A Design Journey With Holmes Bespoke
Embarking on a design journey with Holmes Bespoke is the beginning of something truly special.
We’re excited to share the behind-the-scenes of one of our projects from a client's perspective, capturing the uniquely personal and collaborative process we provide. This story features a particularly special client, our very first customer, who has continuously trusted us with all her floor furnishing needs.
Meet Sadie Mantovani (right)
Read on to discover our approach and dedication to bringing each unique vision to life.
Design consultation.
How did you first discover Holmes Bespoke?
I knew about Holmes Bespoke from the very beginning because it was founded by one of my best friends Laylah, who is incredibly talented. We’ve been friends for many years, having first met as colleagues in fashion design. Years into our friendship, Laylah told me, 'I’m designing rugs now,' and I responded, 'I’m sure you’ll be just as amazing at designing rugs as you were at fashion!’
How would you describe your overall experience with the Holmes Bespoke team, and what would you say to someone considering making their first purchase from us?
Have full confidence that every need will be met! The team has been exceptional - visiting my home with poms, sending samples, and always being available to discuss details over the phone to ensure I received a piece perfectly crafted for my home. Laylah was incredibly patient and helpful, especially when I had doubts about colour choices; she kept working with me on artworks and guiding me towards the best options until the final one was ready to be signed off. Laylah and her team intuitively understand your taste. They know when to skip certain suggestions and instead bring options they’re sure I’ll love. In the end, we found the perfect piece together, and it was a truly enjoyable and collaborative process from start to finish. Not only is the team exceptional through the design process, but they also ensure that every detail is handled. Their white glove fitting service made the entire experience seamless and stress free. One less thing for me to worry about!
The sampling and artwork sign-off process.
What keeps you coming back to us for your rugs and carpets?
I have to admit, before knowing Laylah, I didn’t know much about rugs, or even what my personal taste in rugs was! But once I became familiar with her collections, I started looking at other brands, and none compared. Her designs are simply gorgeous. One of the main reasons I keep coming back is that Laylah has an incredible eye for fabrics and is always honest in her advice. For instance, my very first rug from her was the beautiful Storm. I originally wanted it in cashmere or bamboo silk, something ultra-soft, but Laylah suggested a wool and bamboo silk blend, knowing I had young children and a dog. She was absolutely right, and I really appreciate advice like that; it’s so helpful. Laylah is thoughtful in her designs, they’re modern yet timeless, and they often surprise me! I tend to favour classic styles, and she respects that, but she also nudges me to try new things without pushing me too far outside my comfort zone. She truly helps me discover new designs I love!
Creating a bespoke piece from our collections.
What is the quality of the product like?
One of the things that really impressed me was the quality of the pieces. Like I said before I have two little girls so I need rugs that strike a balance between luxurious and beautiful yet durable enough to withstand young children and a dog. Holmes Bespoke’s exquisite bamboo silk fibre, which is incredibly soft, when blended with wool, it creates a beautiful, tactile and durable finish that I can still easily maintain. It still looks absolutely gorgeous six years later! My runner, for example, is made from wool, which is not only cosy but also extremely durable. Laylah carefully considers how each fibre will perform in different areas of the home, ensuring every piece works beautifully and stands up to day-to-day life.
How would you describe the comfort and feel of the carpets you’ve purchased? Have they met your expectations in terms of texture and warmth?
I’ve been particularly impressed by the wool that my new runner had been woven in. Originally, I pictured sisal or jute for my stairs, but those can feel a bit hard and uncomfortable. The wool, however, is incredibly soft and cosy underfoot. It may sound funny, but with the children running up and down the stairs, I want them to feel warm and cocooned, and this fibre really provides that. Wool is not only soft, durable and extremely easy to clean, but it’s also not shiny or slippery, so I know they’re less likely to slip. It’s really impressive and has exceeded my expectations.
How would you rate the variety of rugs, runners and carpets we offer?
One of the things I love about Holmes Bespoke’s designs is the extensive range, there’s so much variety, yet every piece feels thoughtfully curated. Somehow, the contemporary designs complement the more classic styles, making it easy to mix them seamlessly within the home. Laylah and the team are incredibly helpful in guiding how to achieve that harmony. I initially thought of myself as a classic chevron-up-the-stairs person, and as I said before, maybe opting for jute, but she encouraged me to be a bit more adventurous, and I’m so glad she did as I love my Candy stair runner in the Mint Toffee colour way. It adds a pop of vibrancy in such a sophisticated way.
Holmes Bespoke has also expanded beyond rugs to offer a full range of home accessories, including stunning furniture and beautiful tapestries which are really having their moment. It’s become a home collection that continually inspires me.
The final look.
Have you recommended our products to friends or family? If so, what do you usually highlight about your experience and can you share any memorable experiences with Holmes Bespoke?
As you can probably tell, I’m absolutely obsessed with Holmes Bespoke! I’ve recommended their products to numerous friends and family members, many of them follow me on Instagram and have since added Holmes Bespoke designs to their homes. For instance, one of my cousins has a lovely pink version of Storm, and a close friend chose a Chevron design. On every occasion, I have received positive feedback on the personal approach Holmes Bespoke provides when crafting their bespoke pieces. It just makes the whole process super relaxed and so seamless. It warms my heart to see these beautiful pieces in their homes; it feels incredibly special to me.
One of my most cherished memories with Holmes Bespoke is being Laylah’s very first customer. I vividly remember the unveiling of a bespoke version of Storm in our home. I have a treasured photograph of our daughters, who are the same age, perched on the sofa behind the rug. Those moments are truly special and hold a lasting place in my heart.
In your opinion, what sets Holmes Bespoke apart from other places where you could buy rugs and carpets?
What truly sets Holmes Bespoke apart from other companies is the sheer variety of designs, fibres, and colours available. Laylah mentioned that there are over 2,000 samples to choose from, and I would love to explore them all again sometime soon! They offer completely bespoke options, allowing for custom sizes, colours, and materials to fit within any space. For example, our Storm rug was made in a longer version than what’s available on the website, perfectly suited to our space. If they don’t have a specific fibre, colour or design, they’ll source it for you. I was struck by the incredible flexibility to create something completely bespoke, it makes it all the more impressive!
Head over to our instagram to watch the project unveil.
