Swedish interior design brand Layered has introduced its newest artist collaboration, joining forces with American multidisciplinary artist Heather Chontos. The result? A collection of vibrant, statement-making rugs inspired by Chontos’ dynamic and abstract paintings
On the hunt for a rug that doubles as a work of art? Let Layered be your first port of call. The Swedish interior design brand has been behind some of the most covetable, eye-catching rugs born from its artist collaborations. Now, it’s unveiling its latest creative team-up – this time with American multidisciplinary artist Heather Chontos, reimagining her paintings as bold, graphic rugs.
Comprising three hand-knotted rugs crafted from plush New Zealand wool – ‘Kaleidoscope’, ‘Collage’, and ‘Blue Lake’ – the collection draws from Chontos’ vibrant and dynamic universe. Inspired by works created across different locales and times that have shaped her artistic journey, the rugs are rendered in striking abstract forms and lush, painterly hues.
The Layered x Heather Chontos rugs have been inspired by the artist's vibrant paintings. Photo: Courtesy of Layered
The 'Kaleidoscope' rug. Photo: Courtesy of Layered
“These works reflect different stages of my process, from creating collages from antique book pages, to painting with oil pigment sticks directly onto linen,” explains Chontos. “‘Collage’ is one of my personal favourites – it was created from torn pieces of old film posters and pages from French magazines. I was given a suitcase full of antique papers in different colours and textures and pieced them together into a painting. The rug captures exactly that feeling – the textures, the richness of the colours, and their quality.”
Interpreting a painting as a rug requires meticulous work, with each piece taking five to ten days to complete. To achieve the depth, richness and variation of Chontos’ hues, Layered’s skilled teams of artisans have harnessed a host of dyeing techniques, manifesting in intricate shifts of shades punctuated by punchy blocks of colours. The result brings Chontos’ works to life while preserving a design sensibility that suits – and makes a statement – in a wide range of interiors.
The 'Blue Lake' rug. Photo: Courtesy of Layered
The 'Collage' rug. Photo: Courtesy of Layered
“I was so pleasantly surprised when I saw the first samples – they truly capture the colour, texture, and most importantly the light of the original paintings,” Chontos continues. “I’m impressed by how dynamic they are – they feel almost theatrical, like they truly understand my work.” Malin Glemme, creative director and founder of Layered, adds: “I admire Heather’s artistry and her ability to capture movement and energy in her work. Translating that feeling into rugs was a creative challenge that demanded both precision and craftsmanship… With this collection, we are raising the standard for what a handmade rug can be.”
The Layered x Heather Chontos rug collection will be available to shop from June 11 on layeredinterior.com