Wendy Guns – Co-owner & Creative Director of Ashtari Carpets
Wendy Guns, co-owner of Ashtari Carpets, weaves a unique symphony of creativity and precision in the world of rug design. A graduate in graphic design from Ghent, her work is less about grand gestures and more about the intimate, tactile elements that transform materials into stories woven into the fibers.
With her half-Chinese heritage, Wendy brings the best of two worlds. "I am the second eldest of three daughters. My mother is Chinese, and my father Belgian, so I was raised by both cultures," she says, highlighting the cultural blend that subtly influences her designs.
Before entering the world of carpets, Wendy worked as a designer in the communication sector. It was only when she met Reza, with his deep passion for carpet-weaving, that her creative journey took a new turn. "Soon, his passion became our passion," she shares. Today, the two work together, inspiring one another with their shared love for the art of handmade carpets.
As the creative director of Ashtari Carpets, Wendy oversees each rug's journey, guiding every stage with thoughtful craftsmanship, from raw wool to the final masterpiece. Her dedication to quality and detail ensures that each piece is crafted with care and precision.
Wendy's true strength lies in her collaborative spirit. She thrives when working with artists, designers, and creators who share her passion for art and life. For Wendy, connection is at the heart of every creation—whether through the relationships she forms during collaboration or the emotional depth her designs bring into people’s homes and lives.
Her work is a love letter to the details, a celebration of the slow, intentional craft where every thread matters and every decision is deliberate. Wendy’s designs invite you to explore the beauty of artistry in its most intricate form.
Carpet Design Award in the category "Best Modern Design Deluxe"
Wendy Guns proudly wins the Carpet Design Award in the “Best Modern Design Deluxe” category with the stunning “Green Agate” rug. Ashtari Carpets is deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition. Every day, the team works passionately on their collections, always striving to be innovative and open-minded.
The "Green Agate" rug draws inspiration from nature, particularly the mesmerizing formation of agate stones. Wendy sought to capture movement in a flat object, mimicking the passage of time through the stone’s irregular yet harmonious bands. Formed over thousands of years in volcanic rock, the natural beauty of the stone reflects the fragility of human existence. Esoterically, green agate is believed to have grounding and calming properties, offering peace and emotional balance.
Innovative Materials & Craftsmanship
Ashtari developed the "Green Agate" rug series in three unique, organic shapes that can stand alone or be used together as an installation. The rugs are crafted from sustainable materials such as wool, bamboo, and allo (wild nettle) yarns, incorporating 27 custom color shades. Using Tibetan weaving techniques with a knot count of 100 per square inch, the rugs feature a subtle high-low effect, with embossed and carved sections adding depth and texture.
