Show Notes
In this episode of Style Stories with EZ Living Interiors, our marketing manager, Laura O'Keeffe dives into a fascinating conversation with Clare Vallely, co-founder of Kukoon Rugs. Kukoon Rugs has completely transformed the Irish rug market and now offers a game-changing machine-washable rug collection. Clare shares Kukoon Rugs' incredible journey, from selling their very first rug in 2006 to becoming one of Ireland's leading names in home décor. She then offers invaluable advice on how best to incorporate rugs into your home. Whether you're refreshing a single space or redesigning your entire home, Clare offers invaluable insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear the story behind Kukoon Rugs and get ready to redefine your interior style! In this episode, Clare delves into: The power of strategic partnerships, including their year-long collaboration with EZ Living Interiors, and how shared values elevate the customer experience. Why staying ahead of interior design trends, actively listening to customer feedback, and maintaining affordability are crucial for success. The magic behind their collaboration with talented artists like Jacqueline Rooney to bring unique product offerings to life. The soaring popularity of their "soft, washable" collection – offering the perfect blend of luxurious feel, durability, and practicality. Clare's personal favorite: the stunning "Verity" design with its captivating medallion pattern in terracotta and blues. The evolving world of home décor, from the timeless appeal of texture (like jute) to the exciting resurgence of Art Deco and bold colors. Practical tips for choosing the perfect rug size to transform any room. GUEST DETAILS Clare Vallely is a dynamic entrepreneur who co-founded Kukoon Rugs with her brother Paul, transforming her family's market trading legacy into a cutting-edge design brand. Starting by selling her father's surplus rug stock on eBay in 2006, Clare has grown Kukoon Rugs into one of Ireland's most exciting and innovative rug companies, known for its bold designs, customer-first approach, and commitment to affordability. With a lifelong passion for interiors that began in childhood — evidenced by her carefully preserved design scrapbooks — Clare has steered Kukoon Rugs through significant industry changes. Her approach blends creative vision with strategic thinking, focusing on bringing exciting, washable, and stylish rugs to market. From working alongside her father in market stalls to leading a successful design-led brand, Clare embodies the spirit of family entrepreneurship and creative innovation in the home decor industry. https://www.kukoonrugs.com/ MORE INFORMATION Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie Styles Stories is produced by DustPod.io for EZ Living Interiors. QUOTES Gone are the days where your options were a plain wall rug, or God forbid, a carpet remnant - Clare Vallely Rugs have become much closer to fashion and to people's identities - Clare Vallely We love to travel for style inspiration - Clare Vallely It's about distilling fashion trends down into what this means in the rug world - Clare Vallely The biggest mistake we see being made with rugs is still people buying too small - Clare Vallely If you can get the front legs, at the very least, onto the rug, you'll see a massive difference - Clare Vallely We're always trying to be ahead of the trends, getting the heads up before the general population about colors of the year. - Clare Vallely It's about being brave. Lean into the color that you love, and start bringing those tones into your space gradually - Clare Vallely KEYWORDS #EZLivingInteriors, #KukoonRugs, #StyleStoriesPodcast, #InteriorDesignTips, #HomeDecorTrends, #RugStyling, #IrishInteriors, #WashableRugs, #RoomTransformation
More from Style Stories with EZ Living Interiors
Renovating a historic home often feels like a constant battle against unexpected structural decay and extremely limited budgets. Achieving a space that is both functional and beautiful requires more than a Pinterest board. It demands patience, resourcefulness, and the courage to manage the process without a professional crew. We explore how to maintain the integrity of period features while transforming a tiny footprint into a functional sanctuary. We discuss the reality of budget constraints and the essential mindset needed to survive the process. Joining the platform is Kelly Warburton, creator of Little Victorian Terrace Cork, who restored her own 136-year-old property entirely through personal grit and resourcefulness. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Renovating Victorian terraces on a restricted budget Managing the physical and emotional toll of renovation Uncovering and preserving original period features Designing functional spaces for small footprints Navigating renovation fatigue and decision making GUEST DETAILS Kelly Warburton is the creator behind Little Victorian Terrace Cork. She is an expert in DIY home restoration, known for sharing the detailed progress of transforming her 136-year-old home. Kelly is celebrated for her approachable style, which has inspired a community of over 85,000 followers to tackle their own ambitious projects. Connect with Kelly: Instagram: instagram.com/little_victorian_terrace_cork QUOTES Do I have space for it? Do I really need it? Do I really want it? Will it add something to the room or to the space that I'm in? - Kelly Warburton Taking on a renovation is not for the weak of heart. It is a lot. - Kelly Warburton My number one piece of advice is to make it a place that you feel good in. - Kelly Warburton MORE INFORMATION EZ Living Interiors is a family-owned home furnishing retailer which sets the standards for quality, style, and design in the industry. We advise on how individuals and families should furnish their living spaces to create homes that are both beautiful and functional. Our mission is to inspire and elevate the art of interior design through the promotion of high standards of product sourcing, craftsmanship, and customer service. We achieve this by providing innovative and thoughtful design solutions for our customers to support them to create stylish and comfortable living spaces. Visit EZLivingInteriors.ie to learn more. This podcast is produced by dustpod.io for EZ Living Interiors KEYWORDS #VictorianHomeRenovation#PeriodPropertyTips#SmallSpaceDesign#DIYBudgetReno
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Balancing a demanding, high-profile media career with a significant home renovation and the chaos of new motherhood presents a unique challenge to personal space. For Irish broadcaster Doireann Garrihy, life is currently a chaotic but embraced mix of nationwide tours and family focus. This episode explores how she navigates this high-octane life. Doireann shares her strategy for furnishing her Dublin fixer-upper, finding balance between career fulfilment and a fulfilling family life, and creating a truly intimate environment on stage and at home. Get her essential advice for anyone making a change to their home or lifestyle. Our guest is Doireann Garrihy, an award-winning Irish broadcaster, comedian, and host of the hugely successful podcast The Laughs of Your Life. Known for her work on RTÉ radio and co-hosting Dancing with the Stars. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Logistics of touring with a baby Creating intimacy on a live stage How to invest in home key pieces Importance of living in the space Balancing work and new motherhood GUEST DETAILS Doireann Garrihy is an award-winning Irish Broadcaster and Podcast Host. She is known for presenting on RTÉ radio and co-hosting Dancing with the Stars. Doireann hosts the chart-topping podcast, The Laughs of Your Life, and is celebrated for her comedy and strong on-air presence. Connect with Doireann: Website: www.doireanngarrihy.com QUOTES So if the person is physically comfortable, they're going to be emotionally comfortable, mentally comfortable. - Doireann Garrihy He's like, not everything has to match.- Doireann Garrihy You have to be in the space. And you have to go, Okay, I actually do sit in that corner a lot, so I'm going to give that corner some love. - Doireann Garrihy MORE INFORMATION EZ Living Interiors is a family-owned home furnishing retailer which sets the standards for quality, style, and design in the industry. We advise on how individuals and families should furnish their living spaces to create homes that are both beautiful and functional. Our mission is to inspire and elevate the art of interior design through the promotion of high standards of product sourcing, craftsmanship, and customer service. We achieve this by providing innovative and thoughtful design solutions for our customers to support them to create stylish and comfortable living spaces. Visit EZLivingInteriors.ie to learn more. This podcast is produced by dustpod.io for EZ Living Interiors KEYWORDS #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KeyPieces #LiveInTheSpace #CosyHome
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