Swiden x Linus Dean · Coast Rugs

Interior space with the Coast Rugs 'Road Trip' rug.  Photo - Brooke Holm. Styling - Marsha Golemac.

Detail of the  Coast Rugs 'Fields' rug.  Photo - Brooke Holm. Styling - Marsha Golemac.

Colour palettes in progress at Swiden Design.  Photo - Brooke Holm. Styling - Marsha Golemac.

You might recall a long time ago we introduced the work of Melbourne-based designer Charlotte Swiden, who designs a sweet range of illustrated homewares under the name Swiden Designs.  The range includes colourful cushions, and kitchenware including mugs, trays and teatowels, as well as her sweet ’TIVOLIVAT’ timber decorative pieces.  Charlotte has Scandinavian roots which is why many of her designs have friendly IKEA-esque names, however don't be fooled – The entire range is designed right here in Melbourne! Charlotte's latest project is a collaboration with her friend, Sydney based designer Linus Dean.  After leaving a 15 year career in corporate design and doing a little soul searching, Linus travelled to Nepal to start his own ethical rug business!  Having been friends for years, Charlotte was very inspired by Linus' story and his new endeavour, and so before long the pair decided to collaborate on a range of rugs using Charlotte's designs. Linus Dean's rugs are individually hand crafted in Nepal, using the finest Himalayan and New Zealand wool, environmentally friendly dyes, and safe working conditions with strictly no child-labour. The company is registered with Good Weave, who ensure the weaving villages are safe, clean and child labour free. Linus' mission is to encourage employment in the local villages, environmentally friendly production and a sustainable income for those living in these communities. 'Linus gave me free rein to play around with my designs to create something that would suit the rug format' says Charlotte of this collab. 'I had to adjust my usual bright colour palette slightly to the more muted colours of the natural dyes, but that's about it. The wool, weaving and dye colours create small variations in each rug, and that's the beauty of it'. Currently two of Charlottes rug designs are in production, 'Field' and 'Road Trip'.  Sizes start at 1.7m x 2.3m, and prices start at $1900.  A percentage of all profits goes back to the community where the rugs are made.  Rugs are made to order at various sizes, and can be ordered online via Charlotte's online shop. (Click on the 'buy now' link on the bottom to request info and pricing for a specific size).

An overview of the Coast Rugs 'Fields' rug.  Photo - Brooke Holm. Styling - Marsha Golemac.