Introducing Eleanor
The First Rug by The Gratz Life x Paloma Home Interiors
There are certain pieces in a home that quietly shape everything around them.
For me, rugs have always been one of those foundational elements. They anchor a room, add warmth, and often set the tone before anything else even enters the space. So when I had the opportunity to collaborate with Lindsey, founder of Paloma Home Interiors, to design my very first rug, I knew this was not something I wanted to approach casually. I didn’t want to create a trend driven piece or something tied to a specific design moment. I wanted to create something that felt timeless from the very first glance.
Something that felt as though it had always existed.
The Inspiration Behind Eleanor
Much of my design philosophy is rooted in history.
I am constantly inspired by the interiors of centuries old European castles, English countryside estates, and homes that have been layered slowly over generations. Spaces that feel storied rather than styled. Rooms where textiles have softened with time and nothing feels overly precious or performative.
There is also, undeniably, a Ralph Lauren influence in my work. That balance of masculinity and refinement. The way a single textile can live comfortably in both a moody study lined with books and leather, or in a softer, more romantic sitting room.
With Eleanor, my goal was to create a rug that could exist in either world. A rug that could feel just as at home beneath a vintage desk in a Hemingway inspired office as it could in a light filled living room layered with antiques. Something that transcends both space and era. Feminine without being delicate. Bold without being loud. Collected rather than styled.
Heirloom quality without costing $15,000.
Why Eleanor?
Naming this rug felt just as important as designing it.
I kept returning to the name Eleanor because of what it represents historically. Eleanor Roosevelt was known for her quiet strength, intellect, and unwavering sense of purpose. She was not defined by trends or public opinion, but by longevity, resilience, and substance. Those are the same qualities I wanted this rug to embody. Timelessness over trend. Strength without harshness. Elegance without fragility.
The finished design felt grounded yet refined. Confident without demanding attention. The kind of piece that evolves alongside a home and feels just as right decades from now as it does today.
Each Eleanor rug is hand knotted from 100% wool using all natural vegetable dyes. Once woven, the rug is cleaned using a centuries old process that enhances both its depth of color and durability. It is then stretched and hand trimmed by skilled artisans to bring out the intricacy of the knot work. Every square inch is meticulously woven, and the more detailed the design, the higher the knot count required to achieve it. This level of craftsmanship is what allows hand knotted rugs to be lived with for years and ultimately passed down. This is not your seasonal Amazon rug!
From the beginning, my vision for Eleanor was simple. I wanted to create a rug that felt like it had always belonged in your home. Something antique inspired, thoughtfully made, and intended to move with you through generations. The kind of rug that adds character now and tells a story over time.
You can explore Eleanor and shop all available sizes here:
Shop Eleanor
