How Loom Rugs brings traditional techniques to modern spaces
Teleisha Thomas
June 2026Since opening Loom on High Street, Prahran in 2006, Turkish-born founder Doan Bilgis has been bringing some of the world’s most considered handwoven rugs to Melbourne’s design community. Drawing on a childhood in Turkey with a nomadic family background, and years spent trading in contemporary and antique rugs, Doan built Loom on a simple principle; that a beautiful rug is the heart of a beautiful room.
Two decades on, the Prahran showroom stocks an extraordinary breadth of handcrafted pieces, from classic rugs from all around the world to contemporary and bespoke custom designs. This year marks Loom’s 20th anniversary. We sat down with Doan to talk about growing up surrounded by the craft, what it means to keep a traditional art form alive, and how the right rug is the heart of a room.
Looking back over 20 years, what has shifted most in the industry, and what clients are looking for?
Styles, textures, colours - they all come and go, things that are popular now, weren't popular 20 years ago. As a multicultural country, the versatility of Australia architecture and design is exceptional and is something we always keep an eye on.
One thing that has shifted is the speed at which things change. Custom rugs typically take a year to produce from concept to delivery, but we know the quality and result is like nothing else.
You grew up in Turkey surrounded by rugs as everyday objects. When did you first understand them as something more?
I grew up surrounded by people weaving rugs. My mum, uncle, aunties and pretty much my whole family were involved in the process. As a kid, I was fascinated by everything about it, the weaving, the smells, the sounds, all of it. Around the time I was 10 or 12, and first understood the meaning of art, I realised that what we were making is an art form in itself.
Looking back over 20 years, what has shifted most in the industry, and what clients are looking for?
Styles, textures, colours - they all come and go, things that are popular now, weren't popular 20 years ago. As a multicultural country, the versatility of Australia architecture and design is exceptional and is something we always keep an eye on.
One thing that has shifted is the speed at which things change. Custom rugs typically take a year to produce from concept to delivery, but we know the quality and result is like nothing else.
You grew up in Turkey surrounded by rugs as everyday objects. When did you first understand them as something more?
I grew up surrounded by people weaving rugs. My mum, uncle, aunties and pretty much my whole family were involved in the process. As a kid, I was fascinated by everything about it, the weaving, the smells, the sounds, all of it. Around the time I was 10 or 12, and first understood the meaning of art, I realised that what we were making is an art form in itself.
What does the process of making a handwoven rug look like from start to finish, and what's lost when that process is shortened or mechanised?
From shearing the wool to the finished rug, everything is done by hand. Carding, spinning, dyeing and preparing the loom. That process has stayed largely unchanged over time. It is still original, intricate and laborious. At Loom, we want to preserve the same level of craftsmanship.
Loom is a member of both Care & Fair and GoodWeave, what does that commitment look like in practice, and why was it important to you to formalise the ethics behind your sourcing?
The Care & Fair Foundation is an important initiative to be a part of, from sourcing the wool until it is transformed into a rug on your floor, we want to ensure that the whole process is ethical and sustainable. GoodWeave's mission is to stop child and forced labour within global supply chains. This shines light on places that have exploited labour in the past. As a result, this has helped promote and create better working conditions and practices for weavers. This is something we're beyond proud to support.
What's a brief you've received from a client or designer that pushed you to think differently about what a rug could do in a space?
We’re always being challenged by our clients which is something we enjoy. It pushes us to think differently and come up with creative, thoughtful solutions. We love working closely with people, helping guide them toward a rug that not only fits their space but really feels right for them.
At the same time, we’re always open to projects that push the boundaries a bit. Whether that’s experimenting with new textures, unexpected colour combinations, or custom designs, we’re all for it. Those kinds of projects keep things exciting and allow us to explore what’s possible while still staying true to the craftsmanship behind what we do.
What does the next chapter look like for Loom?
There are always new and exciting things on the horizon. Collaborations with local and international artists and designers are coming soon as a part of our 20th year anniversary.
We think of our showroom less as a store, and more as a gallery. Every piece we carry has been carefully chosen, not because we think it will sell, but because something about it drew us in. Whether it's the story behind it, the way it's made, or simply how it makes us feel, our collection is a reflection of us. A curated extension of our taste, our values, and the things we love.
Doan Bilgis, Loom Rugs Founder
