The Making of the Orjola Rug Collection

 

"I loved the process of working with Simone on this project. It was incredibly special to spend time with my sister on a shared vision and am so proud to have the opportunity to work with her and Sacha on creating this beautiful collection. Orjola shall forever be a permanent ode to our connection and one that represents a meeting of our shared love and passion for design." - Danielle McEwan, Creative Director of Tigmi.

Earlier this week, we introduced the Orjola Rug Collection. Tigmi’s first ever rug collaboration with London/Sydney-based design studio Nice Projects.

Born from a shared passion and design ethos, Orjola is the creation of Tigmi founder, Danielle McEwan and her sister, one half of Nice Projects Simone McEwan and partner Sacha Leong.  The collection pays tribute to their commitment to celebrating traditional methods of production while maintaining a global language of design. 

"We always wanted to work together and bringing this collection to life was such an enjoyable experience as both our notions around design and the respect for artisanship, are innately aligned" - Danielle McEwan, Tigmi.

Inspired by the minimalist works of Agnes Martin, the Orjola collection reimagines a Persian rug weaving as a painters canvas with delicate grid patterns in soft, muted tones of Russet, Cornsilk, and Parchment. Named after Nice Projects collaborator Tamara Orjola, the collection showcases her original artwork which was painted in watercolour.

After many decades of working with renowned design firms across both commercial and residential projects around the globe, Simone McEwan and Sacha Leong formed Nice Projects in 2020. Working with a diverse range of studios and brands, they are dedicated to creating memorable, sustainable spaces of the highest possible quality, focussing on layered detail and bringing comfort and joy.

Inspired by the local culture and community surrounding their projects, the studio brings a sense of depth to every project, prioritising longevity, practicality and playful aesthetics guaranteed to provoke the warmest of feelings.

"On all projects, we see our role as designers is to bring together artisans to curate and collaborate with specialist craftsmen and makers, making Tigmi our perfect match. Their support and commitment to develop our vision through endless sampling and testing, working with the best craftspeople has resulted in a beautiful translation of our concept” - Simone McEwan, Nice Projects.

Working closely with skilled weavers in Nepal, Tigmi were careful to ensure the finer details of the design and palette were faithfully translated. This unique blend of traditional technique and contemporary design creates a tactile and visually captivating piece that embodies quiet luxury.

The Orjola collection is a testament to the harmonious collaboration between Nice Projects and Tigmi, offering a modern interpretation of a timeless classic. At its core is a unique partnership between sisters Simone McEwan of Nice Projects and Danielle McEwan of Tigmi. Their familial bond ignited the project and fuelled their shared vision.

 

“Sacha and I were very excited to work with Tigmi, and for me personally, a chance to work alongside my sister Danielle. Together we are so aligned in our approach to design and both place a high value in creative collaborations."  – Simone McEwan, Nice Projects

Embodying quiet luxury through artistry and craftsmanship, Orjola shares the hallmarks of a collection designed as a modern interpretation of a timeless classic. 

EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

INTERIOR PICKS BY NICE PROJECTS