Coral + Hive’s New Picnic Collection Brings the Beauty of Slow Living Indoors

Coral + Hive’s new Picnic Collection, created in collaboration with ATTIK Design, has a knack for shaping the atmosphere of a room entirely. Rich in texture, colour and craftsmanship, the collection captures the warmth and nostalgia of outdoor living while reinforcing the growing desire for interiors that feel tactile, soulful and deeply personal.

Inspired by an original picnic rug designed for ATTIK Design’s Provençal Living project in France, the collection reimagines the familiar gingham motif through a more refined and contemporary lens. Earthy tones, layered colour combinations and oversized checks evoke the romance of slow afternoons outdoors; fresh grass beneath bare feet, linen laid across sunlit tables and long lunches that stretch well into evening.

The result feels both playful and sophisticated. In ATTIK Design’s own words, the collection was conceived to feel “bold, layered, and intentional,” using colour not merely as decoration, but as a way to create atmosphere and emotion. Each design has been interpreted across four distinct seasonal palettes inspired by the changing tones of nature throughout the year.

What makes the collection particularly compelling, however, is the depth of craftsmanship behind every piece. Founded between South Africa and London, Coral + Hive has quietly established itself as one of the country’s most thoughtful textile studios, producing handwoven rugs, throws, cushions and bespoke soft furnishings for architects, interior designers and private residences around the world. Each piece is made to order using natural fibres including Karakul wool, mohair, jute, silk and cotton, alongside recycled polyester options developed specifically for outdoor applications.

At a time when much of the design world is moving towards automation and mass production, Coral + Hive continues to champion the handmade. Fibres are sourced in small batches from accredited farms before being hand-spun, sun-dried and woven on traditional wooden looms — a process that naturally reduces energy consumption while preserving the tactile irregularities that make handcrafted textiles so appealing.

Their approach to sustainability extends well beyond materials alone. Coral + Hive works closely with family-run loom partners in India while supporting a predominantly female team in South Africa, many from rural communities where long-term employment opportunities are limited. Through weaving, artisans gain both financial independence and specialised craft skills, helping preserve traditional techniques while ensuring they continue evolving for contemporary interiors.

That balance between heritage and innovation sits at the centre of the brand’s identity. In Cape Town, Coral + Hive recently built Africa’s largest loom alongside a custom spinning machine designed to increase production capacity without sacrificing the imperfect beauty of hand-spun yarn. Their weaving school further supports knowledge sharing between master artisans, designers and clients interested in understanding the processes behind the finished pieces.

It is perhaps this commitment to both artistry and integrity that has made Coral + Hive increasingly sought after among architects and interior designers. Brigid White of ATTIK Design describes the collaboration as one rooted in emotional connection as much as aesthetics. “Their work brings depth, texture, and character to our interiors,” she explains. “It is truly inspiring to witness how they invite clients to connect not just with the product, but with the hands and stories behind each piece.”

The Picnic Collection embodies that philosophy beautifully. These are not simply rugs designed to fill space, but pieces intended to transform it — introducing softness, warmth and a sense of lived-in ease to even the most minimal interiors. Whether layered beneath a dining table, grounding a living room or used in covered outdoor spaces, they possess the rare ability to feel both contemporary and timeless at once.

As interiors continue shifting towards quieter forms of luxury, Coral + Hive’s latest collection arrives at exactly the right moment. Thoughtfully made, emotionally resonant and rooted in craftsmanship, these are the rugs we cannot stop thinking about.

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Images: Supplied