Designer Secrets: The Power of Area Rugs
There’s something about these “in between” months that makes us crave grounding. Few accessories or accents possess the power to anchor a room as much an area rug.
Step up this September and evaluate whether your area rugs are defining spaces, adding texture and influencing the flow as you hoped they would. You see, the right rug truly “makes” a space. It can transform the entire energy of a room. It can redefine how we use a space. It can shift the mood, affect behavior and silently lend cues as to where to sit, where to walk and even define a room’s purpose.
Texture Influences the Atmosphere
A handwoven wool rug underfoot instantly changes how a room feels, offering warmth and softness that summer’s sisal or cotton couldn’t provide. A silk rug adds sheen and elegance. A textured wool rugs feels durable, even daring. A bold pattern offers a daring design statement. Soft hues add an air of serenity. What do YOUR rugs communicate?
Size Does Matter
A rug also introduces scale and proportion in a space. Layering a smaller, textural rug on top of a neutral base can add depth without requiring a total refresh. And of course, when selecting we adhere to the go big or go home mantra. Resist the urge to invest in a “barely big enough” rug. The elegance and ease of a large rug, proportional to the room, is an instant upgrade for a space.
Refresh with a Remix
Sometimes, simply swapping existing rugs from one room to another is enough to breathe fresh life into both rooms. Is the rug in the guest room the same size as the dining room? Could the living room rug be reimagined in the primary suite? Get creative. Maybe an area rug or two can be relocated as you introduce a new piece into the living room for a whole home refresh using only rugs.
Design tip:
Rugs are highly functional, but realize they are also capable of influencing emotions, mood and movement. Rugs ground us, literally and visually, as we shift into a new season. When seeking out area rugs, pay special attention not only to their visual appearance, try to “feel” the mood of the rug. Decide if the vibe of a rug is the energy you wish to bring to the room. Select with a greater vision— and always trust your instincts. When a rug “speaks to you” it may very well be the one.
