Bringing Berlin’s Creativity to Handmade Carpets

Germany’s capital Berlin is one of the world’s most exciting cultural metropolises and a vibrant hub for creativity. Jana Hesse takes us on a city tour to show us how its cultural diversity emerges in the handmade carpet scene—and how local STEP-certified brands are prioritizing sustainability and fair trade.

It’s a cold, gray winter’s day in Berlin. As I make my way through the city, I pass by Potsdamer Platz, where people are protesting the cuts to cultural funding. In a place known for its cultural diversity and creative energy, it becomes clear just how much art shapes Berlin’s identity—and how equally essential it is for many to preserve it.

This vibrancy is reflected in the work of the six STEP partners in Berlin, whose locations span neighborhoods like Kreuzberg to Charlottenburg. Reuber Henning, Wild Heart Free Soul, Nyhues, Jan Kath, Lyk Carpet and Kiran Kelim could hardly be more diverse in their products, ranging from contemporary designer rugs to antique kilims and hand-knotted textile room objects. Whether traditional Anatolian kilims, urban designer rugs, or modern interpretations of classic craftsmanship, the STEP partners set standards in the German capital for conscious consumption and high-quality handmade products. What I came to learn during my time with them is that they’ve created a platform for not only enhancing living spaces, but also advocating for values such as craftsmanship, fairness, and cultural exchange. These values make them an indispensable part of STEP’s work and make a decisive contribution to the mission of promoting fair and ecological conditions in the carpet industry.

Playing with the Uncontrolled: The Carpets by Reuber Henning

The Berlin label Reuber Henning, run by Franziska Reuber and Birgit Krah, combines cultural influences, historical inspirations and emotional depth with creative lightness. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern ideas results in unique rugs with a narrative character. With a special focus on high-quality materials and perfect craftsmanship, Reuber Henning creates durable pieces that combine timeless elegance with playful unpredictability.

“Chance, the uncontrolled, is something we love. Our four-minute collection is an example of this: we relinquish control by scribbling quickly. We could even draw with our left hand – anything that takes us away from the final idea fascinates us.”

Franziska Reuber, Reuber Henning
The 4-minute collection was designed by Birgit Krah.

Reuber Henning carpets are produced in close cooperation with manufacturers in Nepal and India. The duo regularly travels to the production countries to gain a better understanding of the traditional knotting craft and to deepen their collaboration with the manufacturers. This approach ensures that each piece not only meets the highest standards of craftsmanship but also has a special connection to the history of its creation.

Reuber Henning creates carpets that go beyond their mere function. Durable, individual design pieces that impress with their meticulous attention to detail and unique design. For the Berlin label, rugs are much more than just decorative utilitarian objects—they are companions that fill rooms with personality and create atmosphere.

Objects that Tell Stories: Mareike Lienau’s Lyk Carpet

Mareike Lienau’s studio is located in the heart of Berlin-Kreuzberg, not far from the lively Hermannplatz. This is where the unique hand-knotted carpets and objects from her label Lyk Carpet are created, combining design and the diversity of hand-knotting in a unique way. At the end of November, she celebrated her 15th anniversary in Berlin, where she presented exclusive new designs that were also shown at the Maison & Objet in Paris in January.

Mareike Lienau, a designer and graduate of the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK) in the Product and Process Design department, discovered her fascination with hand-knotted carpets through the works of the Bauhaus movement, which she learned about from her grandparents. The works of the Bauhaus women, which offered a new perspective on textile art, deeply inspired her. The question of where and how these carpets are still woven today eventually led her to Nepal, where she found a manufacturer that she still works closely today. “Over the years, we have developed our own language,” says Mareike about this long-standing partnership, which she explains, has had a decisive influence on her work.

“For me, every object is a point of contact. It should invite people to look at it, touch it and engage with its history.”

Mareike Lienau, Lyk Carpet

A central component of her work is the collaboration with STEP. Mareike emphasizes, “This collaboration guarantees that each piece is not only a unique creation, but also rooted in ethical production and environmental responsibility.” Her designs are created in dialogue with the customers and the spaces for which they are intended. This results in so-called bespoke objects—unique pieces that go far beyond pure aesthetics.

For Mareike, Berlin is not only a creative opportunity, but also a multicultural one: “You don’t just meet people like yourself, but are confronted with a wide variety of cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives on a daily basis. The city is not made up of homogeneous groups—it thrives on a constant fusion of cultures that stimulates, enriches, and keeps people awake.” This exchange shapes her work and is reflected in her designs, which strike a balance between tradition and contemporary design.

