Considered interiors, the character of vintage pieces and why a room should feel as though it belongs to the people who live in it.
Our relationship with Graham Simmonds of Gray & Co began when he first welcomed Rug Porter into his showroom. Since then, we've shared a few pop-ups, plenty of conversations about design and, somewhere along the way, developed a friendship.
We've always admired Graham's approach to interiors. His instinct for proportion, appreciation for pieces with character and ability to bring together old and new in a way that feels distinctly his own. He's also always up for a chat and genuinely generous with his time, particularly when it comes to supporting fellow designers in the industry.
After talking about doing this interview for quite some time, we've finally made it happen. We caught up with Graham to chat about his approach to design, the pieces he gravitates towards and what makes a space feel like home.
You've built Gray & Co around a really clear point of view. How would you describe it?
Grounded. Confident. A little masculine. I'm not interested in rooms that look like everyone else's. Every project starts with the architecture: where the walls are, how the light moves, how people actually live. Only then do we start layering. If the bones aren't right, no amount of styling will save it.
Where does a rug sit in that process? Is it the first thing or the last?
Earlier than most people think. A rug isn't an accessory. It's what holds a room together. It sets the scale for the furniture, it defines the zones, and it's usually the biggest field of colour and texture in the space. Get it wrong and everything above it feels like it's floating. Get it right and the room feels resolved before you've even placed a cushion.
What drew you to Rug Porter?
The quality, honestly. I'm a bit obsessive about materials. I want to know what something's made of, how it'll wear and whether it'll still look good in ten years. Rug Porter's pieces have that sense of permanence. They're considered, they're tactile, and they don't shout. That's exactly what I want under a beautiful vintage chair.
You're known for mixing vintage with modern. How do you make that work underfoot?
Contrast is everything. If you've got a sculptural mid-century sofa or an old wingback you've reupholstered, the rug has to give it room to breathe. I'll often go tonal, with texture rather than pattern, so the furniture is the hero. Other times a rug with a bit of age and character is what makes a new build feel like it's been lived in. There's no formula. You have to look at the room.
What's the most common mistake you see people make with rugs?
Too small. Every time. People buy a rug that sits in the middle of the room like a postage stamp and wonder why the space feels disconnected. At least the front legs of your furniture should be on it. Go bigger than you think. You'll thank me.
If someone is investing in one piece for their home this year, why should it be a rug?
Because you touch it every day. Don't overcapitalise on things you'll replace in two years, but don't skimp on the pieces you live with. A great rug changes how a room sounds, how it feels underfoot, and how everything around it reads. It's one of the few things that makes a home feel special the moment you walk in.
Our thanks to Graham for sharing his perspective so openly. Having followed his work and shared a few spaces along the way, it's been a pleasure to see Gray & Co continue to evolve. We're looking forward to seeing where he takes it next, and no doubt continuing the conversation over a coffee or two.
Discover Graham's beautiful work https://www.grayandco.com.au/
