For the Love of a Rug

It's no secret that I am all about art in a space.  I like to sneak it in wherever I can, especially if it's in a less obvious way.  In designing any space, whether it be for a commercial or residential client, or my own ever-evolving home, a little dab of an artistc element here and there will certainly do 'ya :) 

Much like my obsession with painted flooring (several posts back), this month's art element obsession is with rugs.  I'm sure this is due in part to freezing temps we have been having here in Colorado, since a rug can really warm up a space.  They not only make a room cozy, but they really complete the design in an area that looks wonderful, but is just missing something.  In just about every instance, a design plan is not complete until there is a rug in the room.  With that being said, consider making this necessary object a statement piece, either subtly or boldly.

Because rugs are such art pieces in and of themselves, why not treat them as such?  You wouldn't put a beautiful Pacaso painting on the floor and walk all over, right?  I know, not quite the same thing....  However, consider taking a well loved rug and put it on the wall!  I love that it brings a whole new textural element to wall art.  A unique and unexpected impact in the room, that looks as much at home on the wall as it does on the floor.

Can't decide if you like a certain rug on the wall or floor better?  Problem solved with this option.....

 Okay, so a bit much in  my book, but the construction of this piece is amazing!

If you are decorating from scratch in a room with a completely clean slate, you have the opportunity start with the rug, and then build the decor around it.  As a designer, I don't think this is going about a room the wrong way at all.  If there is a rug you have found that you absolutely adore and are totally inspired by it, using it as the first piece to the room design puzzle, is the best way to do it justice.  Starting a design plan with the rug first, is a great way to begin with a bold color, such as orange, yellow, or red and then add in pops of color with accessories around the room. Consider using neutrals on the walls in whites, beiges, grays, or coffee tans to make the dominant color shine throughout your space. The wonderful point about starting with the floor is it gives you a chance to build a room piece by piece, rather than getting overwhelmed with the rug, furniture, walls, and window treatments all at once!

Persian rug is always going to be in style and adds a classic and comfortable feel to a space  instantly.  Just like with wine and cheese, these rugs get better with age, although that an opinion based statement.  I also feel that not only do they get better with age, they do with wear as well.  A well loved and worn Persian rug has an appeal to it like your favorite torn and tattered t-shirt or old baby blanket. Having one in a room fills it with a sense of comfort and familiarity. 

A fresh take on the classic Persian has been created by rug designer Jan Kath, with his "Erased Classic" collection.  I'm a HUUUGE fan!  Kath incorporated motifs from Italian wall coverings and Indian saris when creating the pattern for these beauties.  The ornamental elements of the carpet are broken up so much so that  in some places, the patterns, which in their original form were repeated perfectly, seem to have been obliterated, soaked with acid and corroded.  Who would have thought that such a thing of beauty could come from the look of acid corrosion!?!  It's official, decay is now decadent!

I may be biased...but I think that Kath's  "Erased Classic" collection coordinates incredibly with La Dolce Villa furniture pieces, in that they share the same destroyed ornamental elegance.

These types of rugs take the typical carpeting characteristics of "plushness", "pile", etc. to all new amazing extremes!  Starting with the standard fibers that make up a rug like silk or  wool, tactile textiles may be made in wool also, but of the felt variety.  Felt rugs in flooring is far more sophisticated than the acrylic version of this fiber that is commonly used in crafts.  Felt rugs are typically made from an industrial felt that is not only offered in various thicknesses (which you wouldn't think was possible for felt), but is extremely durable.  The strength of it makes it a perfect fit as a flooring option, pair with that the color options, and best yet.. the precision way it can be cut to create immaculate designs, and you have a contemporary work of art right under foot.  This style is also a great option for using in a way of wall art.  Felt is for sure fabulous!

 

  When tactile textiles goes visual you get a 3D rug! The visual appeal of these are so incredible that they speak for themselves and beg for one to reach out and touch it!

Where there are injenuitive ideas in soft surfaces, there are sleek options too.  Some spaces are better served with a look that is less plush and more luxe.  Enter leather into the sphere of sophisticated flooring options...

 Kyle Bunting has been working with cow hides to create interesting rugs, wall coverings, furniture and art, with his team out of Spicewood, Texas.  They are recognized foremost for their collection of luxury hidecarpets and wall coverings, but also supply hides for architectural and upholstery applications. These floor coverings are a perfect pairing of rustic organic meets modern materialism.

When it comes to floors, the sky is the limit.  Think outside the box and use the floor space as art space.  You will be surprised how much in enhances the overall feel of the room and brings the style up to heights you never thought possible!