Kvadrat has launched its first outdoor rug collection at Paris Deco Off, held from 15 to 18 January 2025. Designed by Margrethe Odgaard, this collection bridges the natural world and architectural aesthetics through refined craftsmanship. Alongside this debut, Karin An Rijlaarsdam presents the expanded Braid collection, introducing a new palette for the popular Braid 2 and three fresh designs inspired by natural patterns found in botany and landscapes.
Odgaard's collection, consisting of four designs—Miori, Mioro, Sia, and Sio—draws inspiration from natural textures. These rugs, hand-crafted from polypropylene ropes, are designed to harmonise outdoor spaces with their surroundings. The seven colourways include earthy tones such as limestone, warm clay, volcanic soil, and black soil, alongside vibrant hues like red earth, river pebbles, and blue clay. Braided ropes with multiple colours create unique textures, underscoring the intricate craftsmanship of the collection.
The rugs are highly durable and suitable for varied outdoor settings. Resistant to humidity, sunlight, mildew, and water, they are water-repellent, tear-resistant, and quick-drying. The solution-dyed polypropylene minimises water, dye, and energy use during production, eliminating the need for extra performance chemicals.
Odgaard described her creative process, stating, 'The designs are informed by textures, colours, and shapes found in nature, creating a foundation for outdoor living spaces that feel grounded and cohesive.' The Miori rug embodies natural earth tones, while the Mioro design incorporates a leno weave, adding a textured stripe reminiscent of cracked earth. Sia and Sio, inspired by sisal rugs, feature multicoloured braided ropes stitched to form smooth, durable surfaces with soft, natural patterns.
The Braid collection, by Karin An Rijlaarsdam, includes three new designs: Braid Bloom, Braid Horizon, and Braid Rise. These additions, alongside Braid 2's updated palette of twelve soft tones, reflect the natural hues of kaolin, a clay mineral that inspired Rijlaarsdam's work. Constructed from 88% recycled post-consumer PET ropes, the rugs exhibit subtle irregularities resembling mineral surfaces, combining sustainability with artistry.
Braid Bloom features a round design with a two-tone colour block inspired by floral proportions, while Braid Horizon's rectangular format reflects oceanic horizons with a wave-like texture. The use of braided ropes ensures minimal production waste and highlights the sustainable ethos of Rijlaarsdam's designs.
Margrethe Odgaard, a Danish textile designer, focuses on the sensory and emotional effects of colour, creating products that nurture both mind and body. Her achievements include solo exhibitions at prestigious museums and numerous awards, including the Torsten & Wanja Söderberg Prize.
Karin An Rijlaarsdam, founder of Maison Kaolin, explores sustainable craftsmanship using kaolin and other natural materials. Her designs merge traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, inspired by her atelier in Côte d'Ivoire.
More information:
Kvadrat
[email protected]
www.kvadrat.dk