At home with interior design dream team Geri O’Toole and Phoebe Holland

The partnership between two Munster, Irish and international design mavens has been “years in the making”, they reveal.

Cork’s Phoebe Holland, managing director of Rugs.ie, and Limerick native Geri O’Toole, interior designer to the stars and founder of Geri Designs, were keen to fashion and curate a quality collection of luxury yet affordable pieces to open a “flow” through rooms. “We discovered it was difficult for designers to source versatile, durable rugs that can be used in multiple spaces,” says Phoebe.

“We identified a need for a timeless, high-quality collection of rugs that work together to create a cohesive design flow. The goal was to create an accessible range designed by an interior specialist, allowing everyone to enjoy the luxury of handmade, high-quality rugs. The curated collection of rugs is both elegant and practical.”

The Manhattan rug, pictured in Geri O’Toole’s open-plan living area in her Limerick home.

Weaving their talents together “felt like a natural creative partnership”, says Geri. Phoebe agrees: “Having worked with Geri for many years, this collaboration was a natural step. Geri’s work is known for its elegance and practicality, and that’s exactly what we wanted this collection to reflect. These rugs are designed to suit a range of interiors, from traditional to contemporary, and to last for years to come.”

Interior designer Geri O’Toole.

This launch marks a milestone for Rugs.ie, as it celebrates its milestone 30th birthday — over three decades of “helping Irish homeowners bring warmth and style to their spaces”, adds its MD. “The collaboration with Geri Designs represents a confident step forward in supporting Irish design and bringing accessible luxury to homes across the country,” says Phoebe.

Phoebe Holland and Geri O’Toole.

As the duo posed for a shoot at Geri’s home with photographer Kirsty Lyons behind the camera, the names of each rug as well as the natural palettes conjure up a sense of place, taking their cues from locations where Geri has worked on design projects, from the rustic landscapes of Provence to the bright lights of Manhattan. “This collection is very personal to me,” says Geri.

“Each rug reflects a part of my design journey, places I’ve worked, materials I love, and the kind of quiet luxury I try to bring to every project.”

The textiles focus on sustainability too — each rug is handwoven by skilled artisans using responsibly sourced wool and recycled cotton, they add. “The entire collection is certified by the Care & Fair programme, supporting ethical production and craftsmanship,” says Geri.

Both interior pros say they’re delighted this partnership is one that emphasises “female-led Irish-owned businesses”.

Phoebe Holland’s puppy Jackie ‘loves comfort’, says Phoebe.

Another lady on the team approves — Phoebe’s puppy, Jackie, a miniature Jack Russell terrier rescue, is already a fan of the products, seeking out their cosiness and, occasionally, checking out delivery vans. “We only have her for a few weeks, but she’s settling in so well,” says Phoebe.

Quality, sustainability and timeless design are woven into the tapestry. “Both Rugs.ie and Geri Designs value quality craftsmanship, natural and sustainable materials and products that are designed to transcend trends and stand the test of time,” according to Phoebe.

Phoebe’s home in Cork: ‘It will probably be a project that I never stop working on.’ 

Quiet luxury has crept into our lexicon and our lives, and the collection is a nod to the concept. Geri, who has designed the dream interior spaces for homeowners across Ireland and the world, including podcaster Vogue Williams, says: “We wanted to create something that felt considered, beautiful and practical. Pieces that would sit comfortably in any home and last for years to come.”

The collection blends classic and contemporary design, with timeless styles that won’t date. “Each rug is flatwoven, offering added longevity and flexibility. The warm, earthy colour palette features shades of olive, moss, beige and blue, carefully chosen to work across multiple spaces,” says Phoebe.

The collection is available online and instore at Rugs.ie. You can preview the rugs using Rugs.ie’s room visualiser tool, and benefit from free next-day delivery throughout Ireland; Rugs.ietarget=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>, Geridesigns.ie.

Q&A WITH GERI AND PHOEBE

Tell us about where you live, your home, and its design

Geri: I live in Limerick. My home was designed by Des Ewing Architects, and the interiors were by Geri Designs. We have been here 10 years and renovated and extended two years ago.

Phoebe: I live in Cork and I am lucky enough to have bought my family home, which is Georgian. We have been living here for two years, and it’s still a work in progress! My home will probably be a project that I will never stop working on. We started with the master bedroom. All we have completed to date is this room and the hallways. We are in the process of doing up our living room based around a Ghom silk rug I fell in love with, which we will use as a wall hanging. The kitchen and bathrooms are next on our list.

Who shares your living space?

Geri: My husband, Cathal, and two children, Finley and Edie, and Baxter the dog.

Phoebe: Owen, my partner, and Jackie, our miniature Jack Russell terrier puppy that we rescued from Molly Moo’s Westie Rescue.

Describe your design style

Geri: My design style is earthy, organic and soulful

Phoebe: My design style is eclectic, cosy and playful

Geri O’Toole’s pooch Baxter taking a nap. Picture: Ruth Maria Murphy

Your top interior design advice?

Geri: Reflect your personality in your home — lean into good quality materials; they always stand the test of time. Shop for antique or vintage pieces and be intentional about what you bring into your home.

What’s trending in textiles (inside or out)?

Phoebe: In rugs, it’s earthy textures and natural materials.

Geri O’Toole in her kitchen, where the Provence Olive runner works well with the colour scheme.

How do you unwind?

Phoebe: A walk in nature, a glass of wine and a good book!