During Milan Design Week, Swedish rug maker Kasthall welcomed the season with Anemon – a blossoming rug collection that brings the beauty of nature into the home. Anemon was presented in a shared space with the celebrated Nordic textile brand Astrid, known for its exquisite colors, quality and textures. The two brands came together in The Springtime of Kasthall & Astrid, an exhibition created by British interior designer Richard J McConkey from A Studio Between.
With its organic floral pattern and bright coloring, Anemon embodies the spirit of spring and a new creative era at Kasthall, which celebrates its 135th anniversary this year.
Inspired by an original artwork by Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg from 1991, Anemon was rediscovered in Kasthall’s extensive archives and reimagined for today. The collection is presented in three versions, each with their unique character. The Blue edition stays true to Ullberg’s original vision, while the Coral and Lilac variations are contemporary reinterpretations by the Kasthall Design Studio, introducing a fresh perspective on the floral motif.
“We’re stepping into a new and exciting era at Kasthall – one where colors and superior artistry can truly flourish. Anemon is a great example of how rugs are making a comeback as statement pieces in interior design. We believe we’re entering a golden age for rugs and textiles, where these pieces become a key part of making a space inviting and telling the story of the people living in it,” says Mirkku Kullberg, CEO of Kasthall.
Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg was Kasthall’s Head of Design for over 30 years and one of Sweden’s most influential textile designers. A true visionary, she was renowned for her masterful use of color and pattern, shaping Kasthall’s identity with some of its most iconic designs. Her work was deeply rooted in craftsmanship, creativity and quality – values that continue to define Kasthall today. “By transforming one of her original sketches into a contemporary masterpiece, Anemon pays tribute to Ullberg’s timeless elegance and artistic spirit, ensuring her legacy lives on for generations to come,” Kullberg says.
Handtufted at Kasthall’s factory in Kinna, Sweden, Anemon is made of pure wool blended with linen for a melange effect and features sophisticated bouclé outlines in wool and linen. It’s available in sizes ranging from 170 x 240 cm to 350 x 450 cm, as well as round variations measuring 245 cm and 345 cm in diameter.
About Kasthall
In 1889, Swedish entrepreneur Ludvig Anderson founded Kasthall, Sweden’s first industrial rug company. Kasthall’s creative environment, craftsmanship and dedication to high-quality materials have since attracted some of Sweden’s most renowned designers, such as Ingrid Dessau, Astrid Sampe, and Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg. Over the years, Kasthall has grown increasingly international, forging collaborations with designers from various countries and cultures, including Ilse Crawford, Cecilie Manz, Paola Navone, and David Chipperfield. Kasthall’s values remain unchanged today, and the company’s home is still in Kinna – a place where industrial craftsmanship, a passion for materials and 135 years of Swedish design culture come together. kasthall.com
About Astrid
Back in 2003, a passion for textiles led Anna Boustedt to found Astrid. Her vision of how texture and colours can be combined and added to a variety of interior spaces remains a key influence on the company’s approach today. By employing a combination of Scandinavian aesthetics and European pro-duction of the highest quality, Astrid achieves results that are contemporary, timeless and sustainable. astrid.se
About A Studio Between
A Studio Between is a London-based, multi-disciplinary studio working between Interiors & Architecture, Furniture & Design with focus on Hospitality, Living and Arts spaces. Founded in 2022, the studio is led by Richard J McConkey, who has completed award-winning projects for clients such as Villa Copenhagen, Frieze Art Fair, Ace Hotel & At Six in Stockholm. Personal in scale, our ambition is to produce artful, impactful works, but in a quietly radical way. astudiobetween.com