As an experienced interior designer, Stafford Meyer knows that every minute space in a home deserves attention — especially if it’s the first space you encounter. She founded Porte + Hall in 2023 to deliver beautiful and functional entry mats that make any doorstep into a curated and welcoming location.
Stafford joins us this week to discuss the brand’s Porter collection.
Raymond Paul Schneider: When did you first start developing this new collection?
Stafford Meyer: We began developing The Porter over two years ago. Creating something truly exceptional takes time, and we weren’t willing to rush the process. Every detail needed to be perfect before we were ready to launch.
RPS: What was the overall timeline from conception to final design?
SM: From my initial conversation with our Italian manufacturing partner to final production approval, the development process spanned about 18 months. That timeline allowed us to perfect every aspect of the design and construction.
RPS: What was your initial inspiration, and where did the idea(s) come from?
SM: The Porter was born from frustration — both as a designer working with discerning clients and as a homeowner myself. I couldn’t find a front door mat that checked all the boxes: luxurious, textural, sophisticated enough to set the right tone for beautiful interiors, yet durable enough to withstand daily use and weather. So we decided to create exactly what the market was missing.
RPS: Describe your overall creative and design process.
SM: I design all our patterns myself, which is interesting because I didn’t come to Porte + Hall with a formal background in textile or pattern design. My process is quite intuitive — I start by sketching on my iPad, drawing inspiration from fashion and my travels. There’s something liberating about approaching design from a fresh perspective.
RPS: Did you have a specific audience or theme in mind?
SM: Absolutely. The Porter is designed for the luxury market — sophisticated customers who recognize and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a handmade product. These clients typically have oversized front doors, which is why even our “standard” Porter doormat is larger than conventional mats. Proportion matters when you’re creating something that needs to make the right first impression.
RPS: What methods, tools, and materials did you use to develop and prototype this design?
SM: The Porter begins with the finest polypropylene yarn manufactured in Italy, specifically engineered to withstand outdoor elements while maintaining its beauty. This yarn is then woven into ropes, which are hand-knotted into our signature patterns. Every step prioritizes both durability and luxury.
RPS: Did you use any new techniques or technologies to conceptualize or create this product?
SM: Our knotting technique is particularly special — it’s inspired by an ancient Tibetan silk knotting method. The intricacy of these knots creates the sophisticated texture and visual interest that makes The Porter so distinctive.
RPS: Were there any challenges that influenced or changed the final design?
SM: Color development was our biggest challenge. Initially, we explored solid-colored yarns, but once I saw the “mélange” technique — where two or three colored yarns are braided together — I knew we’d found our signature. This technique adds incredible depth and sophistication that you simply can’t achieve with solid colors.
RPS: Describe your brand’s overall DNA and ethos.
SM: At Porte + Hall, we believe what welcomes you at your door should be beautiful. First impressions matter — they set the tone for everything that follows. If you’re stepping on something soggy and uninspiring at your entrance, what does that say about how you value your home? We create premium mats and rugs that make life both more functional and more elegant, because your home deserves that level of thoughtfulness from the very first step.
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