Swedish textile manufacturer Kasthall collaborated with London-based designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for their Milan Design Week rug collection this year. The collaboration resulted in the launch of two distinct rug collections, Atlas and Bonbon, which were developed through an immersive process at Kasthall’s mill in Kinna, Sweden. The collaboration focused on the mechanics of the industrial loom rather than a pre-determined aesthetic, birthing a rug collection that borrows the best from Barber Osgerby and Kasthall.
Atlas: The Sculpted Landscape
Atlas is an ode to the earth’s hidden skeletons. Inspired by the rugged ridges of the Atlas Mountains, it turns a rug into a topographical map for the feet. It seeks beauty in the bones of weaving, pulling the structural wrap treads to the surface to create a landscape of peaks and valleys that catch the light like a morning sun over a canyon.
Crafted with a rhythmic double-weft, Atlas is a feat of architectural weaving. By allowing the wrap to breathe and show itself, the rug achieves a rare, tactile three-dimensionality. It is not merely a flat surface but a textured terrain, where the wool rises and falls in an industrial pulse. The palette is a whisper of the natural world. In shades of Snow, Dune, and Indigo, the colors feel as if they were gathered from the horizon.
Bonbon: The Vibrant Geometry
If Atlas is the earth, Bonbon is the spark of life upon it. It is a celebration of graphic joy and tailored precision, capturing the spirit of a confection. With its design clarity and punctuation, every line and edge feels intentional, like a perfectly wrapped gift.
Bonbon is defined by its density and its suit-like finish. The weave is tight and disciplined, but its soul lies in the triple-shuttle looped edge. This signature detail creates a frame of looped yarns that gives the rug a distinctive, hand-finished character, bridging the gap between high-end fashion and interior textile. The colors are a symphony of zest and sweetness. With names like Lemon, Berry, Rhubarb, and Licorice, the collection tastes of summer.
Also Read: Jonathan Adler’s New Michaels Collection is Filled With Greek Motifs and Coastal Palette
The designers spent significant time on the mill floor to understand the rhythm, pace, and constraints of Kasthall’s equipment. Edward Barber described the approach as “beginning by listening” to what the mill excels at, allowing the industrial logic to define the visual language. This rug collection marks a significant new chapter for Kasthall, combining its 135-year weaving heritage with Barber and Osgerby’s three decades of international design practice.
Follow Homecrux on Google News!
