Anne Marie Barton on her two new organic modern collections of lighting and rugs premiering at High Point

Interior designer Anne Marie Barton brings three decades of high-end residential expertise to her newest collaborations this High Point Market: a handcrafted rug collection from India with Eliko Rugs by David Ariel and a lighting collaboration with Visual Comfort. Known for her “organic-modern” aesthetic that balances informality with precise details, Barton shares her moving experience visiting rug weavers in India, her design philosophy, and her vision for bringing authenticity to home design. 

We caught up with Barton, as she prepares to showcase her two new collections at High Point Market. Barton opens up about her creative process, the intersection of vintage and modern elements, and her secret past as a college DJ. With these new collections, she continues to pursue her passion for creating intentional spaces filled with natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship. 

DNN: Firstly, congratulations! This is going to be a big market for you with a new rug and lighting collection coming out. Let’s talk about both, starting with the rugs: Your trip to India seems to have been a significant part of the rug development process. What was the most impactful experience you had while visiting India? 

Barton: Walking through the old iron gates down a  path with dirt underfoot, it was emotional being greeted by the happy, warm and bright children of the weavers.  Mothers dressed in expressive colors in beautiful dresses, the men in linen shirts and pants, all with eyes of kindness and heartwarming smiles. 

An old motorcycle was trying to weave its way with tied-on stacks of rugs 10 feet high, barely balancing on the bike’s narrow leather seat, on their way to deliver the large and heavy rugs they had just removed from the looms.  And then I saw my own rugs being made.  Just something I won’t ever forget. 

As I sat there sharing the wooden bench with the weavers, I was able to weave a few rows, with the children right by my side, leaving me with the impression that the family tradition of rug making will carry on. 

Being there, realizing the hands that made my rug collection, I have a love for the people there.  When leaving, the hands of the children formed hearts and I gave them back the same love, not just for the beautiful rugs they were making for me, but for them, their families and most of all the children. 

DNN: You’re known for your “organic-modern” style. How does this new rug collection reflect that aesthetic?

Barton: I believe we live better in beautiful surroundings which yield informality drenched in fine detail.  It’s at the intersection of informality and precision that defines my organic modern sensibility. 

At the foundation of my work lie rugs, creating a deep sense of underlying warmth and texture.  I look to my collection to soften my modern sensibility, bringing forth naturalness and imperfection, yielding the comforts of home.

DNN:. In addition to the rug collection, you’re also launching a lighting collection with Visual Comfort. How do you envision designers and homeowners incorporating these collections into their spaces? And which from your own collections do you have or plan to have in your own home?

Barton:  I imagined one entire home as I was designing my different rugs in the collection. I imagined the variety that would be needed both in texture and pattern as well as colors that work well together. 

Homes will be filled with runners, small and large scale rugs, some with texture, others flat weave, wools and luxe cashmeres; so the entire collection actually could live in one home together. 

The idea is to mix in elements of vintage throughout any of the homes we design.  My recipe for the rug collection entails adding vintage rugs and merging or layering them together for contrast and added depth; and this way, it should make that part of an interior designer’s job a bit easier. I created lighting designs that I craved, that I knew would be full of integrity, subtle, and a bit curious.  

I wanted to rely on the authentic materials themselves to deliver so much integrity that the designs could remain highly usable and far-reaching. I cannot wait to bring in one of my sconce designs by my front door.  Most of all I want to add depth and richness to a home’s core and lighting and rugs is really where it starts. 

DNN: Your presentation at High Point Market is titled “Loom to Living Room: Creation of a Bespoke Rug Collection out of India.” How was the R+D process on the rug collection compared to the lighting for you? Did they unfold simultaneously? Was one more natural or more difficult for you?

Barton: Designing the rug collection began two years ago and my lighting collection just one year ago.  It’s been a big part of my early mornings and late nights to accomplish both, while working of course for so many lovely interior design clients and projects.  

I wanted to be absolutely sure that the integrity of both the rugs and lighting to be very legibly on par with the AMB aesthetic.  This commitment is what really has taken my heart and soul over the past year.  I can’t imagine being done, and I’m already working on more designs for both. 

It’s a natural path from all the prior custom work I have done through my 30 years as an interior designer.  It’s a continuation of what I do, just more intensely, in a shorter period of time.  

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DNN: With 30 years of experience in high-end residential projects, what are some of your top tips for mastering the mix of floor coverings throughout a home?

Barton: A vintage rug next to a modern rug full of texture and richness, is how I create “the mix.” The dry finish and pattern of vintage rugs, and even the history of them, are so valuable and easy to partner with higher piled cashmeres and mohairs that carry a more contemporary and luxe feel.  I have always craved both!  Sourcing from Eliko Rugs by David Ariel for over 23 years, I have always wanted both.  

DNN: Both collections are launching this fall. How do you see these pieces fitting into current home design trends? What other brands, artists, makers, etc are exciting you? Who/which other vendors would your rugs and lighting live alongside of, from a stylistic and/or price point perspective?

Barton:  I don’t see a time when authentic, natural materials are not a part of interior design.  I don’t see it as a trend.  It’s something that has always been woven into my ethos.  I think speaking about naturalism in design is more on the forefront now, and I know that I talk about it all of the time on social media and on my design shows. 

I would say Verellen furnishings are highly complementary, as well as Henge, Coup D’eTat, Apparatus, Minotti, Lumfardo, and Stahl + Band. The rugs are more affordable than others in the same quality, but that is simply because we are going directly to the source in India. 

I make custom furniture designs as well.  For me it’s all the same: start from a place of delivering authenticity. Create intentional connections and elevate spaces with true craft and artisan pieces that will stand as art for the home.

DNN: Lastly, looking forward: How can we expect to see your brand continue to expand and do you have a dream project you’d love to have realized? 

Barton: Secretly, I was a DJ in college at American University in Washington DC.  For my dream project, I would love to have a live radio show where folks call in and I offer advice on the spot, empowering them to do what is needed for and in their homes. 

I hope to develop my furniture line as well in the next four years.  My path seems to be leading me right where I want to be, remaining creative and using my years of design experience to develop accessible lighting, rugs and furniture for others to enjoy.

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