In the heart of Turkey’s textile region, in Uşak — one of the most important centers of carpet and kilim culture — the knowledge, experience, and craftsmanship of a workshop that has been producing for 60 years met the imagination of two architects. The result is a unique brand woven from stories: The Keep. We spoke with the founders, Bilge Kalfa and Senem Akçay, about their brand’s journey, inspirations, and their approach to blending kilim artistry with contemporary design.
Desen Life: How did two architects end up entering the kilim business and creating a brand? Was it coincidence, flow, or a carefully structured plan?
Senem Akçay:
The creation of The Keep happened quite naturally. It wasn’t the result of long meetings or detailed business plans. I’ve always wanted to be involved in different areas of design and production. New and unfamiliar experiences excite me. When Bilge said, “I’m thinking of starting something like this, would you like to do it together?” I accepted without hesitation. My quick decision was largely due to knowing Bilge for years and trusting her completely. The planning, learning, and decision-making processes developed as we encountered challenges. In a sense, everything took shape intuitively — I can say the water found its way. Our confidence from years of running our own practice also made things easier. Uncertainty can be frightening for many, but we found it thrilling. I believe this mindset positively influenced The Keep’s birth.
Desen Life: What would you say is The Keep’s most distinctive feature?
Senem Akçay:
Our biggest strength lies in creating designs that stem from personal stories while reflecting the spirit of today. Over time, we realized how right this approach was. Whenever our designers created patterns inspired by their own narratives, those pieces always attracted attention. For example, Bilge Kalfa’s “Grandmother’s Garden” pattern was born from her childhood memories and became one of our most beloved kilims. Similarly, Vardal Caniş’s “Sunset at the Boathouse” was inspired by a deeply personal spatial experience. These genuine stories form the essence of our brand. Moreover, The Keep was founded as a women’s collaboration and continues to grow as one. To date, we have collaborated with nearly 40 women designers.
Desen Life: You work with many different designers, yet The Keep clearly has its own language and philosophy. How would you define it?
Senem Akçay:
Yes, we work with a wide range of designers, each with their own character and creative voice, yet what unites them is originality and authenticity. The Keep doesn’t follow any particular style or movement; it is a platform where artists freely express themselves. We never give strict briefs or directives. What connects the collections are their stories. So far, we’ve worked around abstract themes such as “Refrain,” “Reunion,” and “Summer Journey.” We only share these conceptual titles with designers and let them interpret freely. The essence of our brand is undoubtedly freedom and individuality.
Desen Life: A kilim is an object that never loses its timeless appeal. But yours feel almost like works of art. Was that a conscious decision?
Senem Akçay:
Absolutely. A kilim can dramatically transform a space. Our aim was exactly that — to elevate the kilim into an art piece. This is why we collaborate with illustrators, painters, and architects. We never produce with a “mainstream” or “safe” mindset driven by sales expectations. We took risks, and it paid off. People can instantly sense sincerity and the emotion woven into a handmade creation.
Desen Life: Where do you see The Keep in the future? Are you currently selling internationally?
Senem Akçay:
Our main goal is to strengthen our brand sustainably over the years and to continue creating new collections. We want The Keep to exist in a borderless world. However, direct sales from Turkey abroad have become difficult due to new customs regulations. To overcome this, we established a company in Berlin, which will soon allow us to reach our European customers more easily.
Desen Life: Finally, what would you say about the challenges and rewards of this work?
Senem Akçay:
It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our kilims can transform a space. Collaborating with artists is always full of surprises and excitement. Yet maintaining economic sustainability under today’s conditions is certainly the most challenging aspect.
Bilge Kalfa:
For me, this work is deeply meaningful because it adds a new layer to a 60-year-old, male-dominated family tradition — this time with an all-women team. Establishing a model that supports traditional workshops in Uşak also makes me proud. Of course, collaborating with architects and designers worldwide is a joy, but like in any business, it requires careful financial and logistical management — something we continue to learn along the way.
Desen Life: If you were to describe The Keep in one sentence?
Senem Akçay:
A brand rooted in tradition, yet carrying the spirit of its own time.
