Erin Gates’s latest collection of rugs for Momeni is a love letter to the grandmillennial. “I’m constantly looking for traditional styles that have been updated to feel more modern,” she says. “The inspiration for my latest collection came from a continued to desire to create high quality yet accessibly-priced rugs with enduring designs, textures, and color palettes.” The designs are inspired by the beauty of Indian block prints and the whimsy of animal prints. The composition? All based on the idea that rugs shouldn’t be precious. “Who doesn’t need a clean, classic rug in a durable material somewhere in their home?” Erin asks.
This collection is the next evolution of Erin’s style, and she is excited by it. “We did so many more jute and natural styles in this collection because people really love using textural, natural materials in the home as of late,” she says. Though it might be a new look for her—“I think this collection in particular really reflects where my design aesthetic is right now”—it passes her standard test: “It’s important to me that every collection be made up of pieces that I would 100% use in my own home,” she says. In fact, she plans to use the Orchard Ripple style from this collection in two room of her house. “It’s classic yet playful, natural yet tailored. I just adore it.”
Patterns in this collection feel particularly of the moment thanks in part to the introduction of two staples in the grandmillennial home: animal prints and block prints. Both pull from Erin’s longstanding obsessions with pattern and offer a fresh twist on the storied aesthetics. The pattern of Orchard Bloom rug is reminiscent of the classic Mughal flower motif, while the animal prints are wholly their own. “I always love an animal print, so the new Woodland Cheetah and Leopard styles fill that void for me.”
Erin brought to life nine new styles in a variety of colors and sizes in this latest collection with family-owned Momeni. All are handwoven by expert craftspeople in India. “As with all my design work, this collection is modern but rooted in tradition, and I hope that this collection will help make your home feel complete and timeless.”
Subtle wave detailing on the Orchard Ripple rug gives it a hint of whimsy.
Erin shows her love of animal prints with multiple rugs in this collection, including Woodland Cheetah.
Rug Rundown with Erin
Favorite unconventional place to put a rug? “I love using vintage Persian rugs as bath mats.”
Favorite rug materials? “I love indoor/outdoor materials. After all, I do have two kids and two dogs. They can mess up a rug in mere minutes!”
Go-to inspiration? “Instagram. Sounds trite, but I absolutely love how inspired I am by discovering designers and individuals the world over whom I would never get to know otherwise.”
Layering rugs: yes or no? “Yes! Always a nice Oushak or Persian style over a plain jute or sisal.”
Best tip on finding the right size rug? “Make sure it’s big enough! You want at least two legs of the main furniture in the space on the rug. The larger the rug, the bigger the room will feel and the less you will trip on it.”
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