kymo hand-weaves banana-silk carpets inspired by melting point of metals

kymo’s new handwoven, high-gloss-banana-silk carpet collection channels the shimmering optics of metal, animating floors in exclusive living spaces.

the new collection from karlsruhe-based carpet label kymo is inspired by the melting point of heated precious metals

denis türker actually never planned to follow in his parents’ footsteps and devote his life to the carpet trade, his early enthusiasm being directed more towards the entertainment industry. in his hometown of karlsruhe, he was involved in a collective that organized parties in offbeat locations. they recruited big-name DJs and made the city’s club scene known far beyond its borders. then things went in a different direction.

for many years, türker’s parents had been importing classical oriental carpets to germany, and one day they asked him and a few student friends to design their own carpet. the resulting design still needed a brand name and the idea for kymo was born. more than 15 years ago now, this idea became a company for contemporary handmade carpets.

melting point comes in numerous sizes as well as six colors. pictured here: Li3 for lithium

several designs and millions of meters of woven yarn later, kymo is debuting its melting point carpet in spring 2021. the design was conceived by the company’s in-house creative team, consisting of eva langhans and katharina tannous. ‘the texture is inspired by liquid metal,’ explains tannous. she studied product design and applied arts, but was originally a goldsmith, which is where she gets her passion and expert knowledge of the precious metals gold, silver and copper.

at extremely high temperatures, these first start to glow and then become liquid, before flowing into the given form, where the metals harden and cool in a water bath with a loud hiss. what sounds like music to the ears of a high-precision blacksmith occurs just after the moment that’s captured in the carpet design: the melting point at which the metal creates an elegant reflection.

whether industrial context, stately interiors or contemporary offices, carpets made of fine banana silk set exciting accents with a noble sheen. pictured here: Cu29 for copper

this shimmering surface is recreated and brought to life with high-gloss banana silk. the renewable pile material has the visual appearance of real silk, but it is vegan. and because banana silk is processed as a continuous strand of yarn, it emits almost no lint. the velvety-soft carpets are handmade by indian artisans.

‘we have a long-standing relationship with our partners in india through regular on-site visits,’ reports tannous. the advantage of this trusted cooperation is that even during the pandemic, when travelling is not possible, they can still successfully communicate and coordinate via video conferencing. kymo‘s requirements are known to the producers. conversely, the company is thoroughly familiar with the craftmanship potential of the local weavers.

the carpets are handmade from the continuous yarn of banana silk, which not only provides a particularly soft product, but also barely lints at all. pictured here: Au79 for gold

melting point is available in the six colors – au79 (gold), ag47 (silver), cu29 (copper), li3 (lithium), pb82 (lead) and k19 (potassium) – as well as in five standard sizes. in addition, the carpet can also be produced in custom sizes and shapes of up to four by six meters and in bespoke colors.

guest feature by markus hieke / architonic