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Luke Irwin is the luxury rug designer who calls Brittain home, and calls the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge clients. Today, Irwin launches a line of rugs for Anthropologie, and we’re smitten. Centering on two themes, Swedish geometrics with a sandblasted, antiqued finish and Indo-Tibetan abstracts reminiscent of drying plaster, the rugs are available online starting today. We chatted with Irwin to find out a bit more about this powerhouse collab.
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Luke Irwin Lapis Rug www.anthropologie.com
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Luke Irwin Indo Tibetan Abstract Rug www.anthropologie.com
HOW DID THIS COLLECTION COME TO BE?
This collection of four designs is split in two – two pieces are based on Swedish geometric design and two are abstract. Rug design is basically twofold, rhythm and flow – geometric repeat pattern is the rhythm section and abstract is flow. This collection really is created so the choice is simple.
WHERE DID YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FOR THIS COLLECTION?
I love the anarchy of Scandinavian geometry. Where you expect linear regularity you end up with the unexpected – perhaps it is months of darkness and the mind wanders or perhaps it is the trolls who live under bridges.
HOW WOULD YOU STYLE ONE OF THESE GORGEOUS RUGS IN YOUR OWN HOME?
It depends on which style and which room. Geometry brings a sense of order and the abstracts a sense of flow. Rugs in a room are always subliminal, you notice them out of the corner of your eye but it immediately sends a message. I like juxtaposition, so putting the regularity of geometric in an informal setting and abstracts in a more formal one. Equally, the geometrics work wonderfully under dining tables and framing rooms.
WHAT DECOR ADVICE DO YOU FIND YOURSELF GIVING OVER AND OVER AGAIN?
Start with the rug and build the room from the ground up.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF DESIGN OR DECOR ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Open your eyes and do not be afraid of color.
WHAT IS ONE COMPONENT OF RUG STYLING YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW?
There are two key components. You can tell very quickly if you like a design or a pattern so that is the easy bit. The two key elements are color and size. Do not scrimp on size or it will look ridiculous and out of proportion (you would not buy a dress that was 4 sizes too small for you) and be sure that the colors work for the room – that is why you should always begin with the rug. Cushions, fabric and accessories are very easy to find which go with the rug rather than the other way around
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Luke Irwin Marbled Rug www.anthropologie.com
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Luke Irwin Norrland Rug www.anthropologie.com