I am still deep in the weeds, designing my new house, and worrying about walls and setbacks. I needed, and wanted, to focus on the interiors.
I recently picked out a beautiful oak floor from my friends at Coast Flooring in Carpinteria. They create stunning European oak flooring, and it’s well worth a trip to their showroom to see all of their beautiful offerings.
Logically, the next item to consider is rugs.
I love rugs. They create definition in a room and add a richness that only a well-proportioned rug can bring.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Rug
What room is the rug going into?
This matters immensely when deciding on the material and style.
Consider foot traffic
What kind of foot traffic will be traversing that rug?
Will it be a room that is seldom used and calls for a beautiful silk carpet to highlight the beauty of that space? Or is it a family room where a high-performance rug might be the correct choice for cleanliness and longevity?
How does the rug feel underfoot?
Is softness very important to you?
If so, you might consider a higher pile rug. Merino wool rugs are soft and luxurious, while mohair rugs offer even more luxury underfoot.
Think about pile height
Are there considerations to be made about the height of the pile?
Can debris from the outside, such as sand, get into the rug and make it difficult to clean? If that’s the case, then a flat weave with a very tight construction would be the best answer.
Consider the room’s design scheme
What is the overall scheme of the room, and how can the rug add to it?
If you are creating a nautical room, you might choose a beautiful sea-blue flat weave with a cream plaid pattern. For a mountain retreat, a Navajo print or a rug in deep, rich colors would feel most appropriate.
Do you have animals or children?
It is very important to think about durability and ensuring that everything is non-toxic.
One of my favorite brands is Perennials. They offer unique color patterns and softness while creating luxury in a non-toxic product. They are completely durable, and all their dyes are safe for families and animals.
Pattern or solid?
Do you prefer a solid rug, or is pattern more important to you?
There are so many choices, and you really can create art on your floor. The more pattern, the more forgiving the rug. If you think about many grand European homes, they often used large patterned rugs—perfect for entertaining, pets, and heavy foot traffic.
Stair runners
Stair runners are a wonderful way to bring pattern into a space that may not have much opportunity otherwise.
I love a striped runner or an overall pattern that is forgiving and helps keep your footing secure on the stairs.
I’m still not entirely sure what my rugs will look like, but it’s never too early to start thinking about them. Custom rugs can take time, and decisions like materials, sizes, and colors are worth careful consideration.
In our design studio, we create one-of-a-kind rugs in collaboration with a factory in Nepal. This allows our clients to design a truly unique piece that adds dimension and finishes off a luxurious room.
If you have any questions about materials, sizes, or colors, feel free to contact our studio.
Until next time, live beautifully.
Xx Elizabeth
