As with everything else (too bad for me), if I can't have the right one, I don't want it at all... Naturally, this goes for rugs too. So I don't have any. Though in the case of rugs, there are some affordable options that I should certainly entertain, I just haven't been able to find the time to really get out there and commit (I just sit here and write!)
I do think that rugs are a vital part of your decor arsenal. They're very useful in demarcating particular areas, they add colour and texture to your palette, they are strong style statements, and will work to underscore whatever look you're going for, if you choose wisely.
To help you choose wisely, I've rounded up my fave picks in rugs today. There are certainly more curious creations out there -- rugs tend to also be the focus of much whimsy and play -- but I'm steering clear of the funny rug trap (there are zillions of 'ironic', 'postmodern', 'down right insane' rugs flooding the blogosphere.)
Kilims
Emma and Myles' house, photo via TheMarionHouseBook.com; Gan Rugs via ArrenWillimans.com
North Americans discovered them en masse in the swinging '60s, (smoking god knows what in Marrakesh) but this flat-weave -- pileless -- hand-knotted weave is a traditional, centuries old technique, hailing from Western Asia, the Balkans and Iran. Wikipedia aside, they're pretty darn stylish, and have been regarded as such for decades. Their staying power comes from having a distinct look of the genuine article -- they're unpretentious, yet inherently textured, interesting and exotic. Perfect to spice up a neutral palette, they work best with casually eclectic, modern and Mid Century modern interiors.
Aubusson
Weaver's Art; FrenchWeave.com.au
WAY too rich for my blood, but a tenacious dream of mine that will not go away. Aubusson is a commune in the Creuse valley, in central France, where independent artisans have been weaving a special, snobbish, heavenly wool rug for the feet of roayls since the 17th century. While most today are made in China, some are still manufactured in the same pedantic way of the French masters, but...keep dreaming. A friend's uncle has a French one (yes, a rich uncle) and I never cared for their traditional look until I laid eyes on one and set foot on it in person. HEAVEN. Exquisite finery, timeless elegance, enduring tradition. I especially LOVE it on the wall (above right.)
The New Hide
Kyle Bunting
Never been a big fan of hide rugs, though I can certainly see the appeal. However, my design antennae certainly perked up when I saw these interesting creations by designer Kyle Bunting. These are cool, no? Basically, they're geometric hide tapestries, made in traditional patterns of other floor and wall coverings, such as natural stone, mosaic tile, vintage fabrics and ceramics. I'd reserve them for pretty upscale interiors (think Xanadu) but they are wholly intriguing. AND, thinking outside the box is always good.
I WANT
Mjolk
That's how I posted this Pinocchio rug on my personal facebook page a few months ago -- "I WANT" -- when I discovered this great Scandinavian design store in Toronto, called Mjölk (Swedish for milk.) I don't know what else to say about it. It rocks my world. It's made of wooly felt bobbles and it's round. They say it's for kids, but I say it's for me.
Laser-Cut Cool
Bev Hisey; IQMatics.com
Laser-cutting is proliferating decor from pillows to room dividers to window coverings (very cool in metal, actually) and of course, rugs. I do enjoy the very contemporary look of it, even if the rug incarnations sometimes look like floor decals (only for a split second.) Bev Hisey (above left), a Toronto felt artist and designer is a favourite go-to for interior designers such as Samantha Pynn, who used some of Bev's pillows in an episode of Pure Design. Fun and youthful, I find these innovative rugs work best in informal spaces (family rooms, foyers, entertainment rooms.)
Got any picks of your own? Which is your fave?
Related: