124: My Rug is My Canvas

 

Day 124 of 365 Days of a Happy Home!

A rug may be considered an accessory, but it can be the foundation of a gorgeous space. When designing a room, the first conversation I often have clients is about rugs. I think of a rug as a canvas that you layer and build the rest of the room around, and which one you choose can depend on context. For instance, flat-weave rugs often work well in relaxed settings such as mountain or beach houses. Using a high-pile rug immediately adds a luxurious touch. It is also important to keep lifestyle in mind. Children and pets? Color and fabric choice become important decorating decisions. The right rug introduces elements of color, pattern, and scale, but it also makes you feel good in the room.  What’s underfoot is essential!

A rug can be the "soul of a room", where the color scheme, furniture, furniture placements and accessories all connect back to it.

Be daring and break out of your decorating comfort zone. A bold color or dynamic pattern can bring something unexpected to a space.

Even in neutrals, rugs can add comfort, warmth, and a relaxed elegance to a room.

Neutral walls and furnishings allow a bold rug to take center stage. It is a nice way to add color to a room when you don't want to commit to strong color on the furnishings or window treatments.

A rug can be used as an instrument to bring unity to the color scheme.

This rug is bold without being overwhelming. It is a great example of how a rug can anchor the entire composition of a room and create a cohesive, comfortable feel with a little edginess!

Dining areas and tables provide the perfect space for a unique area rug.

Entryways are a great (and often underused) place for a real statement rug.

A runner is ideal for stairs, in halls and on landings, as well as in front of fireplaces and sofas or by the side of the bed.