Overlay Rugs by Danielah Martinez for DesignByThem

Overlay was designed to address the challenge of creating a rug collection that is simple yet unique, colourful yet adaptable, comfortable yet durable, and premium quality yet affordable. The concept for the design is inspired by the textures and colours that result from overlaying sheets of transparent material, then working to achieve this effect through the careful blending of colour, which is a challenge to master in rug design.

The design challenge was responded to through the exploration of colour, geometry, and layering. Executing the balance of tones, tints and hues was a key element of the design process, and was considered in detail. For versatility, there are five different styles, ranging from bright to neutral hues, to adorn any home. Through research and extensive user feedback, we were able to narrow down the size and shape offering needed to provide the best options to customers.

The Overlay Collection is handtufted from New Zealand wool and was designed to bring a high-quality, premium product to market with accessibility and affordability always in mind. As well as creating an aesthetically striking collection, Overlay focuses on materiality and manufacturing to produce a design collection with functional, environmental and creative longevity.

- New Zealand wool is a renewable source, hypoallergenic, hydrophobic and has lots of elasticity which allows it to bounce back and be more durable. - About the Designer: Danielah Martinez is a Sydney-based, multidisciplinary designer and design academic at the University of New South Wales. She began her career as a colours, materials and finishes designer and worked with leading Australian appliance brands before turning her long-held obsession with colour and texture to a career in rug design. In design research, Danielah applies a participatory critical design practice to investigate the dynamic relationships that exist between designers, designed objects and design users. When she is not teaching, Danielah can be found exploring new applications for handcraft and digital making techniques in ceramics and textiles.