Tropical Escapism: How India Hicks’ New Rug Collection Redefines Home as a State of Mind
There’s something about a rug that can transport you. Not just physically—though the right one can certainly anchor a room—but emotionally. And when I first saw India Hicks’ new collection with Loom & Co., I was struck by how deeply it captures the essence of escapism. Not the kind that requires a plane ticket, but the kind that unfolds right under your feet.
Hicks, a British designer with a lineage tied to royalty (she’s the goddaughter of King Charles III), has spent the last three decades on a Bahamian island, crafting a life that feels like a perpetual vacation. Her latest venture, a line of tropical-inspired rugs, isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a manifesto on how to bring the serenity of island living into any space. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how Hicks blends the personal with the universal. Each rug is a story, a memory, a piece of her life woven into something tangible.
The Tortoise and the Textile: When Pets Inspire Design
One thing that immediately stands out is the Vincent rug, named after Hicks’ pet tortoise. Crafted from abaca, a material made from banana leaves, it features a geometric motif inspired by Vincent’s shell. Personally, I think this is where Hicks’ genius lies—she takes the mundane (a tortoise’s shell) and elevates it into something luxurious. What many people don’t realize is that abaca is not just sustainable but also incredibly tactile, adding a layer of sensory richness to the design.
This raises a deeper question: Why do we gravitate toward designs that tell a story? In a world of mass-produced decor, Hicks’ approach feels refreshingly human. The Vincent rug isn’t just a floor covering; it’s a conversation starter, a reminder that even the smallest details of our lives can inspire beauty.
Vintage Vibes and Royal Connections
Another standout is the Full Deck rug, inspired by vintage playing cards Hicks has shared with her mother, Lady Pamela Hicks (a former bridesmaid to Queen Elizabeth II). Available in Espresso and Dune, it’s a graphic nod to their games of canasta. From my perspective, this rug is more than a design—it’s a tribute to legacy and tradition. Hicks isn’t just selling rugs; she’s selling nostalgia, a connection to a bygone era of elegance and simplicity.
What this really suggests is that home decor can be a form of storytelling. When you walk into a room with a Full Deck rug, you’re not just stepping onto wool—you’re stepping into a narrative. And in a world where trends come and go, that kind of timelessness is invaluable.
The Winter Flower: A Study in Contrast
The Winter Flower dhurrie, adorned with rows of snowy white camellias, feels like a paradox. Winter flowers in a tropical collection? But that’s the beauty of Hicks’ vision—she’s not bound by conventions. If you take a step back and think about it, this rug is a metaphor for duality, for finding warmth in the cold and vibrancy in the quiet.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Hicks uses texture to enhance the design. The lightweight dhurrie material gives the rug a breezy, effortless quality, making it perfect for summer. But the camellia motif adds a touch of sophistication, proving that simplicity and elegance can coexist.
Running in Circles: The Art of Reinvention
The Running in Circles rug, reimagined from Hicks’ design archives, is a masterclass in reinvention. The interlocking circles pattern feels both modern and timeless, a testament to Hicks’ ability to breathe new life into old ideas. What makes this rug stand out is its versatility—it could fit into a minimalist loft or a cozy cottage, proving that good design transcends style categories.
In my opinion, this rug is a reminder that creativity isn’t about starting from scratch; it’s about seeing potential in what already exists. Hicks’ ability to repurpose her own work speaks to a broader trend in design: sustainability isn’t just about materials; it’s about ideas.
Why This Collection Matters
Hicks’ collaboration with Loom & Co. isn’t just another product launch—it’s a cultural moment. At a time when many of us are craving escape, her rugs offer a way to bring the tropics into our homes without leaving our zip code. But what’s truly groundbreaking is how Hicks redefines luxury. It’s not about opulence; it’s about authenticity, about infusing everyday objects with meaning.
From my perspective, this collection is a reflection of our collective desire for connection—to nature, to tradition, to ourselves. In a world that often feels chaotic, Hicks’ rugs are a reminder that home can be a sanctuary, a place where every detail tells a story.
The Future of Design: Personalization as the New Luxury
If there’s one takeaway from Hicks’ collection, it’s that the future of design lies in personalization. As we move away from cookie-cutter aesthetics, there’s a growing appetite for pieces that feel uniquely ours. Hicks’ rugs aren’t just products; they’re extensions of her identity, and by extension, ours.
What this really suggests is that the next wave of luxury won’t be about exclusivity—it’ll be about inclusivity, about creating spaces that reflect who we are. And in that sense, Hicks isn’t just a designer; she’s a pioneer, showing us that home is less about where we live and more about how we feel.
So, the next time you walk into a room, ask yourself: What story do I want to tell? Because, personally, I think that’s what design is all about.
