Australian Carpet Maker Armadillo & Co Lands in L.A.

Catchy name, Armadillo. Turns out those Aussies know how to garner attention and do things right. The Australian-based carpet company has landed stateside with a Los Angeles showroom in where else but Beverly Hills. Partners Jodie Fried, who’s an L.A. transplant, and Sally Pattharst, who is not, chose a prime 2,000-square-foot stretch on Wilshire Boulevard to stake their claim. They did further research, commissioning Standard Architecture’s Jeffrey Allsbrook and Silvia Kuhle, well versed in cool, clean selling environments. The duo designed a stunning gallery-esque setting with exposed brick walls and 18-foot ceiling to show Armadillo’s wares, mostly neutrals, mostly wools.

Interestingly, Armadillo & Co spans the continents, having most of its rugs hand-made in India in small villages, at that. Thus, an artisanal quality characterizes  both products and process. Rugs are stocked in standard sizes and colorations, but the company works with designers for custom commissions. As for the former, products are warehoused in Torrance, California, for quick delivery.