In her new collection for Designer Rugs, interior designer Anna-Carin was inspired by nature and the rich heritage of the Sami, the Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia.
"In Australia, we have grown increasingly respectful of the First Nations peoples, recognising and appreciating their rich cultural heritage," she says. "This collection is my way of raising awareness about the Indigenous culture in my country."
The collection is inspired by a childhood journey to Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city. The memories from that trip, captured in cherished souvenirs she and her siblings collected, form the foundation of these rug designs. This collection is a heartfelt tribute to the Sami people, reflecting the artistry and cultural significance of their traditional clothing, tools, and crafts.
Embracing the Essence of Nature is the thread that runs through all of Anna-Carin’s designs, whether in rugs or interiors. She sees this connection as both natural and essential.
“Every solution in design can be found in nature," she says. "What we aim to create in our homes is an echo of that deep, intrinsic connection we feel when immersed in nature. It's about bringing that life force, that sense of belonging, into our living spaces.”
The collection is inspired by gifts that were given to them by their parents during their family trip to Kiruna. These gifts were made by the Sami people, the Indigenous culture of Sweden and reflect a connection to the land. “This collection is my small attempt to respect, honour and bring some awareness to the existence of these semi-nomadic peoples," says Anna-Carin.
This marks Anna-Carin’s third collaboration with Designer Rugs, a partnership that has matured over decades. "Working with Designer Rugs feels like being part of a tribe," she says. "Shaun, Yosi, Lia, and the entire team are more than collaborators – they’re like family to me. I still vividly recall the first rug I specified from Designer Rugs. It was a William Morris pattern for a project in Strathfield, and I still love it.”
Anna-Carin’s design process is one of careful layering and exploration, beginning with the inspiration. "It all starts with an idea or an image," she explains. "From there, it's about finding a way to translate that vision onto paper."
"It's a process of layering and playfulness. I spend time sketching, then create cutouts and paste them into my sketchbook. These designs eventually make their way into digital formats, where I experiment with colours. There’s a natural rhythm to the patterns, a geometry that feels intuitive and deeply connected to the rhythms found in nature and within ourselves."
Collaboration is key as the process unfolds. "This is where the Designer Rugs team comes in," Anna-Carin says. "With their expertise, we bring the designs to life, experimenting with different colours and materials to add that final layer of depth and richness.”
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