Kukoon Rugs: From Humble Beginnings to Irish Design Leader
In this episode of Style Stories with EZ Living Interiors, our marketing manager, Laura O'Keeffe dives into a fascinating conversation with Clare Vallely, co-founder of Kukoon Rugs. Kukoon Rugs has completely transformed the Irish rug market and now offers a game-changing machine-washable rug collection. Clare shares Kukoon Rugs' incredible journey, from selling their very first rug in 2006 to becoming one of Ireland's leading names in home décor. She then offers invaluable advice on how best to incorporate rugs into your home.Whether you're refreshing a single space or redesigning your entire home, Clare offers invaluable insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear the story behind Kukoon Rugs and get ready to redefine your interior style!In this episode, Clare delves into:The power of strategic partnerships, including their year-long collaboration with EZ Living Interiors, and how shared values elevate the customer experience.Why staying ahead of interior design trends, actively listening to customer feedback, and maintaining affordability are crucial for success. The magic behind their collaboration with talented artists like Jacqueline Rooney to bring unique product offerings to life. The soaring popularity of their "soft, washable" collection – offering the perfect blend of luxurious feel, durability, and practicality. Clare's personal favorite: the stunning "Verity" design with its captivating medallion pattern in terracotta and blues. The evolving world of home décor, from the timeless appeal of texture (like jute) to the exciting resurgence of Art Deco and bold colors. Practical tips for choosing the perfect rug size to transform any room.GUEST DETAILSClare Vallely is a dynamic entrepreneur who co-founded Kukoon Rugs with her brother Paul, transforming her family's market trading legacy into a cutting-edge design brand. Starting by selling her father's surplus rug stock on eBay in 2006, Clare has grown Kukoon Rugs into one of Ireland's most exciting and innovative rug companies, known for its bold designs, customer-first approach, and commitment to affordability.With a lifelong passion for interiors that began in childhood — evidenced by her carefully preserved design scrapbooks — Clare has steered Kukoon Rugs through significant industry changes. Her approach blends creative vision with strategic thinking, focusing on bringing exciting, washable, and stylish rugs to market. From working alongside her father in market stalls to leading a successful design-led brand, Clare embodies the spirit of family entrepreneurship and creative innovation in the home decor industry.https://www.kukoonrugs.com/MORE INFORMATIONFind EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ieStyles Stories is produced by DustPod.io for EZ Living Interiors.QUOTESGone are the days where your options were a plain wall rug, or God forbid, a carpet remnant - Clare VallelyRugs have become much closer to fashion and to people's identities - Clare VallelyWe love to travel for style inspiration - Clare VallelyIt's about distilling fashion trends down into what this means in the rug world - Clare VallelyThe biggest mistake we see being made with rugs is still people buying too small - Clare VallelyIf you can get the front legs, at the very least, onto the rug, you'll see a massive difference - Clare VallelyWe're always trying to be ahead of the trends, getting the heads up before the general population about colors of the year. - Clare VallelyIt's about being brave. Lean into the color that you love, and start bringing those tones into your space gradually - Clare VallelyKEYWORDS#EZLivingInteriors, #KukoonRugs, #StyleStoriesPodcast, #InteriorDesignTips, #HomeDecorTrends, #RugStyling, #IrishInteriors, #WashableRugs, #RoomTransformation
Ireland