Jake Arnold’s Best Interior Design Tips From His New Lulu and Georgia Collection

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Jake Arnold wants you to stop treating rugs and wallpaper like an afterthought. “They’re what define a space,” he says—and he would know. The L.A.-based designer just launched his second collection with Lulu and Georgia (live June 3), and it’s all about grounding a room with rich textures, earthy tones, and patterns that don’t scream for attention, but deserve plenty.

The line includes hand-knotted rugs with chic borders and grasscloth wallpapers that could take a hallway from forgettable to instantly pulled together. We asked Arnold to share his top tips for using rugs and wallpaper like a pro.

Start From the Ground Up

“Sometimes rugs and wallpaper are treated as an afterthought or just a play-safe layer of decorating, when in reality, these pieces are what define a room,” Arnold says. “A rug, especially, should anchor the space—it’s not just a visual element but something that impacts how a room feels.”

Nail the Scale (and Don’t Skimp on Texture)

“Scale is everything. A rug that’s too small will instantly make a space feel disconnected, while one that’s sized to the room and sits under all furniture creates cohesion,” says Arnold. “I also love playing with texture. Whether it’s wool, jute, or viscose, that tactile quality really grounds the room.”

Wallpaper Commitment Issues? Start Small

“Start somewhere low-pressure—like a powder room, hallway, or even the back of a bookshelf. These are great spots to experiment without feeling overwhelmed,” Arnold says. “Our grasscloths and tonal patterns are a great entry point because they offer depth and interest without being too loud.”

Pick One Star and Let It Shine

“Layering only works when there’s a rhythm to it, so step back and ask: where do I want the eye to land? Start with one standout piece and let everything else support it,” Arnold advises. “If you’re going with a bold pattern, balance it with more muted, tactile elements—like a handwoven jute rug or grasscloth wallpaper. And vice versa.”

There Are Rules, But You Can Break Them

“Design isn’t one-size-fits-all. I have guidelines—like making sure the furniture sits on the rug—but ultimately, it’s about what feels balanced in the space,” says Arnold. “Sometimes breaking the ‘rules’ results in something more personal and unexpected. Trust your eye and don’t be afraid to shift things around until it clicks.”

Shop the Collection

LULU AND GEORGIA

Beddow Grasscloth Wallpaper

$498

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LULU AND GEORGIA

Clapham Hand-Loomed Wool Rug

$1,598

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LULU AND GEORGIA

Stansby Hand-Knotted Wool Rug

$598

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LULU AND GEORGIA

Dors Grasscloth Wallpaper

$498

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