via homedsgn.com
Rugs are essential for adding a stylish personal touch to home decor, creating a cozy space, or changing the look and feel of a room with almost limitless combinations of colors and textures. Rugs and kilims also protect your floors from scratches and stains, so they’re a great investment to consider when you want to prolong the lifespan of your floors. A rug can be used to define a space and create a gathering area in the living room or dining room. Or they can be placed in hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and other high traffic areas for practical reasons such as floor protection as well as for aesthetics. In the bedroom or a quiet area, where you can kick off your shoes and relax ( such as a lounge or study), a plush rug is a must-have luxurious and comfy design element.
Rugs and kilims provide design flexibility. You can style a room with just one textile item such as an area rug or a runner or you can try layering rugs. There are no hard rules on how to style a room with rugs. It depends heavily on your personal taste, the look you’re going for, and the ambience you’re trying to create. However you choose to style with a rug, you can rely on the wisdom that if it works for you, then it works!
1 | Moroccan Berber
From posh colorful pieces to neutral geometrics and abstract tribal patterns, Moroccan Berber rugs are widely popular in home decor. The modern mid-century revival has brought back the tradition, aesthetics, and weaving techniques of Berber and Moroccan rugs and kilims to the forefront of the textile industry. The trendiest home decor features gorgeous Berber Trellis patterns, vintage Berber carpets and rugs, colorful kilims, and plush Moroccan shag rugs (also called Moroccan wedding rugs).
Moroccan Berber rugs are handwoven by different tribes which inhabit the Rif and Atlas mountains. It takes about six months to weave one rug. From thick shag and pile rugs to flatweave kilims and lightweight carpets, Berber tribal weaving techniques are intricate and distinct. From neutral colors to vibrant colors made from natural dye, Moroccan rugs are versatile, trendy, and classic.
Beni Ourain rugs are especially warm and perfect for the fall or winter season, although they can be used for spring and summer home decor. Moroccan Beni Ourain rugs are minimalistic, neutral in color (cream and beige tones), and have traditional Berber patterns, geometric designs, and traditional elements (usually black or brown lines or, sometimes, blue lines that create diamond or trellis patterns). Authentic Beni Ourain rugs are handmade from sheared organic sheep wool and either incorporate colors from natural dyes, such as vegetable and plant dyes or have no dyes at all. The handspun sheep wool that the Beni Ourain people use to make their rugs are extraordinarily thick. The mountain sheep yield beautiful thick wool in the high elevations of the Rif and Atlas mountains. Responsibly sourced and eco-friendly materials are part of the sustainable practices of Berber people.
Because Berber rugs are meant to be passed down from one generation to the next, they are extremely durable, made with high quality techniques and materials. They are also considered to be classic and trendy decor elements and are, therefore, sought after by top interior designers and decorators. Beni Ourain rugs can easily complement any decor since they are neutral colors. While vintage Berber rugs can cost up to five or six figures, Berber kilims and rugs are available at all price points.
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2 | Turkish & Persian Rugs (Oriental Rugs)
Turkish rugs and Persian rugs fall under the category of Oriental rugs. Not to be confused with rugs from the Far East, which have different motifs and colors, Turkish and Persian rugs share similarities in designs and colors. Turkish rugs and Persian rugs are highly sought after because of their fine material composition and high knot counts. Furthermore, Turkish rugs and Persian rugs can take anywhere from one month to 7 years to weave. Oriental rugs are perceived to be timeless and classic. As such, they are versatile and can complement almost any interior decor. Because Turkish and Persian rugs are traditional and not just trendy, they will never go out of style.
The contrast created by a traditional rug or any antique piece incorporated in modern decor or contemporary space can be strikingly beautiful. By integrating a unique handwoven rug that is rich in history in your bedroom or living room or even kitchens and bathrooms, you can recreate a worldly and timeless look for your home.
When shopping around for a Turkish or Persian rug, a good rule of thumb is to look for a piece with at least 100 knots per square inch if it has geometric patterns or 300 knots or higher if it is has a floral design. Generally, Turkish rugs and Persian rugs both have beautiful geometric motifs and florals. However, authentic Persian rugs are known to be of higher quality than Turkish rugs. Floral designs and intricate details are more notable in Persian rugs because of the single loop technique that the weavers in Iran have mastered.
Traditional Oriental rugs increase in value and appeal over time because of the history, craftsmanship, and rarity of these beautiful pieces. You can never go wrong with a traditional rug such as a Turkish or Persian style rug.
