What defines Greycaine’s design philosophy?
Our design philosophy is rooted in Italian artistry and inspired by contemporary living. We believe in creating pieces which are beautiful, functional and timeless, created with exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge techniques. Being innovative in our design ethos, we strive to supply beautiful pieces that not only elevate the space but also reflect the individuality of the people that live in it.
Greycaine’s Cristina Rugo is driven by a desire to design furniture pieces that resonate with people
What’s inspiring you in design right now?
I’m inspired by contrast, the juxtaposition of soft organic forms paired with industrial materials, warm woods with cool metals… I’m drawn to the beauty of intricate, handcrafted details, the skill and artistry of traditional techniques, but am equally excited by how technology is helping us reimagine those processes.
You’ve just launched an eye-catching outdoor collection – what inspired the move outside?
Outdoor is such an interesting category, and for years it has been slightly overlooked; the market was overcrowded but with similar products, which were functional but not hugely inspiring. Our outdoor collection challenges consumers to really think about their outside space and furnish it as if it were a living room. We’re mixing colours, textures, fabrics, and bold design. Our modular sofas are statement pieces, but also practical as they can be configured for your needs. We’ve added accent chairs, oversized day beds and occasional tables, which together create a beautiful setting for relaxed outdoor living.
What about versatility?
The pieces can be tailored to your space, from urban terraces, to balconies and larger gardens, there’s something for everyone, whether an accent chair or the supersized modular sofa. Colour has a huge effect on our mood and the matcha green, paired with soft pink or the deep blues and greens are fun. Ultimately, we want to help customers to bring personality and joy into their outdoor spaces, because outdoor living should be expressive and every bit as considered as the indoors.
The new outdoor collection introduces vibrant hues, sculptural silhouettes, and luxurious, weatherresistant fabrics that bring the sophistication of interiors outside
Tell me about the role of sustainability at Greycaine
Our design ethos focuses on permanence and longevity, we’re supplying pieces of furniture which we hope will be used, loved and enjoyed for decades to come. From a practical point of view, we ensure our suppliers and partners share our commitment, we prioritise responsible practices, using sustainably sourced woods, and at our factory we’ve installed two wood waste heaters. They burn the offcuts we produce and they also heat our factories, meaning we have no need for gas or electric alternatives. The heater will work all year round and is fully compliant with the clean air act, without an oil or gas afterburner.
Do you design with longevity in mind – from season to season, space to space?
Absolutely – longevity is fundamental to our ethos. We believe good design transcends trends and we want our pieces to evolve with the owner and the space they’re in, to work in different settings and even different homes. Our collections are deliberately versatile, it’s not just about this season’s aesthetic, but pieces to be enjoyed for years to come. For example, our Nefele Cloud sofa is an example of a statement piece, sculptural in design, it’s functional in its form as a sofa but also works as a piece of art within the room.
What’s the starting point for any new piece – form, function or feeling?
For us, it’s always feeling: how do we want someone to feel when they live with this piece? The emotional response leads the process and from there, we can refi ne the form and functionality to bring everything to life. Anyone can design a piece of furniture, but we want the pieces to resonate with people.
Which piece from the new collection are you most excited to see styled in the wild?
I can’t wait to see the Levente Out, the sorbet pink and matcha green colourways are my favourite, it’s such a happy piece and I’d love to see where it’s placed, and how it’s configured. The intricate detailing with the contrasting piping, the sculptural backrest, is the epitome of a modern piece of outdoor furniture. The beauty of it is you’re not constrained to a certain configuration so it’s possible to create your own bespoke arrangement. Hopefully, it will make the owner feel as happy about it as I do!
