A couple of decades ago, Kyle Bunting asked his father for a favour. Inspired by a rug he’d purchased for his own home, Bunting wanted to learn how to construct mosaic-like hide rugs similar to a few his father had made in the 1970s.
Bunting went on to use his father’s techniques to redefine how hide is used in interiors, handcrafting custom, intricate dyed hide rugs and leather wall coverings from his studio in Austin, Texas.
About 20 years on from that first lesson, Bunting is widely recognised as the original producer of decorative hide rugs, and he and his team of artisans have handcrafted over half a million square feet of bespoke hide pieces.
The depth of the hides means the rugs, which bring a soft, organic feel to spaces, have an added dimension that is unseen in synthetic, or even other organic materials. This unique materiality has led Kyle Bunting rugs to be requisitioned for clients like Kris Jenner and Tommy Hilfiger, along with a vast array of international clients for residential and commercial projects.
After such significant international recognition, Kyle Bunting has recently partnered with Australian national carpet distributor, Above Left, to bring his hide rugs to the Australian market.
The partnership merges Above Left’s Australian distribution expertise and capabilities with the design intelligence of Kyle Bunting, resulting in a powerhouse brand that reinforces Above Left’s position as a distribution leader in the Australian flooring marketplace.
Chosen for its focus on quality and experience distributing products from world-class manufacturers, Above Left has been allocated as the sole distributor of Kyle Bunting pieces in Australia.
The Kyle Bunting collection now boasts 100 unique designs, from the bold and colourful to the organic and minimal, and over 120 hide-hair colours for their rugs, wall coverings and upholstery. The amount of colourways means there is the opportunity for a high level of customisation and Bunting’s team are open to custom orders of “any size, any shape, any colour”.
In the creation process, says Bunting, each piece must have “every element exceptionally placed, every seam thoroughly inspected, and every inch intricately examined”. This process ensures a continuously exceptional production quality.
“With a level of expertise that is nothing less than remarkable, a Kyle Bunting is more than just a hide rug – it’s a work of art,” says Above Left.
Above Left
aboveleft.com.au
