As Layered celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we sit down with founder and CEO Malin Glemme to reflect on a decade of design, creativity, and innovation. From an unexpected beginning—creating a rug for her own home—to building an internationally recognized brand, Malin shares her journey, the inspirations behind her work, and what’s next for Layered.

Ulrika Lindqvist: Hi Malin, congratulations on celebrating 10 years with Layered!

Malin Glemme: Thank you so much! It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved.

UL: Could you share how long you've been working in the interior design industry and what initially inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

MG: I’ve been working in the design industry for over a decade now. My journey began with a deep passion for creating beautiful spaces that evoke emotion and feel personal. In 2014, I was decorating my new 200-square-meter home on a limited budget. Having a background in product development, I decided to design my own rug. I found an amazing supplier in India who helped bring my idea to life, and the rug ended up being featured in Sköna Hem. Readers started reaching out, asking where they could purchase it, and that’s when I realized there was real interest in this kind of design. That moment inspired me to launch LAYERED with a vision of offering rugs that combine innovative and sustainable design.

UL: What motivated you to establish Layered a decade ago?

MG: The experience of creating that first rug and seeing people’s excitement about it made me realize there was a gap in the market. At the time, rugs were often treated as neutral backdrops rather than statement pieces. I wanted to change that by introducing designs that felt bold, stylish, and high-quality while being crafted sustainably. Layered was born out of a desire to elevate rugs to something that could truly anchor a room and tell a story.

UL: Over the past 10 years, have there been any standout projects or events that hold a special place in your journey?

MG: There are so many memorable moments! Collaborating with inspiring designers and launching collections that push creative boundaries has been incredibly rewarding. One standout memory is when we launched internationally—it was a pivotal moment that showed how far we’d come. Every production trip has also been memorable and inspiring. Meeting our suppliers, many of whom run family-owned businesses, and seeing their craftsmanship up close is always fascinating and invaluable. But honestly, some of the most meaningful moments come from customers who share how our products have transformed their homes. That connection to real people and their stories is what makes it all worthwhile.

UL: We’d love to hear more about your jubilee collection—what inspired its creation, and what makes it unique?

MG: The Ten Years Unfolded collection is a celebration of our journey. We revisited our archives and reimagined three of the very first designs we ever launched. These were pieces that helped define our signature style in Layered’s early days. While the patterns still felt relevant, we updated the color combinations to give them a fresh, contemporary look that fits today’s aesthetic. The collection is special because it represents where we started and how far we’ve come, blending heritage with innovation.

UL: What is your most cherished piece of interior design in your own home, and why?

MG: That’s such a difficult question, but I’d have to say my old wooden table from the 1800s. It has a very simple design with a beautiful patina and has been with me through every home over the past 20 years. I’ve even promised my children that it will always be a part of our homes—it’s become a symbol of comfort and continuity for us all. 

UL: Can you take us through a typical workday in your life?

MG: No two days are ever the same! I usually start my mornings with some quiet time to gather my thoughts—either a quick walk or a cup of coffee at home. A large part of my day revolves around my role as CEO, ensuring that Layered is not just creatively inspiring but also a healthy, thriving company. This means everything from reviewing budgets and planning long-term strategies to connecting with my team and fostering a strong company culture. I also make time for creative meetings, working on new designs, and planning collaborations. And, of course, balancing work with family life is incredibly important to me.

UL: You’ve also launched another company, PICK A POPPY. How do you manage the demands of running two businesses simultaneously?

MG: It’s definitely a challenge, but I’m passionate about both brands and their unique stories. I’ve learned to focus on what I do best and surround myself with amazing teams who share the same vision. Time management is key, as is trusting the people I work with. PICK A POPPY allows me to explore a more playful side of design, which complements my work with Layered beautifully.

UL: Looking to the future, what’s next for you? Are there any specific projects, goals, or aspirations you’re especially excited about?

MG: I’m excited to continue pushing creative boundaries with both Layered and PICK A POPPY. For Layered, we’re focusing heavily on expanding in the U.S., where we’re seeing significant growth. In 2024, we’ll also be participating in several major global design weeks and fairs, including New York Design Festival, 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, and Paris Design Week. These events are incredible opportunities to connect with international audiences and showcase our vision on a larger stage. Alongside that, we’re exploring ways to make our products even more sustainable and timeless, with exciting design collaborations in the works. Personally, I’d love to dive deeper into storytelling through design—whether it’s through new collections, partnerships, or finding fresh ways to inspire people in their homes.