Bauhaus and Amazigh: At the intersection of two worlds
Long before the 20th century, Amazigh rugs articulated what the Bauhaus – hailed as the most influential design school of the past century – would codify as a guiding principle: geometric abstraction, visual thinking rooted in symbolic motifs and a material-centered approach. The visual language of Moroccan weavings thus resonates closely with the textiles produced in the weaving workshops of the iconic school. This is what makes incorporating them into Bauhaus-inspired interiors so compelling: they are not merely decorative accents, but a convergence of two like-minded, timeless visual systems.
Saci's lving room with a dark blue HAY sofa and bold vintage Abra rug, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Transforming a modernist villa
Saci Hüttl’s apartment is situated on the first floor of an impressive modernist villa, designed by István Hamburger (later István Hámor) and inspired by the spirit of the Bauhaus. Originally built in 1932 for a single family, the building was divided over the decades into eight smaller and larger units. Saci’s apartment occupies 90 m² on the first floor, encompassing what were once the entrance hall, kitchen, dining room, and servant’s quarters.
During the research phase Saci came across an archival photograph with the original large window on the façade, which had been probably bricked up in the 1970s, before the building received heritage protection. Restoring this window became a key element of the new floor plan. Another important design consideration was bringing natural light into the otherwise dark hallway. This was achieved through an interior window installed between the bedroom and living room, positioned above the floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that spans from pillar to pillar.
During the renovation, Saci chose materials that reflect the Bauhaus spirit of simplicity and honesty, prioritizing local and sustainable sources whenever possible. Handcrafted cement tiles from OTTI Manufaktúra in Székesfehérvár were used alongside reclaimed cement tiles for the terrace, while the radiators were produced by Betatherm in Miskolc. The built-in cabinetry was made from Valchromat, a pigmented MDF alternative, resulting in surfaces that are both characteristic and understated.
The role of the rugs
The starting point for curating the rugs was the greenish-blue Valchromat kitchen cabinetry designed by Saci. We paired it with a vintage Azilal rug from the 1980s, whose grid-like pattern echoes the cabinetry’s colour, enriched by red and black accents. Its patinated, slightly felted texture creates an engaging counterpoint to the kitchen’s clean, restrained lines.
Next to the display cabinet, we placed a smaller Hanbel rug adorned with patch-like, colourful shapes. Its woven structure and natural colour palette subtly reflect the form and character of the custom-made furniture.
In the living room, we experimented with several contrasting, boldly coloured vintage rugs alongside the dark blue HAY sofa. The speckled piece, with its green, red, cream, black and yellow palette, complements not only the sofa but also Saci’s custom walnut stools, while dynamically energising the atmosphere of the room.
Greenish-blue Valchromat kitchen cabinetry, colourful glass collection and a vintage Azilal, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Kitchen and rug colour match, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
The greenish-blue Valchromat kitchen cabinet was designed by Saci herself, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Brown Valchromat display cabinet paired with a modern Hanbel rug, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Dark blue HAY sofa and contrasting, specled vintage Abra rug, Photo Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Saci’s custom walnut stools set against a vintage rug background, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Coloured light, Bauhaus shelves and an Azilal rug with orange motifs, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Bauhaus shelves and cream-orange Azilal close-up, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Coloured light filters into the space through the interior window, inspiring the choice of an Azilal rug with orange linear motifs that creates a striking contrast with the Bauhaus bookshelf.
In the bedroom, a natural-toned confetti rug and matching poufs were added, harmonising with the light textiles and accessories, including the Bit stool by Normann Copenhagen.
The children’s room is the realm of Saci’s young son, Misa. Here, the greenish-blue shade plays a central role once again, appearing on both the walls and the small pieces of furniture. To highlight it, we selected a mint-coloured checkered rug that brings playfulness to the space while adding textural depth, its grid pattern subtly echoing the visual language of the Bauhaus.
Polka dot rug, pouf and Bit stool in the living room, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Misa's room with a mint checkered rug, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Saci designs not only spaces but also objects, with a particular fondness for small chairs and stools, which she has been collecting and crafting for years. Her long-developed designs, inspired by a three-legged rural stool from her grandfather’s legacy, were photographed on a plush, royal blue Beni Mrirt rug. The rug comes from the workshop of one of our cherished partners, whose founder, Mahjouba, was previously featured in one of our interviews.
Saci's stool collection against a blue Mrirt backdrop, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
Blue light, blue rug, Photo: Andi Gáldi Vinkó
The versatility of Amazigh rugs lies in the fact that they are not bound to a single style. Their abstract patterns, expressive materiality, and timeless colour palettes allow them to work effortlessly in a wide range of interiors. As the images reveal, they feel especially at home in Bauhaus-inspired spaces, where they naturally align with the same core principles: material honesty, geometric order, and simplicity.
Some of the rugs featured in this post are available in our shop - check them out. If you are drawn to our weavings but still hesitant, start small or take one home on trial. It is through such experimentation that the most exciting, personal, and authentic interiors are born.
Edited by Lilla Gollob (Edit Co-Founder)