Sitting quietly amongst the colourful stripes of our Venetian Collection is Sgraffito. A new structure where refined twists meet calming colour, this dynamic design reveals a weave where natural textures and a tonal palette work together to form a truly understated and original addition to the Roger Oates collection.

Translated as ‘scratched’ in Italian and inspired by this artistic pottery technique, Sgraffito plays with a natural and organic finish that adds depth and quiet character to a space. The perfect addition for any interior style, read on to find out why Sgraffito could be the perfect addition to your home.

Textural Design

For those who find the look of natural flooring appealing, but want to invest in flatweave for a more comfortable and durable alternative, Sgraffito is a considered option that balances a natural, relaxed texture alongside the added benefits of wool. Designed to be timeless rather than trend-led, the design leans into its dynamic and laid-back texture, revealing itself over time and effortlessly settling into a space like it has always belonged. Whilst it does echo the organic allure of natural fibre flooring, Sgraffito offers the noticeably softer feel of wool underfoot, while being better suited to everyday living and consistent use. 

With its gentle, rhythmic pattern, Sgraffito’s six tonal colourways highlight contrasting colours that are entwined into the organic weave, framed by a refined border creating a delicate and subtle contrast. Thoughtfully developed as a more understated addition to the Venetian Collection, each colourway reveals in itself a deep complexity – harbouring their own unique and multifaceted response to light, placement and setting. A design celebrating discreet pattern and tonal variation, it merges effortlessly amongst both contemporary and more traditional interiors, offering a practical, long-lasting solution without needing to compromise on warmth, upkeep or design. 

Natural Flooring vs Wool Flatweave

We’re often asked whether wool or a natural fibre carpet, such as sisal, is the better option for the home. There are many positives to both materials, but when delving deeper, wool’s complex DNA far outlasts and outperforms other flooring alternatives. 

Whilst Sisal is an interesting material with a versatility that works in many interior styles, there are a number of factors why we believe wool is the intelligent choice over Sisal and other natural fibre-flooring. Firstly, Sisal will have a much harder sensation underfoot compared to the softness of wool. It also requires regular maintenance, being more prone to staining and wear, meaning it doesn’t always stand the test of time. Wool, on the other hand, is soft, flexible, and naturally stain resistant, meaning the longevity of a wool runner or wall-to-wall installation can be decades, rather than years. Its suitability for high traffic areas such as stairs and landings is unmatched, with the added benefit of absorbing the sound of loud footsteps, whilst being incredibly soft and comfortable to walk on.

Colourways and Styling

Impactful interiors don’t always have to rely on a bold pattern. Often, its texture used as a quiet statement that brings depth and interest without overwhelming a space. For those drawn to something more nuanced and refined than a stripe, Sgraffito offers a versatile and elegant alternative. With a subtle herringbone border created to elegantly frame the body of the design, it works just as well as a stair runner as it does a bespoke rug or fully fitted, wall-to-wall flooring. 

In larger, open spaces, its textural weave provides a gentle balance, perfect for grounding architectural features or sitting at ease amongst statement furniture and bold artwork. In contrast, for homes where space is limited, the quiet pattern can confidently unite a scheme, bringing cohesion to hallways and transitional areas. Where wooden flooring and other natural materials are used, Sgraffito introduces a softening contrast, pulling a room together with ease, yet echoing the organic textures that surround it.