Your home is a reflection of your personality and preferences. Each space is a balancing act between many different elements that fulfill the function and unique form. These pieces can call attention to complementary features glimmered in your personal vision. A crucial piece to this design puzzle is the careful selection of floor coverings. Here are some ideas on how to tactfully utilize floor coverings in five key areas within the home.
FORMAL ROOMS
- For formal rooms like the dining and living areas, many clients seek a sense of elegance and formality. A hand-woven Oushak or Persian rug can create the perfect backdrop for these spaces. Careful attention should be dedicated to selecting the right pattern, color scheme, and sizes. Pieces like these are often one-of-a-kind and should be handled with care as a long-term investment for your home. Some tips to keep in mind during your search for the perfect floor covering are:
- Shop with a reputable dealer – Interior Resources and Blackstone Carpets are two great resources to consider
- Make sure you do not buy based on the trend of the moment
- Know the proper material content to ensure your rug will last
- The most desirable option is wool
INFORMAL ROOMS
- For informal rooms, a broadloom woven carpet is a great option. These selections are available in specific sizes that range in widths from 12’-15’. Because of the breadth of these floor coverings, it is important to make sure the size of the room is large enough to accommodate the scale. The balancing act here can be paired in a few different combinations. You can use a neutral color if you want a more soothing palette so that the carpet does not compete with the furniture. You can also choose a saturated color with an interesting pattern to create an energetic, and dynamic look. When it comes to the weave, a loop is a great option for a crisp, clean look while a cut pile is ideal if you want something super soft. I often recommend using a wool option that can have hints of nylon or poly-silk, but I always advise against Viscose.
STAIRCASES
- Don’t forget about your staircase! Staircases are a great place to add a design element that enhances the look of a space as well as its function. For a formal staircase, incorporating a pattern adds a feeling of luxury and can soften the structure of those steps. A geometric pattern is versatile but should also be envisioned as it would overlay on the stairs. For example, if you have a curved stairway you will need to consider how the pattern will be altered on each step. For high traffic areas such as a family’s back stairs using a tight material, the weave can ensure durability to withstand the wear and tear of daily life.
OUTDOORS
- There are some creative options for performance outdoor rugs that can be used inside. Gone are the days when a performance rug looked like plastic or felt too thin. These rugs are best used in breakfast areas to warm up spaces but can be easily cleaned.
HALLWAYS
- Lastly, adding texture with a rug has never been more fun! Using an animal hide can activate a sense of interest and is very easy to clean. I like to incorporate custom hide runners to spice up a hallway or add an asymmetrical element to an open space, such as a vestibule or entry.