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Our Signature Rug Constructions

The pinnacle of rug-making artistry, our hand-knotted rugs represent thousands of years of refined technique. Each knot is individually tied by skilled artisans who can tie up to 1,000 knots per day, following intricate patterns that exist only in their practiced memories and careful charts.

Using traditional Turkish, Persian, and Tibetan knotting techniques, our weavers work on upright looms, tying each knot around the warp threads with precision that comes only from years of training. A single 8x10 rug contains approximately 500,000 individual knots, each one a small act of devotion to the craft.

The density of knotting determines not just the rug's durability, but its ability to render fine details. Our artisans adjust their technique based on the design's complexity, sometimes working at densities of up to 200+ knots per square inch for the most intricate patterns.

Hand-tufting represents a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and efficient production. Using a specialized tufting gun, artisans punch strands of wool through a canvas backing, creating pile heights and textures that would be impossible with other methods.

This technique allows for remarkable creative freedom, enabling our designers to incorporate multiple pile heights, varied textures, and sculptural elements within a single piece. The artisan's skill lies in controlling the gun's pressure and angle, creating consistent pile while following complex patterns drawn on the backing cloth.

After tufting, each rug is carefully sheared to achieve uniform pile height, then finished with a protective backing. The result combines the handmade character we prize with the versatility of modern designs.

Our flatweave rugs embody understated elegance, crafted using techniques that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Working on horizontal looms, our weavers interlace warp and weft threads to create patterns that are identical on both sides—a hallmark of superior flatweave construction.

The beauty of flatweave lies in its geometric precision. The grid-like structure of the weave naturally lends itself to linear patterns, stripes, and bold geometric motifs. Because there's no pile, every thread contributes to both structure and pattern, creating a result that's prized for its durability.

These rugs possess a casual sophistication that works beautifully in contemporary settings. Their flat profile makes them ideal for high-traffic areas, and their reversible nature effectively doubles their lifespan.

Our hand-looped rugs represent exceptional durability combined with rich textural appeal. Using techniques refined over generations, artisans form the wool into secure loops rather than cutting them into pile, creating a construction that is inherently more resilient to heavy foot traffic and wear.

This method produces rugs with remarkable longevity. The looped construction distributes weight and stress more evenly across the surface, making these pieces ideal for high-traffic areas where both beauty and durability are essential. The loops themselves are less prone to crushing than cut pile, helping the rug maintain its appearance over decades of use.

The hand-looped technique allows artisans to create subtle textural variations that add visual interest and depth to the design. The interplay of light and shadow created by the loop structure gives these rugs a distinctive character that becomes more beautiful with age and use.

September 2013
Kevin founds blog Thou Swell at age 16 to share interior design projects and inspiration, going on to collaborate with dozens of national home decor brands to produce editorial partnerships.
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May 2016
Kevin is the youngest participant to be invited to be a featured designer in the One Room Challenge, with his bold primary bedroom design published on House Beautiful.
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June 2018
As a sophomore at Cornell University, Kevin launches his inaugural product collection: the Labyrinth Collection rugs, inspired by the myth and meditation of mazes from around the world.
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2021
By 2021, Kevin's work has been featured by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Atlanta Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Ballard Designs, Better Homes & Gardens, Design*Sponge, Domino, Dwell Magazine, HGTV.com, House Beautiful, Real Simple, and more.
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October 2021
Kevin consolidates his brand under Kevin Francis Design with the successful sale of Thou Swell to a media company. The Francis Files blog launches under KFD, a new home for Kevin's original blog posts.
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August 2022
House Beautiful publishes a dedicated home tour of Kevin's Atlanta apartment, featuring his newly-launched Iconium Collection hand-knotted rug designs.
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July 2024
Homeworthy publishes Kevin's Midtown Atlanta home tour, featuring his signature mix of new and old and his newly-launched Panthera leopard rug design.
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