When interior design creator Greg Penn — known to his followers as Man with a Hammer — set out to complete the party room of his remarkable 30-room former naval residence, he envisioned a rug that would be as distinctive and characterful as the space itself. Designer Anna Hayman discovered the perfect inspiration: an ornate motif on the cover of a Victorian book, rich in symbolism and beautifully aligned with the room’s architecture. Greg loved the idea and turned to Axminster Carpets to bring this piece of historic design into the 21st century.
Our world-renowned Axminster design team began the meticulous process of translating the intricate artwork into a weave-ready pattern. Every curve, flourish and fine detail was carefully studied and reinterpreted to ensure the design would retain its richness once woven. As part of our bespoke service, we produced a kibby sample — a precise physical swatch of the final carpet construction — allowing Greg to assess colour, clarity and texture in real wool. He was astonished by our ability to replicate such detailed Victorian ornamentation and by the craftsmanship behind every stage of the process.
Throughout the project, Greg was kept closely involved, receiving updates, photos and videos showing the yarn being loaded and the design taking shape on the looms. The final result — a 5-metre bespoke rug crafted from British wool — transformed his party room, grounding the space with warmth, personality and a sense of historical elegance.
Its impact didn’t go unnoticed. The room has since been featured widely across the media, including The Times Home and Wildflower magazine, where it appeared on the front cover with the Axminster rug proudly taking centre stage. These features highlighted not only Greg’s remarkable restoration work, but also the artistry and craft woven into every bespoke Axminster piece.
This project perfectly exemplifies Axminster Carpets’ ability to deliver fully bespoke, sustainably made designs for spaces of any scale, from private homes to historic buildings and commercial interiors. Crafted from British wool and made to last for generations, our carpets continue to be trusted wherever exceptional craftsmanship meets extraordinary design.
