Bloom rug

I made this because… The idea behind the design of this rug was based upon two main things: the space in which it occupies and the function it serves. I immediately knew I wanted this rug to live within a common space of a home. With this in mind, I wanted to create something that was simple and timeless, but also equally stimulating. Because rugs are static, I wanted to juxtapose this idea with the feeling of movement and energy—hence the graphic that gave way to the notion and name of “bloom.”

I am also a lover of music and rugs can be great for creating warm acoustics. The placement and size of the graphic was intentionally blown up and centered on a rug so that it could be sat on or around while listening to music by oneself or with others.

Creative Inspiration: I like to toggle inspiration between old and new, tangible and conceptual, and across different media. No doubt my biggest creative inspiration, which could also draw a comparison to this rug design, is Hilma af Klint. Her work was so far ahead of its time and still feels fresh today. In terms of modern designers, I love Viktor H and Samuel Burgess-Johnson. I feel they have both respectively carved out very interesting lanes that feel thoughtfully original and beautifully merge mixed media design. 

I’d say my two other largest points of inspiration travel and movies. Regarding travel, it's the documentation of street artwork, signage, buildings, etc. Sometimes all you need is right in front of you—it’s just a matter of training yourself to look closely. On a more conceptual level, the way stories are communicated visually through film is always thought provoking. For me, the weirder the better—Mulholland Drive is my north star. 

To find more:

Website: https://mtobia.com

Instagram: masetobes