Autumn brings with it a desire for change and renewal. Not least, it’s time to prepare the study for the coming months, and many tricks are on hand as an aid to inspiration. A reading nook creates a space for catching one’s breath and reflection – and a lot can be achieved with means either big or small.

Josef Frank was no fan of game hunting and he designed several carpets to replace genuine animal hides. His carpets also often resemble stone-paved terraces or have abstract patterns. In his mind, flowers and birds were not to be trampled upon, while monsters were perhaps a different matter. The rug illustrated here was designed around 1950 and has acquired the nickname ‟The Beast”. The ferocious beast was conceived as a counterpart to the ancient Medusa head, which the Romans were accustomed to having at the entrance to their homes in order to ward off evil spirits – ‟Evil shall be banished by evil.”