Styling with rugs.

Rug  making dates back to the 13th century. People then began making rugs for a very simple reason; to keep their feet warm. Back then, rugs were all hand made and were made from the available materials then which was mostly wool. Wool would be harvested from sheep and would be used for different purposes such as making clothes, covers and rugs. Wool was very expensive and  therefore with time, people sought alternative materials .With invention of industries, synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and  polypropylene began to be manufactured and hence used in rug making. These were obviously cheaper than wool. In the modern day, wool is only used to make luxury rugs.

Rugs come in different types; Woven, Needle felt, Knotted and Tufted. Others include flat weave, hooked  rug, and embroidery. These types are differentiated by how they are produced. Different countries such as Turkey, Persia, Scandinavia e.t.c have gained recognition for their rugs due to the techniques used to make them and their character.  

One can use rugs to style different parts of the home.

1.Entry hall

Entry halls are not the easiest to style. Reason being, most are narrow and are just passages from the entry to the lounge. Entry halls however are one of the most  important because they are the face of the home. As the decor is minimal, one can get away with selecting a rug with large patterns or a pop of colour. One can match the colours with prints on the ottoman, wall art or light fitting. One can also select a totally different style and colour to create a contrast.  These areas also get dirty quickly and therefore a synthetic material would be the best to use for this rug for ease in cleaning.

2.Dining

Dining areas are some of places where many people do not think of having a rugs. Mainly because the dining table is the center of focus and most of the time people concentrate on the table decor or wall art. Rugs however in this area soften the space. Depending on the number of finishes in the room i.e wood on the table, fabric on chairs and wall paper or textured paints, one can decide to have a rug that blends harmoniously with these elements. The choice of pattern size is important in order not to make the space feel too busy.

3. Kitchen

People began using rugs in the kitchen for function purposes. Kitchens are wet areas and  when water spills, tiles become quite slippery. Rugs help reduce hazards by providing a grip.  Rugs with felts underneath work well in this room. Oriental, geometric, or Persian patterns bring character as most cabinets are plain . Rugs also help create appeal  in large open plan kitchens with no island.

4.Home Office

Home offices are designed to be cosy and comfortable. People want to escape the hard, plain , boring and rigid office environment into a warm homely space. Wall to wall carpets are most ideal in this space however, rugs are as well used to create this comfort. Rugs are flexible in that one can  move them around as they like. They are also easy to clean in comparison to wall to wall carpets as they are light and washable.

5.Patio

Covered patios provide that extra space where one can create a lounge or dining area. Having this space covered  makes it possible to use the space adequately all year round. With design nowadays, one can install sliding panels that one can draw during the cold weather. Due to the adequate ventilation, wood or charcoal fireplaces can also be installed. This place therefore needs to be as comfortable as possible. Outdoor rugs can be used as they are easy to clean and do not stain when in contact with soil.  

Inspiration pour le Journee

Maia Roffey of Black Sheep Interior Design shares expert tips on finding the perfect rug. Hint: it’s not just about the style! Get Maia’s advice on purchasing the right rug for your budget — one that suits your space and meets your functional needs. Plus, get her ideas on rug placement and how to select the best size for your living room, dining room and bedroom.