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3 | Mid Century Modern
Retro colors, abstract geometric shapes, clean lines, and sculptural pieces characterize a Mid Century Modern decor. From a burnt orange decorative pillow to a rich brown wood table to a 70s inspired chartreuse sofa, you can update the midcentury look with neutral colors such as grey, white, cream or beige and choose retro colors as accent colors.
To update a Mid Century Modern interior decor, mix different colors and textures to create visual interest. Throw a statement rug such as a geometric piece or tribal weave in the kitchen or bathroom to pull off an effortless interior design trend.
Rugs and carpets look great with chairs and tables. Choose furniture pieces with open legs to complement a Mid Century Modern decor. Contrast retro and vintage or even antique pieces with contemporary style furniture. Having an open floor plan is even better for a beautiful Mid Century Modern interior design.
via inoutdesignblog.com and decoholic.org
4 | Neutral & Geometric
If you’re not in love with the Mid Century Modern look but want a trendy and classy decor, incorporate geometric shapes and neutral colors in your home. Black and white contrasts look great with clean lines and geometric shapes. You can do a lot with stripes and tribal patterns and even layer some pieces as long as it doesn’t look too busy.
Geometric designs can instantly liven up a home decor and make any space feel more energetic. Explore different patterns and shapes such as stripes, zigzags, herringbone, chevron, diamond, trellis, honeycomb, triangles, rectangles, circles, Aztec, and Greek patterns.
Don’t be afraid of bold colors. You can contrast colors such as a rich red or orange with a neutral colored wall or floor. You can also go big with patterns and shapes. Think oversized brightly colored triangles, large diamonds, and blocks of colors. Any of these can be the focal point in the living room, kitchen, or dining room. If you have a large hallway, make a statement with with a bold geometric pattern or color. Be fearless and make up your own rules when decorating with strong colors and patterns.
via tlcinteriors.com.au and blog.effortless-style.com
5 | Eco Hide & Faux Fur
Get the luxe look of eco hide and faux fur for a fraction of the price. While real hide and fur can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to up to $55,000, you can get the same look in a more sustainable way for a few hundred dollars.
Because faux fur and faux hide are made from synthetic materials, they are available in many different colors and sizes to suit your home decor. They are also a lot softer and easier to maintain than real fur. Budget friendly faux fur rugs and faux hides can add interesting textures and a glamorous feel to your home decor.
via idealista.fi and idealista.fi
6 | Shag Rugs
Shag rugs now have an updated look with modern motifs and colors. Geometric patterns, greys, and greiges are a few trending looks for shag rugs. These new style plush rugs look great in any style whether eclectic, contemporary, or traditional home decor.
Shag rugs are comfortable and will keep you warm during cold winter months. In the summertime, shag rugs can keep you cool. Outfit a traditional or bohemian inspired interior decor with a glamourous white, cream, or light colored shag rug or add some warmth with a dark colored shag rug to soften an eclectic home decor.
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7 | Argentine Pampa & South American Rugs
While Pampa rugs are not yet popular in the US, they are defining the home decor trend in Australia, flourishing in the Mid Century Modern trend, and also popular in any interior decor that incorporates a Southwestern theme with tribal and geometric patterns.
Pampa rugs are made in Argentina. However, there are many other beautiful carpets and rugs that are handmade in South America. The word “pampa” refers to the large plains and lowlands of South America. The rugs are handmade from 100% wool and takes about six weeks to weave.
Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and elements (whether vintage, modern, or mid century). The beautiful pinks in this sophisticated and fresh suburban loft in Willoughby (North Shore of Sydney, Australia) pulls all of the pieces together into a one-of-a-kind space designed by Brett Micken Interior Design.
via tutsby.me and goodstuff.hu
8 | Antique Rugs & Kilims
Vintage and antique rugs are unique and classic decor elements. Their one-of-a-kind appeal makes them great as statement pieces as well as treasured heirlooms. Antique and vintage rugs are made with high quality craftsmanship, so they can be quite durable as long as they are in good condition.
Antique rugs and kilims are rich in historical and cultural context. Add a worldly vibe to your home decor with an authentic vintage rug or a piece that has a distressed look. Because antique and vintage rugs are already worn, they are easy to maintain. You don’t have to worry too much about keeping them looking fresh.
No matter which style or interior decor you have in your home, a rug can do so many things. From brightening or softening up a room to creating warmth in your home or protecting the floors, rugs are versatile statement pieces. So, go forth and explore the wonderful variety of rugs out there.
