Page 6 - Decor and Lifestyle Issue 2 2025

idden in the hills above
Nottingham Road in KwaZulu-
HNatal, the Shuttleworth Weaving
team quietly goes about creating
exceptional throws, rugs, and carpets
surrounded by mist-belt trees and
whispering grasslands.

Rob and Julia Shuttleworth lead the
internationally renowned business that
Midlands Meander founding members
Helen and Andy Shuttleworth started
in the late 1970s. The pair oversee
the entire creative process, from
selecting the wool, spinning, dyeing,
designing, and weaving. Staff drawn
from the surrounding community make
a decent and satisfying living in a rural
setting through original and beautiful
handwork.

Rob explains, “Our intention is to
preserve traditional craftsmanship,
boost community livelihoods, and
create quality products. By purchasing
one of our products, you are not only
adding something incredibly special to
your home but making a statement that
values human skill, ingenuity, and craft.”

Julia expresses her delight that 2026
décor trends are shifting firmly towards
natural colours, materials, and textures.
The global movement is towards
creating restorative spaces that
enhance human well-being, recognizing
the value of integrating nature into
the built environment. “I draw much
inspiration from the landscape around
us – moss, lichens, and turkey tail At Shuttleworth Weaving, luxurious, light,
mushrooms. I particularly love the warm, and breathable mohair blankets
orange swirls in rocks when they crack with a boucle or hand-brushed finish
open, the rich greens of the forest that are tie-dyed or dip-dyed in a variety of
change with the seasons.” long-lasting, once-off colours. They also
weave hand-spun, textured pieces that
Biophilic is the current buzzword in have a little more weight but add lustrous
design spaces. Literally translated as texture and vibrant colour to a room, often
the “love of life,” the concept embraces becoming a treasured family heirloom.
the idea that stepping out of bed onto
natural fibre is an excellent way to start Locally sourced wool is hand-dyed and
your day, or wrapping a breathable rug woven to create rugs that elegantly tie
around your children while reading a elements of a room together. Choose
bedtime story might ensure better rest bold designs, gentle striations, or calming
— everyday acts that become fulfilling, neutrals from the large selection in store
sensory experiences and strengthen — from small bedside rugs to grand
connections to the Earth. 4m x 5m living room carpets.

4 | DÉCOR & LIFESTYLE Issue 2 2025