Interior Design student, Maríanna, wins competition with Jacaranda

Posted on 13th October 2025

By Maríanna Björk Ásmundsdóttir, Interior Design student

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of taking part in a rug design competition hosted by Jacaranda Carpets & Rugs in collaboration with KLC School of Design in London. Students were invited to create designs exploring the concept of regeneration, which, to me, is the very essence of the Icelandic landscape. To my delight, both of my submissions Haust (Autumn) and Vetur (Winter) were shortlisted by the jury, with Vetur ultimately chosen as the winning design.

The panel described Vetur as standing out for “its painterly depth of colour, intricate textures inspired by Icelandic landscapes, and its balance between the abstract and detail.” Hearing these words about my work was an unforgettable moment. Even more exciting, after further discussions with Jacaranda, it was decided that both rugs would go into production. They now form part of Jacaranda’s Nordur Collection, which will be launched in London later this month.

Vetur draws inspiration from a photograph I took last winter break, with snow lying across dark lava fi elds, where the sharp edges of volcanic stone are softened by a layer of snow. The design captures this tension and balance, creating a rug that feels both painterly and tactile. Haust was inspired by a photograph I took years ago from a helicopter over Ingólfsfjall mountain. The mossy greens, earthy browns, and muted tones inspired organic textures and gradients that refl ect nature’s seasonal transformation.

Together, these designs celebrate the idea of regeneration with nature’s ability to renew itself in even the harshest environments, much like design has the power to bring new life to interiors. The rugs are hand-tufted from wool and tencel, carefully crafted to achieve depth and richness while maintaining durability. They carry GoodWeave certifi cation, ensuring ethical production and supporting artisans who bring these designs to life.

Seeing my ideas evolve into physical rugs has been a milestone in my journey as a designer. The Nordur Collection has now been unveiled in Jacaranda’s showroom at the Design Center, and I am excited to be able to share a glimpse of Iceland with a wider audience.

I am also deeply grateful for having been a part of such a talented cohort whose encouragement has been invaluable and to have had the support of my teachers at KLC. At Jacaranda, a special thank you goes to Sarah in the showroom and Angela, Jacaranda’s Design Manager, whose support and guidance has been invaluable, from fi nalising the designs to choosing the right colours and samples, to now seeing the rugs completed in the showroom.

This collaboration with Jacaranda has been an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to the possibilities it may open in the future.

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