The Rug Report – Styleast

I love rugs! They are an absolute game changer in an interior and can totally transform a space. I love how they can define a room or area or add that bit of pattern and colour that takes a room from bland to wow!

There are some factors one should consider when choosing the right rug for your space…

There is a school of thought that dictates that the feet of your furniture should be ON the rug, and if you have a rug in your bedroom, the rug should be under your bed so that you step directly onto something soft from your bed. As a designer I do agree in this thinking as sometimes a rug can look a bit insignificant if used incorrectly or leave a room ‘floating’, BUT I do also think that rugs are such a good layering tool and introduce so much more to a space than the practicalities that if you love it, use it! Layering is totally on point, so if you have a favorite rug that is just a tad too small, put it on top of a larger contrasting one and you are good to go! Here are some images that will hopefully aid you in deciding the right size rug for your space….

All the furniture 'legs' are on! — All the furniture ‘feet’ are on!

See how the chairs are all properly on the rug... — In a dining room it is best for your chairs to still be on the rug when pulled out from the table….

Step out of bed onto a rug. A rug at the foot of the bed also looks good

Another consideration when choosing a rug is pattern. I just love a patterned rug and have seen the benefits time and time again! If your room is already quite busy with pattern then obviously tone it down a bit, but if you are needing something to ‘finish’ your space off, then a bit of pattern on the floor will do just that and more! Same can be said about texture and colour.

There is so much on the market in South Africa these days when it comes to rugs. Some rugs so beautiful they are like works of art for your floor. If you have the budget, then take a look at Paco Rugs. These are ultra luxurious rugs and their Rug Revolution range is really inspired with contemporary abstract art designs. I have to say a Paco Rug is on my personal “Interior Wishlist” for sure!

Kilims, Dhurries and natural woven rugs are extremely on trend at the moment. I think there is an appreciation towards anything authentic and hand crafted these days, and so the weaving and looming process that goes into making these rugs as well as the materials used and how they feel underfoot, make them very desirable. I follow Coral and Hive on Instagram and have to say I love their rugs and am waiting for the perfect interior to use one in!

Other rugs popular at the moment is the vintage distressed look. This type of design is really versatile as they look equally good in both classical interiors (bringing it a bit up to date) and a super contemporary space (offering some contrast.) Hertex Fabrics has a fab range of rugs in lots of different designs, sizes and colours and they are well priced too. (You can get yours from Styleast!)

Tradition remixed with the vintage distressed look

I recently did a project that I needed a few rugs for. The one rug we got was from Spanish designer Lorena Canals range. These rugs are awesome for kids rooms and nurseries and are totally machine washable which is a big plus for all mommies out there. Superbalist as well as Clever Little Monkey are suppliers of these rugs. Superbalist have a great range of well priced rugs and they are constantly updating their range so take a look ….

Great washable rugs for kids rooms and nurseries in all shapes, patterns and colours

A well priced fun patterned rug from Superbalist - love the tassel fringe! — A well priced fun patterned rug from Superbalist – love the tassel fringe!

A great rug is timeless, an heirloom which can be passed down the generations. So the best advice I can give you is to invest in something you love, and don’t be shy in size or pattern!