AKI Design Creates Collection for Ruggable x The Local Project Collaboration

For a Ruggable x The Local Project collaboration, Melbourne-based design studio AKI Design has created an artful collection of rugs inspired by European design but with a distinctly Australian flavour.

Tasked with creating a capsule collection of rugs for a ground-breaking Ruggable x The Local Project collaboration, sisters Candyce and Tessa James of AKI Design took inspiration from a 2023 pilgrimage to Salone del Mobile in Milan. The sisters say that the collection of three rugs is an ode to Milanese architecture and design, in particular the city’s cobbled streets and heritage buildings, including the historic Villa Necchi Campiglio.

“I think we approached this collection the same way we would approach a residence or a retail space.”

The vibrant colours, geometric motifs and endless textures of Milan paved the way for their three designs – Aldo, Corso and Scala – named for the streets surrounding Villa Necchi Campiglio. Aldo boasts a deep navy base with subtle ochre accents, offering a structured yet soothing tone that adds depth to an interior. Scala – the most neutral of the trio – combines ivory, ochre and chocolate brown for a softer presence. Finally, Corso, which took the longest to perfect, embodies the designers’ affinity for rich palettes.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Candyce likens the design process to that of an interior. “I think we approached this collection the same way we would approach a residence or a retail space,” she says. “We start by brainstorming and concepting ideas, then it’s really about working through details that we liked and how all the rugs would sit together.”

The collection includes both tufted and flat-woven rugs, each suited to different types of lifestyles and patterns of living.

True to Ruggable’s ethos, practicality is the cornerstone of the collection. All rugs are machine washable and water- and stain-resistant, ensuring pragmatics are firmly front of mind. “A home that is lived-in is such a beautiful thing, so for me, having rugs that aren’t precious adds a sense of relief,” says Tessa.

The collection includes both tufted and flat-woven rugs, each suited to different types of lifestyles and patterns of living. The tufted options, which feature a higher pile and plush texture, are ideal for cosy spaces like living rooms. Conversely, the flat-woven rugs are perfect for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, entryways and dining rooms, offering durability without compromising on style.

Ultimately, AKI Design’s goal was to create pieces that feel both new and lived-in – visually compelling rugs that offer interest underfoot while sitting effortlessly within their surrounds. As an exploration of colour and geometry in the form of luxurious, everyday pieces, this collaboration neatly encapsulates AKI Design and Ruggable’s shared ethos, distinguished by a strong nod to the infinitely inspiring fabric of Milan.