In conversation with the Founders of Rug Porter

In a world where interiors are increasingly curated as reflections of personal identity, few understand the interplay between design and storytelling quite like Carla and Jahan, the duo behind Rug Porter. Born from a shared creative vision, a deep respect for heritage, and an appreciation for how spaces shape our lives, Rug Porter is both a continuation of family legacy and a bold, modern reinterpretation. We sat down with the pair to talk about their journey, from architecture and design to launching a rug brand rooted in craftsmanship, intention, and quiet luxury.

Let’s start at the beginning. Where did you grow up, what did you study (if at all) and what path — both professional and personal — brought you to where you are today? 

We come from very different places—Jahan grew up in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and Carla in Wagga Wagga, a regional town in NSW—but we’ve always shared a deep appreciation for design and how people live in their spaces. We met while studying—Jahan was completing a Master of Architecture and Carla a Bachelor of Interior Design, which she later complemented with studies in business management. From the early days of university through to our careers, we’ve naturally collaborated, constantly bouncing ideas off each other, creatively and professionally. That dynamic became a foundation for how we approach projects, our home life, and ultimately, how Rug Porter came to be.

Rug Porter is a true merging of our worlds. It combines our collaborative process and shared aesthetic with a personal connection to Jahan’s family history in the rug trade. The brand allows us to create something meaningful—drawing on architecture, interiors, and storytelling—all while staying grounded in quality, intention, and simplicity.

Rugs have been in your family for generations, but were you always interested in pursuing this path, when did it all fall into place that this was what you wanted to build your career around.

To be honest, growing up surrounded by traditional rugs, it wasn’t something I (Jahan) fully appreciated at the time. Like most teenagers or people in their early twenties, you don’t always see the beauty or opportunity in what’s right in front of you. The craftsmanship was always there, woven into my childhood, but it took time and experience for me to truly understand the value and meaning behind it.

Later in my career, as both of us leaned further into our creative paths, that pull to create something of our own grew stronger. We started to really reflect on my family’s lineage in the rug trade and realised how special it was. Having a daughter of our own brought even more clarity and motivation—it gave us the drive to build something with longevity, something we could grow together.

Rug Porter is a shift from the traditional roots of Persian rugs that my family worked with. It’s our interpretation—aligned with our own design sensibilities and the kind of pieces we love to live with: quality-driven, minimal in nature, and quietly refined. It’s a continuation of something generational, but also a new story that reflects who we are as individuals, as a couple, and now as a family.

A rug might not be the first thing we think about when decorating our spaces, but why should make a rug a priority? 

A rug has the power to completely anchor a space—it sets the tone, adds depth, and shifts the overall feeling of a room more than most people expect. A plush, soft rug can bring a real sense of warmth and comfort during the cooler months, while a lighter, organic jute underfoot instantly creates that fresh, open feeling we all crave in summer. Just like your choice of flooring makes a huge difference, so does the rug you layer on top.

What we love most is how rugs can evolve with you. They’re not static—they can grow with your home, move from room to room, or be swapped out with the seasons. In our own home (and maybe it's just the nature of our trade!), we’re always moving rugs around—trialling one in a bedroom, then shifting it to a living space. And even though this is what we do every day, we’re still surprised by how that one small change can completely transform how a space feels.

What are your tips on choosing the right size rug for your space - under a bed, in a living room. 

Our number one tip? If you’re deciding between two sizes—go bigger if you can. It might sound counterintuitive, especially in a smaller space, but a larger rug will actually make the room feel more spacious. It’s all about perception and scale—a rug that’s too small can visually chop up a room, while a generous one helps ground everything and brings cohesion.

Another tip we always suggest is to give yourself a few days to let the rug “settle in.” Especially if it’s a big change from what you had before, it can take a moment for your eye to adjust. Rugs have this way of slowly blending into a space until one day you look around and wonder how you ever lived without it.

And if you’re unsure about sizing, tape it out! Masking tape on the floor is such a simple but effective way to visualise the proportions. Of course, we’re always happy to help with personalised guidance—just reach out and we can talk you through what size will work best for your space.

For families with busy households - pets and young kids - what do you recommend for a rug that is both beautiful, functional and can withstand the elements, ie food, dog hair and dirt. 

