Colour and energy fire up new design Moondance Life Force
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Poised to energise interiors, Life Force is the second rug in our four-part Moondance series. In the wider world, life force is the energy that some people believe exists in all living things. And with her life-affirming spring-summer palette of greens, blues, golds, pinks and yellows, our Life Force is charged with a powerful seasonal energy.
Inspired by the wonderful work of American designer Walter Nicols - who created a new pictorial approach to rug design in the 1920s by introducing beautiful bright silks to traditional Chinese rugs - Life Force draws you into a vibrant world of colour, pattern and emotion. Her story is one of hope, beauty and connection. She leads you on a journey to the natural world, allowing that world to soothe, calm and restore.
Meet Moondance Part II
Following on from fabulous neutral Moondance Nature, which launched during London Design Week, Moondance Life Force is a celebration of seasonal colour. Neutral design Nature is easy to place in an already decorated space, while Life Force could be seen as a striking starting point to a room. ‘The green and blue of Life Force will lift any space,’ Wendy says.
The vivid design grows around a golden pine tree rising from mountains and set against a backdrop of summer-blue sky. The slim pine with delicate fan-shaped branches is surrounded by pretty peonies, colourful chrysanthemums, and lush foliage, dotted with joyful hummingbirds and beautiful butterflies.
The design is framed by a green border, giving the impression of a window to the sky. Soft green edging forms a grounding base for colourful motifs, and guides the eye towards the elegant central tree and that joyful oval of blue. ‘I see this design as a representation of growth,’ Wendy says, ‘the green is fuelled by the blue, which can represent both water and sky. She looks stunning in a lounge or dining room.’
A story of symbolism
In Far Eastern philosophy, the pine tree represents longevity, resilience and vitality. The tree’s hardy, evergreen nature is regarded as a powerful symbol of endurance, with the ability to persevere in harsh conditions. It is also a symbol of renewal and a positive future. The gorgeous gold tones match the elegant nature of the pine, adding to the design’s luxurious look.
"Nature is always grounding and inspiring. This design is all about life and living it to the full, hand in hand with Mother Nature."
Mountains are powerful symbols, representing strength, resilience and stability. They often have a spiritual element, and are seen as a link between heaven and earth. Peonies bloom freely, between and behind branches, a flower that symbolises joy, prosperity, good luck and love. The flowers’ muted pinks suggest nurture and compassion.
Lush peonies are surrounded by compact chrysanthemums. These pretty little flowers represent longevity, love, joy and optimism, and are seen here in deeper colours, a contrast that balances the peonies’ pinks and greens. The overall effect is like stepping into a garden; one that is allowed to flourish and grow as it pleases.
‘Life Force feels strong, beautiful and powerful to me,’ Wendy says. ‘Nature is always grounding and inspiring. This design is all about life and living it to the full, hand in hand with Mother Nature.’
Welcome the outside in
‘I’m always inspired by the natural world,’ Wendy says. ‘I love plants, flowers, birds and animals, and always find something new and fascinating in nature. I’m so often drawn to her colour combinations – Mother Nature really knows what she is doing.’
There are many studies into the benefits of time spent in nature, and some benefits extend to bringing nature indoors too, something Wendy does in her own home as much as possible.
Our slice of nature
‘Life Force feels like a slice of nature to me,’ Wendy adds. ‘It is so easy to bring an element of the outside in using nature-inspired rugs, wallpaper, fabrics or artwork, something that instantly connects us to the world outside.
‘I have paired Life Force with Mandela wall décor and One Hundred Birds in my own home. I also think she would be amazing with Arc en Ciel too, to create an incredible rainbow effect, to energise a space.
‘If you feel inspired to bring a little bit of the outdoors in, let yourself be guided by your surroundings. Chances are, if you like a colour, shape or pattern in its natural setting, you’ll like something similar indoors too. Choose a paint colour based on the natural world, or use a beautiful artwork you love to bring soul and joy in your living space.
‘I love having plants in the home. I feel they help keep the air clean and balance out the electrical stuff we all have going on. They are also great for hiding a plug point and bringing a corner to life.
Shop Our Moondance Collection
Moondance Life Force is more than just a rug; it’s a joyful expression of nature’s enduring beauty and energy. From its vibrant palette to its symbolic storytelling, this design brings the outside in, encouraging us to ground ourselves in nature while embracing life with colour and optimism.
Whether it’s a statement piece or part of a layered scheme, Life Force invites you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the world around you. In every detail, she reminds us that beauty, resilience and joy are all around, and that our spaces, like nature, can be powerful sources of inspiration.
