Lany Space x Maayan Alper-Swan: Bold Symbols, Everyday Art
Kerry Wang | February 28, 2026
There's something special about a rug that doesn't just ''match'' a room, but changes how the whole space feels. That's exactly why we're excited to introduce Maayan Alper-Swan, a New York City–based artist, illustrator, and textile designer known for expressive color and a whimsical eye that turns everyday details into something more imaginative. In her collaboration with Lany Space, Maayan brings that world of symbolism, travel inspiration, and bold visual storytelling to the floor. Ready to step inside her creative process? Let's jump into our interview with Maayan Alper-Swan.
Designer: Maayan Alper-Swan
An interview with Maayan Alper-Swan
Q: We'd love for you to start by introducing yourself:
A: My name is Maayan Alper-Swan, and I am an artist, illustrator, and textile designer based in New York City. Working primarily in ink and watercolor, my practice is defined by an expressive use of color and a distinctive visual sensibility that seeks to infuse the ordinary with the fanciful. Outside the studio, I'm often traveling and exploring off the beaten path.
Q: How would you describe your design style?
A: My design style is a blend of my many interests and inspirations. It's very influenced by my favorite art movements - Art Nouveau and the Vienna Secession - with a touch of surrealism, dream imagery, symbolism and echoes of the 1970s. I am an avid traveler and my work is often informed by my far-flung adventures and the folk art and folk traditions I seek out around the world.
Q: How have your personal experiences or personality influenced your design ideas?
A: I grew up in a multicultural home shaped by influences from East and West, which formed my aesthetic consciousness from an early age. Naturally curious - and encouraged in that curiosity by my architect father - I've always been drawn to the beautiful, the unique, and the unexpected. I am a synesthete so color is central to the way I think and everything I do. All of these personal experiences are reflected in my art practice - maximalist, colorful and layered with narrative, informed by travel and a lifelong pursuit of visual abundance.
Q: How do you incorporate your personal style into home design projects?
A: I am a maximalist and I love a sense of layering in home design, incorporating patterns, color, textiles and interesting textures. I live with a lot of art-whether my own, art by artist friends or treasures found throughout my travels. To me a home is an ever-shifting reflection of the people who live in it. I think having a few core pieces that anchor your space while always introducing new and unique elements to complement them is a good way to stay inspired in your home.
Q: What drew you to collaborate with our rug brand?
A: Collaborating with a rug brand is something I've wanted to explore for a while now, and Lany Space felt like a natural fit for creating rugs that function as true works of art. I'm a big believer in bringing art and color into the everyday and rugs are a fun and unique way to do that. This collaboration felt like an opportunity to turn something functional into a statement piece that can transform a space.
Q: What was your first impression of Lany Space rugs and our style?
A: My first impression of Lany Space was that it's a brand that truly treats rugs as design objects rather than background pieces. The designs are so expressive and full of personality, reflecting how thoughtfully the brand collaborates with artists to bring unique ideas to life.
Q: Could you share the story or concept behind the collection you designed for us?
A: Both the prints in the collection reflect my love of folk symbolism, especially motifs derived from nature. The Tula design is inspired by my travels in Mexico and particularly by Mexican embroidery and bark paintings. The Infinity Snake recalls the curved lines of Art Nouveau and celebrates the snake - a recurring motif in my work - which is revered in many cultures as a symbol of creation, renewal and good fortune.
Q: Among the pieces in these collections, which design is your favorite, and why?
A: It's honestly hard to choose but if I had to pick, I'd lean toward Tula. It has a distinctive mix of colors and motifs that gives it a sense of freshness. There's a lot of detail to spend time with but also enough negative space for the motifs to breathe. The design came together very organically and I think that ease is reflected in the final result. It's such a versatile design that can work well with a variety of decor styles.
Q: If you could sum up this collection in three words, what would they be?
A: Colorful. Meaningful. Unexpected.
Maayan Alper-Swan's Designs for Lany Space
Red Abstract Loop Snake Rug by Maayan Alper
Meet the Red Abstract Loop Snake Rug, a bold pop of rich red with mirrored snake curves that instantly grabs the eye. Spot the looping lines and the clean symmetry, it feels playful, graphic, and a little hypnotic. It comes in 5'×7' and 2'×5', so you can use it as an area rug or a statement runner. Try it in a living room, bedroom, or creative studio when you want the floor to do the talking. It looks amazing with modern, eclectic, or maximalist spaces, especially with neutral sofas, warm wood furniture, and a few art pieces to echo the energy.
Colorful Graphic Pattern Round Rug by Maayan Alper
Say hello to the Colorful Graphic Pattern Round Rug, a burst of bright icons that feels like a mini art gallery on your floor. Can you spot the flower and leaf inspired shapes mixed with bold geometric symbols? The round layout naturally pulls everything together, so it's perfect when a room needs a strong focal point. Sized at 6'×6', it looks great under a coffee table, in a reading corner, or anywhere you want more energy. Style it with modern, playful eclectic, or creative minimal spaces, then keep the furniture simple so the colors can shine.
Colorful Graphic Pattern Rug by Maayan Alper
Loved the round version? This Colorful Graphic Pattern Rug is from the same series, just in a classic rectangle so it can cover more of the room. It's packed with bright, nature inspired symbols, flowers, leaves, and playful icons that keep your eyes moving. Available in 5'×7' and 7'×10', it's an easy upgrade for living rooms, bedrooms, or a creative studio that needs more personality. Pair it with modern or eclectic decor, then echo one or two colors in your pillows or wall art to make the whole space feel pulled together.
Final Touch
From looping snake curves to bold, nature inspired symbols, Maayan Alper-Swan's collection is all about turning everyday floors into something you actually want to look at. Which piece feels most like you, the dramatic red statement or the colorful graphic burst? However you style it, these rugs are made to bring more color, more character, and more fun into your space. Ready to choose your favorite and make it the start of your next room refresh?