Written by: Adriana Jacir • September 12, 2019• Ask the Expert Interior Design

RUGS: Choosing the Magical One

Do you know how in a group of friends there’s always the one who is the mediator and brings balance and cohesiveness to the group? That’s what area rugs are to any room of your house. They have magic powers. They extend their fibers and attract all the other elements in the room to bring them closer together in a friendly embrace. Area rugs or even hall runners can add color and interest to an otherwise bland room, help divide larger spaces into cozier areas (especially in an open plan living space), give comfort to your tired feet and ultimately offer a sense of homeliness that just speaks warmth.

There are many aspects to take into account when finding the right area rug(s) and properly placing it into your space along your existing or new décor and furniture. Deciding which one is right for you involves several key considerations. Below are five points to take into account when shopping for your magic rug.

Materials. There are many rug materials to consider: wool (hand-knotted, hand-tufted, hand-loomed, machine loomed), natural fibers (sisal, jute, sea grass, bamboo), Silk, Cotton, Hair-on-Hide and Synthetic.
Style. The possibilities are endless. From the all-time traditional Persian rugs or classic European styles that feature medallions, flower and vine motifs. Dhurries & Kilims a type of flat-woven rugs that have no pile (no squishiness to it for those that are new to the term), Ikat rugs that use a weaving process that gives the rug a tie-dye effect. Moroccan rugs have a myriad of designs and colors depending on the region that they are from. There are also modern and contemporary alternatives with bold florals and bold geometrics, as well as natural-fiber rugs like jute and sisal.
Patterns. Rugs come in many different colors and patterns. They are like artwork, but for the floor. If you have a neutral palette going on with your furniture and walls it would be a great idea to add pizzazz with a bold, fun and colorful rug. On the contrary, if you have patterned upholstery a solid rug can have a grounding, calming effect. Balance is key!
Sizes. The room’s shape, as well as your furniture, dictates your rug size, its shape as well as its orientation within the room’s layout. The most common mistake is buying a rug that is too small for the space. To avoid this pitfall, arrange your furniture to your liking, measure the area where you want the rug to lay and use painters’ tape to mark the edges of where your rug would go. Measure and then look for a rug that is close to those dimensions. Tip: Laying down a large, room-sized rug that will cover the majority of the surface of the floor will give the room more of an open feeling, this option works well in rooms with high ceilings.
Position. The general rule of thumb is to allow approximately 18 inches of exposed floor space around the perimeter of an area rug; however, the overall size and location of the room should also be taken into consideration. Keep in mind that a rug that’s too small in the space can make the furniture in the room look uncoordinated. When it comes to rugs; bigger can be better. In a living room, go for a rug that is large enough so either all the furniture sits on it or at least the front legs of all major furniture rest on top of it. Tip: Avoid smaller rugs as it will make the room look cluttered and smaller. A larger rug will make the room appear more streamlined and spacious.

Rugs are commonly overlooked as a must in a room but floors also deserve to have artwork adorn them! Hope these tips have helped you purchase the perfect rug for your space! Share you new rugs with us @2112design and use: #arerugswith2112DS

Adriana Jacir is founder and owner of 2112 Design Studio. With a master’s degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University in NYC, she offers more than 15 years of experience in the architecture and interior design business. A proud resident of the Palmetto Bay-Pinecrest area. PH: 786.732.0123 – www.2112designstudio.com – Instagram: @2112designs- Email: [email protected]

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