Claire Delmar Styles the Egyptian Collection by Armadillo & Co

The Armadillo & Co Series

Australia

Layering tactile natural materials and handcrafted objects, stylist Claire Delmar has created a microcosm of a peaceful interior world, rich in form and texture, for the latest studio shoot of the Armadillo & Co Egyptian collection.

The materiality of the new collection of abrash overdyed jute rugs was a clear inspiration behind the styling of the shoot, for which Claire drew on a palette of linen, natural cane and timber, ceramic, and stucco. Having worked with Armadillo & Co for many years, Claire says they share a visual language that is “pared-back, calm and considered.”

The Egyptian collection takes its cues from the opulence of the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs and the lavish, deep tones of the Renaissance, in particular, the colour palette of Vermeer’s oil paintings. The extravagance of these historical references is tempered by the collection’s simplicity, with the rugs adorned only with a simple fringe allowing the subtle tonal variations in the hand-knotted jute to enliven the designs.

Having worked with Armadillo & Co for many years, Claire says they share a visual language.

In this way, the Egyptian collection speaks to the idea of “a quiet luxury”, in which luxury is found not in the excessive or the ornate, but rather in simplicity of form, in the quality of natural materials, the atmosphere of a tranquil space, and in the rich depth of texture and colour. “The Egyptian range is soft and textural, it creates a space to which you can escape,” says Claire. “It resonates a warmth that feels comfortable rather than precious, which has become preferable in the home as we live in a world that never turns off.”

Defining luxury in these terms, Claire placed the rugs in situ with other objects that portray both strength and a similar organic quality. Deep earthy tones create grounded, warm and inviting spaces, while lighter linens and ceramics contribute a relaxed elegance. “Raw, organic, textured materials and products are always considered when editing my designs. I’m drawn to the rawness of some of these aspects that always shoots beautifully and also have a stronger connection to the overall design,” says Claire.

The Egyptian collection takes its cues from the opulence of the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs and the lavish, deep tones of the Renaissance.

Cement and timber flooring, textured stucco walls and subtle curves add a sense of softness to the spaces, aligning the collection with architecture that is refined yet humble, minimalist yet welcoming. “From the richness of the colours of the Egyptian range, I drew a sense of strength and empowerment through the colour palette and designs,” says Claire. “I focused on earthy tones and calm moments to draw one in to the beauty of the rugs, rather than detract.”

The soft green of the Aegean rug is paired with dusky peach tones and pale greys, while Russet picks up pink tones and complements cool greys and whites. Thyme, with the shade of sun-bleached straw, adds a lighter, coastal aesthetic. Meanwhile, the Aubergine and Starling rugs create a sense of moodiness and drama when paired with more muted hues.

Defining luxury in these terms, Claire placed the rugs in situ with other objects that portray both strength and a similar organic quality.

Through these considered combinations of colour, Claire highlights the versatility of the rugs in a variety of spaces and the way in which the idea of a quiet luxury can be interpreted across different spaces and moods. The overall emphasis on simplicity and raw, natural materials unites each of the images when viewed together, but separately they communicate subtly individual aesthetics and ways of life.

In styling the Egyptian collection, Claire represents the joy of a peaceful and restrained interior world and the clarity of the concept behind the collection design. The idea of the home as a place of retreat resonates through both the styled shoot and the collection itself, finding unique beauty and luxury in simplicity.