When it comes to durability, wool is always our top recommendation. It’s naturally resilient, easy to clean, and has been trusted by designers in commercial spaces for years because of how well it wears. On top of that, being a natural fibre, it’s great for families—better for air quality, and often more suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Jute is another wonderful option—especially in high-traffic areas. It’s earthy, textural, and incredibly grounding. For spaces where you want that soft, plush underfoot feel—like a child’s bedroom or a cosy reading nook—viscose can be a lovely choice, adding a gentle, luxurious layer to the room.

Of course, no rug is entirely immune to life’s little messes, especially in a busy household. We always say to treat your rug like you would a prized clothing item—give it a little care and attention, and it will serve you well for years. We’re always happy to offer personalised guidance on care, maintenance, and the best fibre for your lifestyle.

Rugs can be a considerable investment in a space, how do you begin educating your customers about the craftsmanship that goes into making Rug Porter rugs? 

It’s such a great question, and one we’re constantly exploring. Like with clothing, two jumpers might look similar at first glance—but the difference lies in the material, how it’s constructed, and whether it’s made to last a season or a lifetime. Rugs are much the same. On the surface, it’s easy to focus on colour or pattern—but the real beauty comes from the fibre quality, the technique used, and the hands behind the making.

At Rug Porter, we put a lot of care into selecting pieces that are not only beautiful, but thoughtfully made—rugs that will age well, wear in (not out), and become part of the story of a home. We try to share that with our customers through honest conversations about materials, construction, and long-term care—but we also know there’s always more we can do.

As the brand grows, we’re really looking forward to bringing more transparency and storytelling into the process—collaborating with our makers, and showing the incredible skill and time that goes into each piece. We want our customers to feel that connection—because when you understand the craft, you value it so much more.

Who are your favourite interior designers to follow for inspiration? 

There are so many. Some of the studios we consistently admire are Bonemade, Madeleine Blanchfield, Handelsmann + Khaw, Simone Haag, and CM Studio. Their work always feels timeless, with a real sense of restraint and considered detail. You can usually tell when it’s one of their spaces—there’s a clear design language and intentionality that really resonates with us.

That said, if you looked at our "Saved" folder on Instagram, you’d find a real mix—an eclectic blend of inspiration that spans minimalism, mood, materiality and everything in between. Australia has such a high standard of design, and what excites us most is the number of incredibly talented, perhaps lesser-known designers who are doing meaningful and original work. At Rug Porter, we’re passionate about celebrating those voices and hope to highlight more of them through the brand.

How would you describe your personal style? 

Speaking for Carla—it’s very much in line with The Undone, which is exactly why this collaboration felt so intuitive. Timeless and classic, but always with an appreciation for elevated, unique pieces. There’s a simplicity to it, but it’s never flat—there’s always a layer of texture, mood, or something unexpected that gives it depth.

That same lens flows into everything we do at Rug Porter, and in our interiors and architectural work as well. We’re drawn to restraint, to spaces and objects that feel calm and enduring—but also to pieces that hold a story, or express a subtle point of view. Personal style, like good design, should feel effortless and lived-in. It should evolve with you, not overpower you. That balance of ease and elegance is something we’re always chasing—both in how we dress and how we design.

What are 5 of your favourite decor items in your home?

Our rugs, of course—they're the foundation of almost every room. Beyond that, we have a few pieces that really hold meaning for us. One is our Jardan sofa, which we've had for years—it's been through a lot of life with us and still looks and feels incredible. It’s a true testament to good design and longevity.

Another favourite is a pair of twisted timber armchairs we inherited from Jahan’s parents—beautifully crafted and full of character. We also have a large Indigenous artwork that has moved with us from home to home—it seems to work wherever we are and brings such richness and grounding to the space.

And then finally, the little pieces we’ve collected on our travels over the years—ceramics, textiles, trinkets. Those layered, personal details that carry memories and make a space feel truly lived in.

Where to from here? What’s next for Rug Porter? 

Such a good question—and one we’re always talking about. With a small team, we’re constantly considering how we can evolve intentionally, while staying true to the heart of the brand. We’re planning more pop-ups in Sydney, which have been such a great way to showcase the collection in person and connect with our community directly.

We’re also in the early stages of developing our own Rug Porter-designed collection—something that really captures our vision as creatives and reflects the spaces we love to design for. A trip to India is high on the list too—we’re looking forward to spending time with our suppliers, deepening those relationships and exploring new ideas together.

And lastly, we’re really excited to continue collaborating with local designers and creatives here in Australia. There’s so much talent around us, and we’d love Rug Porter to be a platform that supports and celebrates that design community.