Upstairs at the Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell, Matthew Williamson is sitting in a high-ceilinged room, surrounded by the fruits of his recent labour.
Sunlight, a rare spectacle in winter, streams through the windows and onto the colourful rugs dotted around the space, serving as a natural spotlight. The designer has just launched a collaboration with Ruggable, the homeware brand that you’ve probably seen splashed all over your social feed of late.
Inspired by travel, the collection brings global themes indoors with vibrant palettes and playful patterns, all on Ruggable’s famously stain-resistant and washable floor coverings.
The collaboration is the latest in a string for Williamson, who cut his teeth at Central Saint Martins and went on to lead his eponymous fashion label for two decades.
Celebrated for his use of pattern and colour, the Manchester-born designer has dressed everyone from Kate Moss, Helena Christensen and Jade Jagger to A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kirsten Dunst and Mindy Kaling. Most notable, of course, is BFF Sienna Miller, herself a collaborator with M&S in a recent fashion collection.
From kitting out stars to kitting out homes, it’s easy to bring the distinct Matthew Williamson aesthetic to your interiors.
I stole five minutes with the award-winning designer to chat about the Ruggable collaboration, the shortcuts to making your home look polished, and who amongst his A-list friends has the best house (aside from his own, of course).
Why did you choose to work with Ruggable?
It was an easy project to say yes to. I genuinely am a fan of the brand. I wanted to work with them because I loved the product from afar but I hadn’t seen it in person. I had samples sent and was super impressed with the quality, the design, the price point. The washability is a super clever idea. So it was a no-brainer.
Aside from your own, which other designer collab would you shop from Ruggable?
They do a lot of collaborations and I admired the designers that had gone before. There’s lots of great products from great designers. I love what Justina Blakeney did; painterly and more abstract - it would fit into my world. And also Jonathan Adler; the snake rug and the green of the snake. I have snakes in my collection too.
Is there one thing in your home that sparks instant joy?
The Helios Gold Tufted rug from my collection. It’s not too busy so it can work with other pieces of furniture but it’s instantly cheering. I think of it as a shot of vitamin D for your home. It would spark joy.
What's an easy way to make your house feel updated or 'together'?
Houseplants and lighting are two things that can make an instant impact.
Lots of high street fashion brands are expanding into interiors, what do you make of that?
It's a natural extension. I find the design process between the two very similar; it’s the same stages whether you're making a dress or a lamp. If you're into dressing one, you're probably into dressing the other. You can't be in a great dress sitting next to a crap cushion.
Is unexpected red theory a real thing in interiors?
I’d go along with that. It can make your home look really modern, really ‘now’. I prefer an oxblood red to a firebox. I have two chairs around my dining table at home in the colour and the other two are neutral. It warms things up a bit.
Of your celebrity pals, whose house is the most fun and why?
Sienna Miller has an amazing home. It reflects her style. She is this great style icon and her home reflects her style, it is her in 3D form. I could see her do interiors for M&S following her fashion collection, why not? She’d be great at that. I can’t give you any more: my lips are sealed.
The Matthew Williamson collection is live now at Ruggable; prices from £109.
