When Utah State University’s interior design students were asked to create a rug design for the 2018 Durkan competition, then-junior Brianne Brooks jumped at the opportunity. While product design is outside of her typical coursework, it was an exciting experience. “For me personally, I love pattern,” Brooks explained, “but for a rug, you can’t just have a pattern. It was hard for me to create something that wasn’t just a geometric pattern. However, once I understood [Durkan’s] products and what they do, it made it easier for me.”
Brooks rug design was announced as the first place winner this summer. The award provided her with a $2,500 NEWH Scholarship, and a trip to Las Vegas in May to attend HD Expo.
Rug Design from Space
Inspired by outer space, her winning design blends shades of grey with vibrant greens that “emulates the bright, unexpected bolts of color in the dark void of space,” reads Durkan’s release on the design.
“My rug was inspired by space nebulas,” Brooks explained. “I love the contrast between the bright colors and the dark of space. I really wanted my rug to be very modern, contemporary, and cutting edge.”
Heading into her senior year at Utah State University, the Durkan win is just the tip of the iceberg for Brooks. While she isn’t closing any doors which may open along the way, being exposed to the ins and outs of hotel product design has helped her to move towards her future.
“I feel like I’m pretty open with any opportunities that come my way. But my dream would be to do hospitality [design], I think hotel design would be really fun.”
