Caroline Cockerham and Laura Tripp, the founders of CICIL, share a deeply rooted connection to North Carolina. Both are native North Carolinians and have childhood memories entwined with the cotton fields and textile industries that define the region. Their bond extends to their academic pursuits, as both graduated from the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. With their solid foundation, they embarked on careers that spanned textile mills, globally-renowned apparel brands, and dynamic fashion start-ups, with stints at notable names such as Patagonia, Casper, Kate Spade, Best Made, among others. This diverse experience has informed and evolved their understanding of sustainable product creation. CICIL, their brainchild, embodies these sustainability ideals and stands as a testament to their commitment to responsible innovation.
Elegant, contemporary, and enduring, the Circle Rug seamlessly complements diverse settings, from offices to dining rooms and bedrooms to playrooms. With its understated softness, it lets your space shine naturally.
Andrew Joseph: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
Caroline Cockerham: My hope for future design trends is that they will be synonymous with sustainable design – that good design does not exist without sustainability.
AJ: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
CC: If I had a superpower, it would be to click my heels together and appear in a different place. I’ve lived in a lot of different places following textile jobs and would love to see all of my old friends more often. Plus, I fall asleep driving long distances, so I would love to avoid that as much as possible!
Alluring and unexpected, the Curvy Rug adds a distinctive flair to any room.
AJ: What was your first job?
CC: Aside from neighborhood babysitting gigs, my first real job was a picture framer at my family friend’s shop. It’s actually still one of my favorite jobs because it’s very hands-on and I was exposed to a ton of great (and not so great) art. Every so often, I go back to help out or frame some of my own art.
AJ: Do you get your eight hours a night? – what is your schedule like?
CC: As a kid, family called me Sleepoline and I’ve also spent a good portion of my career studying and developing textiles for optimal sleep, so yes, I almost always get 8 hours a night. I’m a big believer in the evening ‘wind down’…dim the lights, take a bath (sometimes), read or watch a show, and get into a calm, relaxed state to prepare for sleep. I never work at night.
More than just floor adornments, the Sunset Wall Hanging serves as a captivating centerpiece above your bed or in a nursery. Consider it for acoustically lively spaces; it beautifully mellows the ambiance.
AJ: What about your design style has shifted post-quarantine?
CC: I’ve always loved making my home my zen space. After spending so much time at home during quarantine, my style shifted some to include more funky, artful, and weird pieces around the home…adding more joyful items and color to the space.
AJ: Which room in the house do you find yourself working from the most? Why? How does this inform your thoughts about architecture?
CC: I’m lucky to have my own in-home office with big windows full of southern facing light, so I work from there. My space is filled with rug samples, inspo images, and textile swatches, which I reference often and are vital to my daily work. I keep music on in the background, incense burning, my pup dog laying at my feet, and take breaks to walk around barefoot in my backyard or do some laundry. The flexibility helps me think and inspires creativity. If I ever go back to an office, it will be a difficult transition!
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