“You don’t just meet people like yourself, but are confronted with a wide variety of cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives on a daily basis. The city is not made up of homogeneous groups – it thrives on a constant fusion of cultures that stimulates, enriches, and keeps people awake.”

Mareike Lienau, Lyk Carpet

Through Lyk Carpet, Mareike has built a platform that reimagines the intersection of craftsmanship and design, creating something entirely fresh. Her work not only tells individual stories but also preserves the original spirit of hand-knotted carpets and wall hangings—pieces once created to pass down family stories across generations, conveyed through symbols, colors, and artistic techniques. Mareike skillfully reinterprets this tradition for today, forming a deeply rooted and considered connection to the present.

Four Decades of Kilim Art and Devotion: Orhan and Janette Kiranoglu of Kiran Kilim & Carpet Art

On the second floor of Living Berlin—formerly a concept and design store called Stilwerk—Orhan Kiranoglu welcomes his customers to a newly designed showroom. After more than 40 years in the carpet industry and many successful years in the 200-square-meter store, Orhan and his wife Janette, who handles marketing and consulting, opted for a smaller space. “We wanted more peace and quiet and time for ourselves,” says Orhan. The couple now spends more time outside Berlin in the countryside; yet, a showroom remains indispensable. “The direct experience of the carpets, seeing and feeling them, is still very important for many customers in an age of digital retail,” explains Orhan.

“Sometimes, I felt like I was living in exile with my carpets here in Berlin, surrounded by all this beige and gray.”

Orhan Kiranoglu, Kiran Kelim & Carpet Art

Since 1977, Kiran Kelim & Teppich Kunst has been known for exclusive kilims, rugs, and runners, which are selected with great care and manufactured primarily in Anatolia and Persia. The range extends from antique masterpieces to contemporary designs. “Our works combine past and present—that’s our claim,” explains Orhan. His oldest kilims are over 170 years old, but more recent works also captivate with their exceptional quality.

During my visit, he proudly showed off a design drawing from the 1980s that he made himself as well as the carpet that was created from it. After rolling up several carpets stacked on top of each other, he pulls out the piece. “Geometric patterns must be organic … therein lies perfection,” he explains as he points out the intricate details of the design.

“Geometric patterns must be organic … therein lies perfection.”

Orhan Kiranoglu, Kiran Kelim & Carpet Art

Kiran Kelim’s colorful, expressive carpets often stand in sharp contrast to the prevailing minimalist trend favoring neutral, subdued interiors. Orhan laughs, recalling:”Sometimes I felt like I was living in exile with my carpets here in Berlin, surrounded by all this beige and gray.” What sets Kiran Kilim apart is the interplay of tradition and innovation in each rug. Far more than decorative pieces, their designs are rich with cultural narratives, reflecting both ancient artistry and a current feel.

An Anatolian Temple in Gray Berlin: Beyza Nur Özler of Wild Heart Free Soul

In the area Prenzlauer Berg, on Kastanienallee, the store Wild Heart Free Soul shines like a temple of color against the wintry Berlin backdrop. Founder Beyza Nur Özler has created a place where the artisan tradition of Anatolia merges with her own modern vision. “I have created my own temple of color. I couldn’t care less if it’s raining or gray outside,” she says with a warm smile. “Every kilim I sell has been on a journey.”. From being cleaned in the sun of Antalya to restoration in Istanbul and final curation, every step is carefully monitored to ensure the longevity and beauty of the pieces.

“I have created my own color temple. I couldn’t care less if it’s raining or gray outside.”

Beyza Nur Özler, Wild Heart Free Soul

In addition to traditional kilims, Beyza also offers a selection of handmade rugs and cushions created from antique or vintage pieces. Pieces that can no longer be used in their entirety are restored or transformed into new objects. Additionally, Wild Heart Free Soul also offers Tülü and Filikli rugs, renowned for their soft, fluffy textures and unique appeal.

Beyza not only has a deep passion for carpets, but also for the people who make them. “For me, the weavers are the true stars. They should always have been the ones recognized in the world of handmade rugs,” she says emphatically. Her goal is to create direct pathways to work closely with the weavers and makers of handmade rugs, not only to preserve the tradition of the craft but also to protect and promote it.

“For me, the weavers are the stars. They should always have been the ones recognized in the world of handmade carpets.”

