From Newsprint to Nomadic
Rugs with a Story at OQS Media
Project overview
A newly renovated space just moments from Westminster Abbey, the Old Queen Street offices of OQS Media offer a tasteful nod to British eccentricity with a contemporary editorial flair. So when it came to furnishing the space with rugs and textiles, the brief called for pieces that were full of texture, history, and quiet confidence—pieces that felt collected rather than curated.
We arrived, quite literally, with a van full of possibilities—a trove of vintage and antique rugs, runners, and cushions sourced from across the Middle East and Central Asia. After spending time with the OQS team, a selection was made that perfectly echoed the tone of the interior: sophisticated but warm, eclectic yet grounded.
At the heart of the space lies a bold modular mustard corduroy sofa, immediately commanding attention. To ground the colour and give rhythm to the setting, a contemporary handwoven striped contemporary kilim was selected in bands of blue and sandy ivory. The effect is immediate—cooling and balancing, yet unmistakably vibrant. The stripes echo the order and informality of a library rug in an old-school British dining club, but with a modern refresh. Its flatweave structure is practical for daily use, yet the slight irregularity in the dye work and weave adds that all-important human touch.
In the corridor, where the gallery wall is adorned with war-era pop-art and royal satire, an Antique Kurdish runner was chosen to stand its ground. Its deep navy base and row of angular lozenges bring a structured geometry that contrasts beautifully with the artwork's whimsical flair. The border, rich in terracotta and ivory, subtly frames the space without competing for attention. As with many antique Kurdish pieces, this runner has a slight abrash—those beautiful, naturally occurring shifts in colour that remind you of its handwoven origins.
To soften the seating and add depth to the sofa, we layered in a sprinkling of Anatolian kilim cushions, each handmade and one-of-a-kind. These plush pieces—woven in earthy reds, saffron tones, charcoal, and soft tobacco—complement the palette of the corduroy and bring a rich tactility to the room. Each cushion is made from vintage kilims, carefully backed in cotton or linen and finished by hand. They’re an effortless way to introduce history and soul into even the most modern of office spaces.
The result is a space that doesn’t scream for attention, but instead whispers with charm and layered detail. There’s a quiet sophistication to OQS Media’s new home—the kind you can only achieve by blending tactile modern design with handcrafted pieces steeped in story.
At London House Rugs, we pride ourselves on bringing these kinds of pieces into play—vintage with vibrancy, antique with a sense of relevance, and bespoke where needed. Whether you’re fitting out a media office, hotel lobby, or residential hideaway, we’ll help you find the right rug to bring the whole picture into focus. Get in touch with our team to find out more.
