Fibre art is more than just decoration—it transforms spaces, adding warmth, texture, and a sense of calm that can turn even the most sterile environments into something meaningful. Recently, I had the chance to design one of my largest custom fibre art installations for a high-end hotel’s pre-lobby near an airport. Although the project didn’t go ahead as planned, it left me with a deeper understanding of how powerful fibre art can be—and how, sometimes, the greatest challenges lead to even greater clarity and determination.
Let me take you behind the scenes of this project and share why I’m so passionate about creating custom fibre art that not only looks stunning but also serves a purpose in every space it inhabits.
The Vision: Custom Fibre Art Brings Warmth to Sterile Spaces
This project was particularly close to my heart. The hotel pre-lobby was where tired travellers, fresh off long-haul flights, would pass through—a space meant to welcome and comfort them. Yet it was the opposite: sterile and cold, functional but far from inviting.
The designer had a vision that I instantly connected with—to bring warmth, texture, and serenity into this space. The centrepiece would be a custom fibre art installation, stretching 9 metres across a curved wall. We chose earthy tones—rich browns, soft beiges, and muted greens—to evoke the natural world and soften the harshness of the space. I could picture it clearly: guests arriving, immediately feeling a sense of calm and comfort as they walked past the art.
Designing Large-Scale Fibre Art for High-End Interiors
Creating something for a space of this size was thrilling but also challenging. The design we landed on was a triptych—three separate fibre art pieces that could either stand alone or come together as one cohesive installation. This gave the flexibility needed for the hotel’s changing design over time.
I worked with natural fibres—cotton, wool, and linen—layering them to create texture and depth that would invite people to engage with the piece, both visually and emotionally. The idea was to create something that felt organic and alive, like a landscape you could lose yourself in. And beyond the aesthetics, there was a practical benefit too—fibre art naturally absorbs sound, so it would help create a quieter, more serene environment for guests.
Balancing Creativity and Practicality in Custom Fibre Art Installations
However, large-scale projects often present practical challenges. The pre-lobby also served as a buffet area, and the hotel’s management raised concerns about the fibre art’s durability in such a space. Questions about food spills and curious children pulling at the fibres arose.
Despite developing solutions like securely mounting the artwork and avoiding low-hanging elements, the decision was made not to move forward. It was disappointing. But every challenge brings growth, and this project reminded me that while the creative vision is important, practicality must also be woven into every piece.
Why Custom Fibre Art Is Ideal for Sustainable, High-End Interiors
Though this particular project didn’t come to life, it reinforced my belief in the power of custom fibre art to transform high-end interiors. Here’s why:
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Depth and Texture: Fibre art brings a unique depth and texture that instantly changes the feel of a space. Whether it’s a hotel, a home, or an office, fibre art adds a tactile quality that’s impossible to replicate with other materials.
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Sustainability: I work with natural fibres like cotton, wool, and linen, which not only look beautiful but are sustainable choices. Custom fibre art allows you to incorporate sustainable elements into a space without compromising on design.
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Acoustic Benefits: One of the lesser-known benefits of fibre art is its ability to absorb sound. In large, open spaces, this can make a world of difference—helping to create a calm, serene atmosphere.
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Personalised, Unique Design: Each piece I create is custom-made, designed to fit the specific needs and vision of the space it will live in. I collaborate closely with designers to ensure that every fibre installation complements the overall aesthetic while solving practical challenges like noise or cohesion in open-plan areas.
Ready to Collaborate on Custom Fibre Art?
Though this particular hotel project didn’t unfold as planned, it’s left me more inspired than ever. If you’re looking to create something unique—whether for your home, a commercial project, or a hospitality space—I’d love to hear your ideas.
Let’s collaborate to create fibre art that brings warmth, texture, and calm to your space. Check out my portfolio, or if you’re ready to discuss your next project, book a consultation. I’m excited to see what we can create together.
About the Artist:
Kasia is the founder and artist behind Knotted by Hand, a contemporary fibre art studio specializing in custom, large-scale textile installations for high-end interiors. Her work transcends traditional fibre art, bringing a sophisticated, architectural approach to each project. With a focus on sustainability, Kasia uses natural materials like cotton, wool, and linen to craft pieces that add warmth, texture, and a calming presence to spaces. She collaborates closely with interior designers and clients to create installations that are not only visually stunning but also solve practical design challenges, such as acoustic control and creating focal points in large, open-plan areas. Based in Australia, Kasia is passionate about using fibre art to transform both commercial and residential spaces into serene, inviting environments.
