Expert Opinion: Interior Designer, Amy Stoddart

Interior designers have the privilege of transforming spaces, and one design element that is turned to for timeless impact is the handmade rug.

Among some of the most talented Interior Designers we've had the pleasure of working with, is the wonderful Amy Stoddart. With a passion for creating spaces that are both modern and timeless, Amy Stoddart Studio brings a unique perspective to Interior Design that blends eclectic, bespoke and classic styles. 

We thought it would only be fair for her to share some of her wisdom with you, in this little Q&A:

Do you tend to specify rugs in your designs? If yes, why?

Absolutely. For me, a space doesn’t feel complete without a rug. In open-plan areas, rugs are essential for grounding furniture and creating distinct zones, bringing cohesion and warmth to the design.
At what stage in your process do you look for a rug? Is it one of the first or last things?

I typically consider rugs alongside freestanding furniture. While paint colours and joinery come first, the rug selection happens during the broader furniture planning stage to ensure a harmonious scheme.

What is the biggest challenge you face when looking for handmade rugs?

The biggest challenge is balancing quality with budget. As designers, we value the craftsmanship, fair wages, and time that go into creating handmade rugs, and we know their price reflects that. However, some clients’ budgets don’t always accommodate these costs, which can make it a tricky conversation.

What tends to be your favourite style of rug to use at the moment?

My go-to is a wool rug for its softness underfoot and the stunning range of colours it offers. 
Recently, I’ve also incorporated more jute rugs into my designs. They bring a beautiful, earthy texture and are a perfect fit for muted, natural schemes.

What is your favourite Lilla Rug at the moment and why?


There’s no comparison to the charm of a traditional Persian rug! Each piece tells a story through its intricate patterns, colours, and meticulous hand-knotting, embodying centuries of tradition and artistry. Their versatility shines in both modern and classic interiors, effortlessly adding warmth and character to any space. You can see a very similar rug used in our 'Olive House' project, with its intricate yet subtle all-over patterns they create the perfect grounding layer for any room. Persian rugs are also known for their durability, often becoming cherished heirlooms—more than just decoration, they are a meaningful investment.
If there was one thing you wished existed to make finding a rug for your client easier, what would it be?

Having more readily available samples would be incredibly helpful. Being able to see and feel the rug’s texture, colour, and quality in person makes all the difference when selecting the right piece.

I know that Lilla Rugs have an amazing service whereby they will come to the property with a few select rugs for clients and designers to see the real life rug in the room - I can't wait to try this soon!

What few items do you foresee being popular in 2025 with your clients (doesn’t have to be rug related!)?

I see a huge steer towards warmer, richer tones for 2025 and I can't wait!



You can read more and have good look at some of the beautiful spaces Amy has transformed over at Amy Stoddart Studio here. 

WE HAVE A HUGE RANGE OF PERSIAN AND ORIENTAL RUGS THAT WOULD TEAM PERFECTLY WITH YOUR DESIGN. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR COLLECTION HERE!
YOU CAN CHECK US OUT ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST TRENDS AND RUG INSPO.  OUR WAREHOUSE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC & WE OFFER A HOUSE VISIT SERVICE FOR YOU TO SEE RUGS IN YOUR HOME BEFORE PURCHASE. YOU CAN VIEW ONE OF THE LARGEST COLLECTIONS OF PERSIAN RUGS IN THE UK ON OUR WEBSITE AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU CAN CONTACT US HERE.
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