Warm up with the right rug.
/As we head into winter you may have found that it’s a little chilly underfoot, I certainly have. This month’s blog is all about how rugs can add warmth and texture to a room and a well-proportioned rug can tie a room together and help zone spaces.
I’ve just spent the last few weeks with one of my clients doing furniture and rug selections for their new home. Some of the questions raised were to do with knowing what size rug to put in each location and what material and colour would be best suited to each space. I am going to give you a few tips about what I take into consideration when selecting a rug.
RUG SELECTION TIPS
1. THE PERFECT SIZE
Size is the first thing you should consider. As a rule of thumb all furniture pieces in the space you want to zone should sit on the rug. Ideally, fully, but if that is not possible then at least the front legs of chairs and couches.
To get the size right I make sure that I draw up the room sizes to scale and include all the furniture pieces so that we ensure that all furnishings fit and you know what size rug you are looking for before you begin to look around.
Make sure that when you are looking at sizing that you also take into consideration door openings. As you can see in the image below, I had to ensure that the rug would not impede any door openings in the lounge room. This reduced the size of the rug so I had to make sure that the smaller size still allowed the front of the furniture to comfortably sit on the rug.
Living rooms
Larger rugs make open plan spaces feel more intimate and zone the area.
Try to have some of the rug visible on either side of the rug, at least 20-30cm whilst making sure you have the flooring still exposed.
In smaller rooms ensure that the front of the furniture pieces sit on the rug.
Here are some guideline layouts.
Dining rooms
Rugs under dining room tables have a lot of pros and cons. Here are my thoughts. In a busy, casual, family dining area I probably wouldn’t use one especially if I had young children as you will be forever cleaning it. But in a formal dining room, rugs under the table can add a sense of sophistication, cosiness and elegance.
Using a rug the same shape as the table adds intimacy and elegance.
Make sure the rug extends 50-60cm past the edge of the table to allow you to pull the chair out and remain on the rug.
Again here are some examples of dining room rug layouts.
Bedrooms
The use of a rug underneath a bed helps to soften a bedroom and anchor the bed within the room.
If you have the space use a large rug and rest the bed sides on the rug and have approximately 70cm around the bed showing.
If using a smaller rug, position the rug to give your toes a soft and warm place to land when hopping out of bed.
Round rugs can be used to create interest.
Bedroom layout examples.
2. SHAPE
I touch on this a little above but repeating the shape of the furniture that will sit on it is a great way to create harmony and make the furniture pieces feel anchored.
3. TEXTURE
Texture is very important. There are so many textures in rugs to choose from these days that it can make the decision very hard. But here are some practical things to keep in mind about texture.
If you have a young family or pets that are prone to spills and dragging lots of dirt inside, beautiful textured rugs that you just want to sink your toes into are probably not the best as the dirt and spills will also sink into them. Keep that for a low traffic area or an adult only area unless you don’t mind regular rug cleans.
Flat weaves or low piles are easy to clean and vacuum and are more durable.
3. COLOUR
Colour can tie a scheme together. The use of colour in a rug is truly subjective. You may be one that like to use neutrals or a person that likes to add a pop of colour. You can use a rug as artwork on your floor and pull out colours from your rug in your cushion choices. Be careful not to be to matchy, matchy.
5. PATTERN
Again some people steer clear of pattern but pattern can add interest to a room, particularly if the furniture pieces are all very neutral in colour. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your rugs.
So, who would have thought there would have been so many factors to consider when choosing a rug. If you are feeling that chill on your toes make sure you consider these important points before you race off to your local rug shop.
3 THINGS I’VE LOVED RECENTLY!
As I mentioned I have been out rug shopping this last week and here are three of my top finds. I feel like I’m on count down and we are now at the top 3 hits.
…coming in at Number 3
The Bijou from The Rug Collection is one of my top finds. If is soft under foot. Adds texture to a room. It is flat enough for a family rumpus and can be cleaned easily as it is 100% pure wool. Finally there are so may colours in it that it works with a lot of schemes. Love it!!
…Number 2
From Unitex International comes Reflections 105 Natural. This unique rug has a vintage feel. It is a mix of Bamboo silk and acrylic to give the softest under foot experience. Its natural hues provide a lovely ambience to your room. It provides a very sophisticated look, perfect for the bedroom!! Note Unitex is a wholesale company only. But you can find a distributor or purchase through your friendly interior designer!
https://b2b.unitexint.com/RFN_dash_105_dash_NAT/REFLECTIONS-105-NATURAL/pd.php
…and coming in at Number 1!!!!
The beautiful Diva from The Rug Collection. It is a Handloom knotted rug from NZ. It comes in 6 of the most beautiful colours but my favourites are the Lilly pad green and the Odyssey Blue.
Why do I like this rug?
I love the unevenness of the colour that gives it a sense of texture. The colours are rich and warming. It is very durable and versatile.
PROJECT UPDATE
I’m just finishing off a new build in Pymble and want to share a few snaps of where we are at. I absolutely love the Hinkley lights in the kitchen.
The mud room is coming together. Who doesn’t like somewhere to dump the school bags and jackets.
The formal dining room will look stunning with a beautiful mirror centered in the wainscoting with a sideboard under it.
Now you see it, now you don’t. The perfect way to hide a store room under the stairs. Disguise it with wainscoting in the same colour and design as the rest of the wall.
I do hope today’s blog inspires you to add a little charm to you home. Untill next time, bye for now.
Take care
Jules xx