essence of Urquiola’s design philosophy and Warli’s artisanal mastery.