Beyza Nur Özler, Wild Heart Free Soul

The idea for Wild Heart Free Soul was born over 10 years ago in the mountains of Turkïye. Beyza moved to a remote hut in Kaş, where she lived for two years and studied traditional kilims intensively. During this time, she developed a retreat that combined yoga, Anatolian breakfast and cultural exchange with the region. Surrounded by kilims, she found her inspiration here and gave her project the name Wild Heart Free Soul.

Wild Heart Free Soul is more than just a store—it’s a place for encounters and cultural exchange. Among other things, the Prenzlauer store provided the space for the exhibition “Women Behind the Weave”, a collaboration between Kirkit Rugs and the renowned British label Christopher Farr (both also Label STEP partners). The exhibition highlighted the stories and works of Anatolian weavers, sparking new connections and conversations. One visitor, a weaving engineer, was so inspired that she later inquired about setting up a loom in the store to work there regularly. This project has not only reignited enthusiasm for the craft but also created a vibrant space for exchange and new encounters.

“I love the diversity of people here. From a family in Prenzlauer Berg to a lawyer in Potsdam, I visit so many different homes and see how kilims enrich each space in their own unique way.”

Beyza Nur Özler, Wild Heart Free Soul

For Beyza, Berlin is a place of openness that has enabled her to realize her vision. “I love the diversity of people here. From a family in Prenzlauer Berg to a lawyer in Potsdam, I visit so many different homes and see how kilims enrich each space in their own unique way,” she says. This exchange transforms her store into a vibrant hub, where the focus goes far beyond sales, elevating the history of Anatolian craftsmanship to new heights.

A Place for Sophisticated Contemporary Carpets: NYHUES Berlin

In the Living Berlin complex, the Nyhues store has been combining traditional carpet art with modern design for almost 40 years. André, along with his co-owner Nicole Nyhues, warmly welcomes me, along with another employee, to the minimalist and thoughtfully designed Nyhues store. Nyhues features a carefully selected range of six labels, half of which are also STEP partners: M2 Rugs, Jan Kath, and Reuber Henning. The rugs on offer here are made from high-quality materials such as virgin sheep’s wool, silk and plant fibers such as nettle or cactus—materials that impress with their durability and simple elegance. With a carefully compiled selection, Nyhues focuses on products that are both durable and contemporary..

Nyhues runs both the Nyhues store in Living Berlin and the Jan Kath store. The Nyhues team works closely between the two stores and allows customers to switch between the stores depending on their interests and needs. The two stores are only a few minutes apart, so customers are often encouraged to visit the other location if desired.

In the Middle of the Ku’damm: The Jan Kath Store

The Jan Kath store, which opened in October 2024, is centrally located on the lively shopping street Kurfürstendamm and presents an impressive collection of Jan Kath’s stylish works. As soon as you enter the store, the “Daydreamer” daybed attracts attention. Made from rugs from the Erased Heritage collection, it is inspired by Sigmund Freud’s famous couch and traditional pieces of furniture from Irish and Indian manor houses. “’The Daydreamer’ is a real eye-catcher that invites many passers-by to come closer,” says Nyhues.

Another highlight in the store is the loom, which stands in the middle of the room with vibrant colors and a carpet that has just been started. Here, customers can experience first-hand how carpets are knotted. Rugs were knotted live at the opening to give visitors an understanding of the craft.

“Jan Kath has not only redefined industry standards with his extraordinary carpet designs but has also left a lasting mark on the scene. By elevating the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, his work has inspired many of his competitors to rethink their own benchmarks.”

Nicole & André Nyhues

When it comes to the importance of the production and origin of the carpets, Nicole Nyhues explains that demand has changed over the years: “Fair production and the fair trade seal, which were not a matter of course in the past, are now important standards for many people and are often taken for granted. This is precisely why it is the responsibility of retailers to continue actively highlighting this issue and provide customers with clear, understandable information.”

“Fair production and the fair trade seal, which were not a matter of course in the past, are now an important standard for many people and are often taken for granted. This is precisely why it is the responsibility of retailers to continue to actively highlight this issue and provide customers with clear, comprehensible information.”

Nicole Nyhues

STEP in Berlin: Partnerships that Work Hand in Hand

Berlin, with its creative diversity, is one of many locations worldwide where leading carpet suppliers rely on Label STEP for a credible and effective fair trade and sustainability strategy. These partnerships highlight how fair working conditions and sustainable production practices are transforming the handmade rug industry. It’s inspiring to see how these varied approaches shape both the local scene and the global industry, demonstrating that quality craftsmanship and conscious action can coexist and thrive. The work of these committed partners makes STEP’s values tangible and shows how integrity and excellence go hand in hand.