Laylah Holmes, Founder & Creative Director of Holmes Bespoke
Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
Laylah Holmes: I founded Holmes Bespoke in 2018 with a passion for creating beautiful, unique rugs that would be the centrepiece of any interior and that would last a lifetime. I set out with a commitment to building long-lasting relationships with my customers, fostering a creative and collaborative design experience whilst delivering exceptional quality every time.
I studied fashion design at university so design and textiles have always been a big part of my work. My first career was in luxury womenswear at fashion houses Vivienne Westwood and Ralph Lauren. While at Ralph Lauren I fell in love with homeware and finally, after almost a decade in fashion, I decided to transition into interior design. This set me on the pathway to finding my niche as a rug designer.
What is your brand best known for?
We handcraft unforgettable rugs using the finest natural fibres. We are proud to be a British company and all our rugs, carpets, wall hanging tapestries and home accessories are designed in-house from our West London HQ. Every rug is entirely unique, showcasing our signature style: contemporary yet elegant with a strong fashion influence. Holmes Bespoke is completely custom-led and we collaborate closely with our clients on bespoke designs. Our classic collections, including Elements, Leopard, and Naturals are also ready to order online.
By sourcing the most skilled artisans and building a manufacturing team based on time-honoured practices, we continue to push the boundaries of the craft to bring new innovations and techniques to our collections.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
I am so proud of the brand's journey: from founding it single-handedly to looking back now and seeing its growth fills me with a profound sense of achievement. I love the culture and identity that my team and I have created and I’m so excited for what’s to come next.
Why do you love the brand?
I love that it allows me to see my designs through the eyes of others. Every bespoke rug we create is a canvas for personal narratives, weaving together the stories and inspirations of our clients into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
We design everything from hand-knotted, woven and tufted rugs in natural fibres or more sumptuous silks, which makes us different to our competitors. Whether it's contemporary or classic, we tailor-make or assist our clients in creating something truly unique. I love the process because it’s such a creative, collaborative experience that is also incredibly personal.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
At Holmes Bespoke, luxury is more than a label; it is a reflection of artistry, dedication, and passion, with original design and craft at its core. We believe that longevity is intertwined with quality and that a luxury product should be made by the hands of craftspeople using local, natural and sustainable materials.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
It’s a brilliant opportunity to become part of a community that celebrates and drives the very best of British luxury, and we’re in good company. We’re looking forward to meeting, collaborating and learning from other Walpole members in the coming months.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?
We have had the pleasure of collaborating with Maison Margaux and Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, two brands we met through the Brands of Tomorrow programme last year. Due to my fashion background, I can see a Burberry x Holmes Bespoke collaboration – perhaps a custom floor-to-ceiling installation in the brand's London flagship store or a line of exquisite hand made rugs.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
We are so excited to be launching our latest collection this coming autumn which will be the brand’s most luxurious collection to date. Expect a serene colour palette with tactile detailing that is sumptuous underfoot. Think golden hour glamour.
