Since its founding in 2016 by Oleh Lukaniuk and Daryna Furmaniuk, Ukrainian brand GUSHKA has been making handwoven carpets and rugs, tapestries and traditional Lizhnyks – a somewhat catchall word to describe the woolen throws that also serve as bed covers, picnic blankets, carpets or a shawl. Located in the pastures of the Carpathians mountains, the studio aims to preserve heritage through craftsmanship led by third-generation weaver Lyubov Rybenchuk. 

Each unique design in GUSHKA’s portfolio of offerings embraces the simplicity of everyday life and a genuine love for nature. Combining different weaving techniques, the rugs are made from wool derived from local free-grazing sheep (with cute little icons on the website indicating how many sheep contributed their wool to each rug) and are equal parts smooth and super-fluffy. With the Lis collection, the different textures are meant to convey the elements found in forests, from well-walked dirt pathways and moss-covered stones to dry grasses and beds of pine needles; and the Morning Forest rugs translates the feeling of wandering into a forest clearing in the morning into a tactile indoor experience. All the rugs share an aim to reconnect people to nature through touch.

The Lizhnyks, meanwhile, represent comfort and can be tossed on a bed or sofa, rolled out on the floor or wrapped around a person like a warm hug. A traditional garment of the indigenous Hutsuls, the GUSHKA workshop is one of only a few remaining that produce this significantly historical object.