Inside Alice McMullin's Vision for Lasting Design

Featured: Awa Taupe New Zealand Washable Wool Rug

At the helm of a growing empire, design visionary Alice McMullin steers her brands with a philosophy rooted in intentionality and purpose. As the founder of McMullin, a premium furniture and homewares brand synonymous with exceptional design, and Alfred, a gender-neutral children’s clothing line, Alice is redefining the standards for the pieces we welcome into our homes. Her approach prioritises functionality in every aspect, offering modern home solutions that honour both the planet and its people through beautifully crafted pieces designed to endure. Viewing ‘home’ as a sacred space, she champions intentional living — encouraging mindful choices that curate environments filled with quality items, ready to nurture life’s best moments for years to come.

“Homewares should have a purpose — they should be used and loved. It’s one thing to have a house that looks like a showroom, but you want pieces that are functional and still look great. In fact, they often look even better with use.”

Featured: Awa Taupe New Zealand Washable Wool Rug

Forging Lasting Legacies

Alice's journey reflects her steadfast commitment to natural materials and sustainable practices. Over the years, McMullin has evolved from a niche brand into a leading tastemaker in the world of intentional design. Recently, the company embarked on a comprehensive rebranding initiative, aligning its identity with its core values. This transformation has paved the way for an exciting partnership with Australian rug brand Double, a brand equally dedicated to sustainability and thoughtful design. Together, they have introduced a collection that raises the bar for design standards with Double’s inaugural natural range of rugs, crafted from fully sustainable materials. Each piece not only embodies luxury and quality but also offers the practicality of being machine washable — hallmarks of both McMullin and Double's mission to provide accessible, premium products that enhance the liveability of any home.

“What began as a modest venture selling Icelandic sheepskins quickly grew into a household name. Today, McMullin continues to evolve, recently rebranding to better reflect our company’s evolution and commitment to a lifestyle that values intentional living.”

Featured: Awa Taupe New Zealand Washable Wool Rug

A Minimalist Approach

Intentional minimalism defines the character of Alice’s home. Her aesthetic showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of distinctive antiques, beautifully juxtaposed against a serene neutral palette that fosters a sense of peace in the place. This cherished space is designed to grow and adapt with her family, adorned with beautiful yet functional pieces like the Awa rug from the McMullin x Double collection. With its abstract taupe shapes on a light canvas, this minimalist piece seamlessly integrates into the timeless design framework Alice has established. Named after the Māori word for "river," Awa symbolises the gentle flow of freshwater from its source, reflecting a deep connection to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, from which Alice was raised. Serving as a tribute to nature, the rug invites the outdoors in and embodies the concept of circularity within the living space — a love letter to the natural world.

“Our home is minimal, neutral, and filled with lots of uncommon one-off antiques and portraiture. I’m a big believer in minimal design with a focus on small, thoughtful details. I also invest in quality pieces that age well over time.”

Featured: Awa Taupe New Zealand Washable Wool Rug

Embracing Life’s Beautiful Messes

Alice’s collaboration with Double rugs was born from her own search for a well-crafted, washable rug that could meet the demands of family life. Inspired by Double's mission to combine stunning designs with modern washability, a partnership with McMullin naturally emerged. As the vision for the Awa rug took shape, it became clear that the design needed to embody enduring qualities. Crafted from pure New Zealand wool and organic cotton, this piece seamlessly combines sustainability and luxury in a beautiful, conveniently washable package — ready to embrace the joyful (and often messy) moments that define a growing home. As a busy mom, Alice understands the challenges of raising an active family while maintaining a beautiful space. She believes that furniture should be both aesthetically pleasing and built to last. Thus, the Awa rug was born.

“It came about searching for my own home and wanting to find a well-designed neutral wool rug (not specific at all), that I was able to wash. As I found with children, I was spending a fortune on rugs that couldn’t last longer than three months. After not finding anything suitable, I discovered Double, and the partnership came from there.”