Rugs by Kaynid Turns Textiles into Wall Art

In a world increasingly driven by trends, one young student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology is quietly tufting his way into a niche of his own.

WORDS Palesa Mohola PHOTOS Supplied

Junior Charles Kubheka, the creative force behind Rugs by Kaynid, is reimagining the rug – not as a floor covering, but as a fluffy work of art for your wall.

The idea for Rugs by Kaynid was sparked at the iconic Cotton Fest, Johannesburg’s cultural melting pot of music, bold art, and street fashion, where young people go to showcase their unique styles. “It was a life-changing night,” recalls Charles. He wasted no time acting on his inspiration. With the birthday money he had saved, Charles bought a tufting gun, along with the materials to make his first rug… and the rest, as they say, is history.

These creations are not your typical floor rugs. Each piece is a one-off, tailored to the individual and infused with personality. Charles’ work often incorporates graffiti-style fonts, anime characters, logos, cartoons, and abstract compositions, all based on his clients’ identities. “I always try to incorporate their personality and styles I observe,” he says.

Charles adds a ‘signature’ to each rug in the form of a 3D texture effect, embedded within every piece, so that running your hands over the rug reveals groovy bumps. “Other rugmakers don’t do that,” he says proudly, referring to a small but growing community of rugmakers in South Africa. For him, it’s not just about being different; it’s about giving a new look and feel to the art of rug-making. “My rugs are wall pieces, collectables, and conversation starters,” he adds.

Balancing his studies with running a business, Charles is determined to stand out by ensuring his products are unique and carry a personal touch, with each design infused with emotion and individuality. “Every design is challenging because each one is unique,” he says. “I am not at the level I want to be at. That’s what I love about this business – it’s still underdeveloped in South Africa,” he adds.

And as for his long-term vision? Charles aims to build a rug-making factory where he can train aspiring rug artists and grow his business enough to become a major supplier – “to be the Nike of rugs,” as he puts it. Even as he plans these big moves, he remains committed to preserving the artistic essence of Rugs by Kaynid through special edition pieces and collaborations with other artists. That vision is already taking shape, as he is currently training two fellow students. rugsbykaynid.co.za | @kaynid.k

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.