Wilton Carpets has revealed details of its latest project, which required bringing a sense of occasion to the new Orangery of Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa, a 16th Century country house in Northamptonshire.
The Grand Hall in the main house already featured a woven axminster bespoke design by Wilton, returning to warmth and grandeur after the hotel found the bare wood floors caused echoes.
As such, when it came to a floor for the Orangery, the general manager at Rushton Hall, Valerie Hazelton, had a clear idea of what was required:
“We wanted carpet in the Orangery to help with noise levels, as well as add a warmth and cosiness to the multi-purpose space, which we knew needed a neutral colour palette so that functions could bring their own theme and colours. The walls, curtains and chairs are plain, so it was important to offset this with a patterned carpet, but one that was still subtle enough to work with any event colour scheme chosen.”
Bordered Geometric Design
With previous experience of Wilton Carpets, Rushton Hall once again called upon the expertise of the Wiltshire-based manufacturer. Presenting a bordered geometric design with larger classical motifs inset, the pattern is contemporary while referencing the historic setting of the hotel’s architecture.
Wilton worked closely with Hazelton to ensure that the final creation met the needs of the building: “Making a decision on such a big area is not an easy task and Wilton worked with me to develop the final grey and gold colour palette for the design, producing samples in various combinations until I was sure we had made the right choice. It’s a fresh design but goes really well with the traditional style of the building. The carpet is liked by all our guests, but brides and grooms in particular seem to love the mixture of gold and grey tones.”
The carpet was woven in a premium 10-row quality in a rich British wool blend, ensuring it can withstand regular intense use and be easily cleaned between functions taking place in the Orangery for many years to come.
In adjacent corridors, Wilton created another bespoke repeating geometric design, this time in a wool-rich tufted quality. In a green and dark gold colourway, the carpet’s pattern works to accommodate the walls of the 16th Century building, which are far from being straight and true. The carpets were made in Wiltshire, giving Hazelton the confidence to choose Wilton once again.
“With Wilton weaving continuing to produce its carpets in Britain, it could offer me bespoke qualities within a quick timescale and I had the confidence that the carpet would be delivered on time with no delays or surprises along the way. We are absolutely delighted with our choice,” concludes Hazelton.
Rushton Hall’s history dates back to 1438, when construction of the original building begun under Sir William Tresham. Now a Grade I Listed building set in 25-acres of immaculate grounds, Rushton Hall is one of the finest hotels in the Midlands, awarded four red stars and three rosettes. Offering guests luxury accommodation, the hotel is known throughout Northamptonshire as a setting for glamorous weddings and events.
