Irish Interior Design Dream Team Geri O'Toole and Phoebe Holland Launch Collaborative Rug Collection

Sayart

sayart2022@gmail.com | 2025-08-10 00:43:32

Two of Ireland's most celebrated interior design professionals have joined forces to create a luxury rug collection that bridges the gap between high-end design and affordability. Geri O'Toole, a Limerick-based interior designer known for working with celebrities including podcaster Vogue Williams, and Phoebe Holland, managing director of Cork-based Rugs.ie, have launched a curated collection of handmade rugs designed to work seamlessly across multiple interior spaces.

The partnership represents years of collaboration between the two Munster design experts, who identified a significant gap in the market for versatile, durable rugs that interior designers could confidently specify for various room types. "We discovered it was difficult for designers to source versatile, durable rugs that can be used in multiple spaces," Holland explained. "We identified a need for a timeless, high-quality collection of rugs that work together to create a cohesive design flow."

The collection's naming convention reflects O'Toole's extensive international design experience, with each piece taking inspiration from locations where she has completed projects. From the rustic landscapes of Provence to the bright lights of Manhattan, the rugs conjure a sense of place while maintaining universal appeal. "This collection is very personal to me," O'Toole noted. "Each rug reflects a part of my design journey, places I've worked, materials I love, and the kind of quiet luxury I try to bring to every project."

Sustainability sits at the heart of the collection's production philosophy. Each rug is handwoven by skilled artisans using responsibly sourced wool and recycled cotton, with the entire range certified by the Care & Fair programme to ensure ethical production standards. The textiles focus on what both designers call "quiet luxury" – a concept emphasizing understated elegance and lasting quality over flashy trends.

The collaborative effort marks a significant milestone for Rugs.ie, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary of serving Irish homeowners. Holland sees the partnership as "a confident step forward in supporting Irish design and bringing accessible luxury to homes across the country." Both companies emphasize their commitment to female-led, Irish-owned businesses, representing a growing trend in the domestic design industry.

The collection features a warm, earthy color palette including shades of olive, moss, beige, and blue, carefully selected to complement various interior styles from traditional to contemporary. All pieces are flatwoven, a construction method that offers enhanced durability and flexibility for different room configurations. The designs blend classic and contemporary elements, ensuring they won't become dated as trends shift.

During a recent photoshoot at O'Toole's Limerick home, designed by Des Ewing Architects with interiors by her own firm Geri Designs, the natural integration of the rugs into lived-in spaces was evident. O'Toole's home, which she shares with husband Cathal, children Finley and Edie, and dog Baxter, underwent renovation and extension two years ago after a decade of residence. The space showcases her design philosophy of "earthy, organic and soulful" aesthetics.

Meanwhile, Holland's Cork residence tells a different story of ongoing renovation. Living in a Georgian family home she was fortunate enough to purchase, Holland describes her design approach as "eclectic, cosy and playful." After two years of residence, she admits the property "will probably be a project that I will never stop working on." Currently, only the master bedroom and hallways are complete, with living room renovations planned around a Ghom silk rug she intends to use as wall art.

Both designers offer practical advice for homeowners looking to enhance their interiors. O'Toole advocates for reflecting personal style while investing in quality materials that "always stand the test of time." She encourages seeking out antique or vintage pieces and being "intentional about what you bring into your home." Holland identifies current textile trends as favoring "earthy textures and natural materials," particularly in the rug category.

The collection is available both online and in-store at Rugs.ie, with customers able to preview pieces using the company's room visualizer tool. Free next-day delivery is offered throughout Ireland, making the luxury pieces accessible to homeowners nationwide. Even Holland's newest family member, Jackie – a miniature Jack Russell terrier rescue from Molly Moo's Westie Rescue – has shown approval of the products, frequently seeking out their comfort and occasionally inspecting delivery vans with professional interest.

For relaxation, Holland prefers "a walk in nature, a glass of wine and a good book," while both designers continue to balance their professional commitments with family life. The success of this collaboration suggests that the intersection of Irish design expertise, sustainable production methods, and accessible luxury represents a winning formula for the domestic interior design market.

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